Lee Jung-jae Expresses Pressure Ahead of 'Squid Game' Season 2 Release

Actor Lee Jung-jae shared his feelings of pressure regarding the upcoming release of Netflix's 'Squid Game' Season 2 during a production presentation held on December 9 at the DDP Art Hall 1 in Dongdaemun, Seoul. He remarked, "Today, the burden has definitely hit me hard."

Since its debut in September 2021, 'Squid Game' has achieved unprecedented global success, and the highly anticipated second season is set to premiere on December 26. The new season will follow Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae), who returns to the deadly games seeking revenge, and his intense confrontation with the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun).

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, who made history as the first Asian to win an Emmy for directing at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards, returns to helm, write, and produce the series. The cast includes returning stars Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-jun, and Gong Yoo, alongside new additions such as Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-wook, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Lee Seo-hwan, and Jo Yu-ri, creating a robust ensemble that heightens expectations.

Lee Jung-jae, who reprises his role as the winner of the first season, noted, "Gi-hun's perspective has completely changed. He has become a different person with a clear goal. He is determined to stop the games and is on a mission to find the Front Man. I find myself in unbelievable situations as I portray this character," he laughed.

After the immense love the series received worldwide, Lee acknowledged the psychological pressure of creating a second season. He stated, "With Season 2, I believe both the audience and I expect something new and richer in storytelling. While filming, I thought it was essential to express the unique and appealing elements from Season 1 in Season 2. I feel a strong desire to do something even better and more innovative."

He added, "I aimed to capture the positive emotions from Season 1. I believe global viewers will once again experience the enjoyable elements that made Season 1 so captivating. The fun game elements that fans loved in Season 1 will also be present in Season 2," while also admitting, "Meeting with reporters today has intensified the pressure to succeed."

'Squid Game' Season 2 will be available on Netflix starting December 26.