Lee Jung-jae on ‘Squid Game’ Season 3: ‘Not expecting Emmy win at all’
Actor Lee Jung-jae speaks during a press conference for the third season of Netflix’s global hit “Squid Game” at Dragon City Hotel in Yongsan District, Seoul, on June 9. Yonhap
As Netflix’s global hit “Squid Game” comes to a close with its third season, lead actor Lee Jung-jae looked back on the five-year journey that defined a cultural phenomenon and elevated Korean content on the global stage.
In a recent interview, Lee shared his thoughts on the series finale and the evolution of his character, Seong Gi-hun. Season 3 follows Gi-hun as he reenters the deadly game, haunted by the loss of his closest friend and weighed down by guilt from failing to save more contestants.
“There’s been the most buzz around ‘Gi-hun’s ending,’” Lee said. “We considered many possible conclusions, and we knew this one would divide audiences.”
Lee praised director Hwang Dong-hyuk for sticking to a vision that prioritized artistic closure over commercial expansion. “With the level of success we had, going into a Season 5 or beyond was definitely possible. But the director was committed to wrapping up the story with integrity. That made a big impression on me,” he said.
Lee added that Hwang’s dedication to the series’ core message about financial temptation showed his authenticity as a creator. “Anyone would be tempted to keep going. But he stayed focused on the message and the ending. That’s when I thought, ‘He’s a real writer,’” he said.
Portraying Gi-hun across multiple seasons came with emotional weight. “In season 1, the emphasis was on showing a range of emotions,” Lee said. “In Seasons 2 and 3, the emotions themselves became vehicles for the message.”
In the final season, Gi-hun shifts from being a passive participant to a more observant, calculating figure. Lee said this transformation was the product of deep collaboration with Hwang. “We spent a lot of time talking about how to portray that turning point. The change had to be subtle but clear.”
On set, the actor described a strong sense of teamwork rather than tension. “The atmosphere was collaborative. We bounced ideas around and improvised a lot. Honestly, it was such a good experience that I’m sad it’s ending.”
Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun in "Squid Game" Season 3 / Courtesy of Netflix
Even Lee was surprised by how the story wrapped. “I never imagined this kind of ending. Director Hwang’s devotion to the work really shows. It’s not just a business venture to him. It’s love.”
Asked what “Squid Game” means to him, Lee said, “It’s an inseparable part of my life. The show opened doors for Korean content globally. I hope that door stays open through continued experimentation and effort.”
Lee also shared his thoughts on rising production costs in the streaming era. “Budget concerns have always been around. In the past, broadcasters even capped fees. Those limits are gone now, but the industry still needs to find a balance. We have to keep thinking about sustainable solutions so the creative economy doesn't shrink.”
Despite being at the center of a worldwide phenomenon, Lee remains grounded. “I can’t take on projects hoping only for success. I’ve been in hits and flops. All I can do is give my best to the work in front of me.”
As for the possibility of another Emmy win following his 2022 honor for “Squid Game,” Lee was unfazed. “I didn’t expect the first one, and I’m not expecting anything now,” he said with a laugh.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.