Lee Jung-jae, the acclaimed star of Netflix's global phenomenon Squid Game, made waves at the 2025 Golden Globes, continuing to ride the wave of success from the critically acclaimed series. The annual award ceremony showcased not only the talent but also the cultural impact of various artists, including Jung-jae, following the thrilling release of Squid Game Season 2.
During the ceremony, Lee Jung-jae caught up with Billboard’s Tetris Kelly, discussing his evolution as both actor and character. The conversation highlighted the heavy burden his character Gi-hun carried in Season 2, where he had to confront the trauma of his past and grapple with darker themes. "Portraying Gi-hun in season one was a little more fun and enjoyable because he's got positive energy," Lee shared, adding, "But in season two, it actually made my heart quite heavy.” The intensity of his preparation spoke volumes about his dedication to the role, making the character resonate with audiences.
Lee's portrayal had evolved deeply. Considering the post-show mentality, he recognized the need for Gi-hun’s conscience to shine through difficult circumstances. “Don't you think society today needs someone like Gi-hun and his 'conscience'? Someone who doesn't run away but takes action,” he pondered. This sentiment echoed his belief about the necessity of steadfast characters built on resilience, even when facing adversity. Despite the mixed reviews of Squid Game Season 2, Lee remained optimistic, stating, "I believe many doubts will naturally be resolved when Season Three is released." His genuine spirit was uplifting for fans as they anticipate the conclusions of his character's arc.
Squid Game Season 2 debuted on December 26, 2023, and quickly became Netflix’s most-watched show for the week, amassing millions of views. According to Netflix, the second season was watched by 68 million households within its first three days, solidifying its status once again as the talk of the streaming world. Viewership soared as audiences dove back once more to witness the harrowing yet captivating tale, with Season 2 occurring three years after Gi-hun emerged as the victor. This time, the stakes were higher as he seeks to expose the sinister individuals behind the deadly game.
Lee's collaboration with the show's creator Hwang Dong-hyuk also hinted at exciting plots for the future. They discussed upcoming narrative shifts, hinting at Season 3 being not only chaotic but also filled with unexpected twists. “It’s going to be chaotic,” Lee stated, “[The viewers] are not going to know where we’re taking you.” Hwang emphasized this would be their best season yet, noting they were “almost done” with post-production, fueling anticipation for what lies ahead.
The success of Squid Game has undeniably marked Lee Jung-jae's career, eleving him from local star to international sensation. With 32 years of experience, he expressed gratitude for this transformative period, stating humorously, “Please watch Season 2. I sincerely ask this of you!” His charm and enthusiasm reflect not just his investment in the character but also his connection with the audience.
At the Golden Globes, the recognition of Squid Game was evident, with the series nominated among the notable competition for prestigious awards, showcasing the growing trend of international content gaining foothold in Western award shows. Major critically lauded films and series, like The Bear and Shogun, also battled for accolades, diversifying the evening's narrative beyond mainstream Hollywood.
Viewers had become accustomed to Lee’s transformation, and his statements about the inner conflict during filming for the role of Gi-hun show how far he has come since his days of lighter performances. “It was not easy for me to do; I pondered on how I can portray this complex character,” he said, emphasizing the layers to Gi-hun’s personality.
The call for empathetic and conscious storytelling is palpable, and Lee Jung-jae’s reflections at the Golden Globes echoed the need for connectedness amid chaos. The conversations surrounding the third season and Lee's performance paint the picture of what appears to be not just entertainment but poignant commentary through the lens of fiction.
To underline the cultural phenomenon Squid Game has become, Lee’s comments and the attention surrounding the series at events such as the Golden Globes illustrated its impact on global media. Lee's performance and the overarching themes of morality are timely reminders about the importance of conscience and action against adversity.
With Squid Game's third season on the horizon, anticipation builds as viewers look forward to Lee's continuing evolution as Gi-hun. The character's complexity mirrored Lee's artistry, marking him as not only one of South Korea's notable actors but also a global icon of resilience and depth. The Golden Globes served as both celebration and preview of the narrative scope this unique series continues to hold.