InterviewLee Jung-jae praises 'Squid Game' creator for ending series with integrity

Actor Lee Jung-jae / Courtesy of Netflix

"Above all, an overwhelming sense comes from undergoing a truly immense experience," Lee Jung-jae said of "Squid Game," the series that catapulted him to global fame.

Lee never imagined "Squid Game" would change his life or the world’s perception of Korean drama. Now, as the global hit reaches its dramatic conclusion in Season 3, the Emmy-winning actor reflects on the series’ emotional weight, his character’s final sacrifice and why he admires the director’s decision to end it on his own terms.

"For that, I am profoundly grateful and it's undeniable that the outpouring of attention and affection was substantial," he said during an interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul Thursday.

In the latest and final season, Lee takes on the role of a man who has lost his friends due to the failure of the rebellion he spearheaded within the deadly game. Consumed by guilt and anger, he becomes despondent — until choosing to sacrifice himself for a baby born during the games.

Expressing a tinge of wistfulness at the definitive conclusion, he noted that writer-director Hwang Dong-hyuk's intention behind the finale was unmistakable.

"Because the series was such a huge success, usually it would keep going with people wondering, 'When will it end?' turning into a big franchise project that drags on for several more years," he said.

"Rather than enjoying that kind of success, I was amazed by Hwang's courage to make this choice for the sake of the work's completeness. It made me think that this person is more focused on and has more affection for the quality of the work than material gain or extending it for business purposes."

Lee said that after watching the ending, he could tell that Hwang is first and foremost a writer, someone who values the integrity of the story over anything else.

"He must have some regrets himself, but he made the decision to bring it to a close and that made me want to give him my full support even more," the actor said.

Actor Lee Jung-jae, center, is seen in Netflix series "Squid Game" Season 3. Courtesy of Netflix

Season 3 has faced polarized reactions from many viewers. This is partly due to extremely high expectations, but also due to the unexpected fates of the main characters. While some have reacted positively, calling it a "satisfying finale," others have expressed negative responses, characterizing it as "an unpleasant experience" and claiming "the series has lost its edge."

"Mixed reactions are inevitable for any project. Especially with 'Squid Game,' it wasn't just a project that pursued simple entertainment. Each episode had a clear message it aimed to convey. I believe it's natural for strong messages to be followed by diverse interpretations and debates," he said.

For Lee, the most memorable scenes in the series explored the backstory of Gi-hun and his final decision.

"We put a lot of effort into depicting the process by which seemingly ordinary people end up playing games in such an absurd and unrealistic game world. We portrayed the reasons that compelled them to enter that world on their own. I would highlight Gi-hun's circumstances that left him with no choice but to go to the game arena, as well as the ending," he said.

Now 52, Lee said "Squid Game" is the most defining work of his career and life. The role turned him into one of the most globally recognized Korean actors.

"Everywhere I go, people recognize me to a surprising degree. It makes me think, 'Wow, 'Squid Game' is really something,'" he said.

"What I especially hope for with this 'Squid Game' is that Korean content will become better known overseas. I hope that this door, which suddenly opened, doesn't narrow or close but continues to expand so that Korean stories can reach even more audiences around the world."