As the world counts down to the release of the third and final season of Squid Game, South Korean actor Lee Jung Jae is reflecting on the journey that made him a global icon. Known for his portrayal of Seong Gi-hun, also called Player 456, Lee shared that he has not yet said goodbye to the character who changed the course of his life and career. With Season 3 set to release on Netflix on June 27, the Emmy-winning actor spoke about the emotional connection he still feels with the role.
“We have not released Season 3 yet, and we still do not know how the audiences are going to respond,” Lee told PTI. “I have not said goodbye to Gi-hun yet, although we have wrapped production.”
Lee Jung Jae won a Primetime Emmy Award for his performance in the first season, becoming the first Asian actor to win in the Lead Actor category for a drama. The show’s runaway success transformed him into a household name and helped reshape international perceptions of Korean storytelling.
Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, Squid Game tells the story of 456 financially desperate individuals who enter a high-stakes competition of children’s games with a deadly twist. The winner takes home 45.6 billion Korean Won, which is roughly 38 million US dollars, while losers pay with their lives.
In Season 1, Gi-hun wins the brutal games but chooses not to use the prize money for personal gain. Instead, he remains haunted by the violence he witnessed and decides to uncover the truth behind the organization running the games. Season 2 follows his return to the competition, setting the stage for the ultimate confrontation in Season 3.
Speaking about the emotional connection with his character, Lee said, “As an actor and as part of those that have created the show, I feel like seeing how the audience responds to it is also part of the journey. So when we get to do that, then I think I will be ready to say goodbye.”
He also opened up about the life lessons the series has reinforced for him. “Some of them being the importance of understanding other people and genuinely helping others when they are in need. Squid Game is definitely a show that has given me the opportunity to reflect and look back on these important messages,” he said.
Lee admitted that he feels personally connected to Gi-hun, stating, “I am quite similar to the character I played.” This reflection highlights the depth of the performance and the emotional investment that has gone into portraying the role across three seasons.
The cultural impact of Squid Game has been significant. Beyond awards and streaming records, it has sparked global discussions on inequality, human desperation, and moral dilemmas. For millions of viewers, the series is more than a thriller; it is a mirror held up to society’s harsh realities.
The upcoming season will feature returning cast members Lee Byung-hun and Wi Ha-joon, along with new additions Im Si-wan, Park Sung-hoon, and Kang Ha-neul. Expectations are high for a dramatic and emotionally charged conclusion.
Conclusion:
With Squid Game Season 3 releasing on June 27, Lee Jung Jae and fans worldwide are preparing to close a powerful chapter. Whether Gi-hun succeeds in dismantling the sinister game network remains to be seen. But for Lee, the role has already achieved something much deeper. It gave him a chance to explore human complexity and connect with audiences across the world. As the curtain draws near, the legacy of Player 456 is already cemented in the history of global television.
