Squid Game 2 is causing a huge buzz, and it’s not just because of the intense game action – it's Gong Yoo’s unforgettable role as "Ddakji Man"!

Director Hwang Dong Hyuk has shared his praise for Gong Yoo’s powerful performance, even claiming that his presence on screen is so strong that it surpasses Lee Jung Jae's in some scenes!

On January 2, Director Hwang Dong Hyuk sat down for an interview about Squid Game 2 at a café in Seoul, and he couldn't stop talking about Gong Yoo’s role.

He explained that the character of "Ddakji Man" was so well-received by fans in Season 1, despite his brief appearance, that Hwang knew they had to dive deeper into his backstory in Season 2.

“I didn’t want to explain everything in detail about who he is and why he became the way he did, but I wanted to leave some clues for the viewers", Hwang shared. He revealed that from the start of the planning for Season 2, he had one goal: to make the first episode focus on Ddakji Man.

Hwang, who had worked with Gong Yoo before on The Crucible, explained that he was beyond impressed with the actor’s return to Squid Game as Ddakji Man.

“His energy on set was just incredible. We wanted his death scene to be really cool, and Gong Yoo gave it everything. I couldn’t believe how well he brought the character to life,” Hwang said.

The director also shared that Gong Yoo told him it was his first time playing a villain. But it wasn’t just any villain – it was a mysterious one, and Gong Yoo was determined to make the role unforgettable.

Hwang was so amazed by Gong Yoo’s performance that he said there were times when the actor’s presence almost overshadowed Lee Jung Jae, who plays the lead role of Gihun.

“There were hardly any NGs (No Good takes) with Gong Yoo. He nailed it in one or two takes, delivering performances with expressions and energy I didn’t expect. It was truly a defining moment in his career,” Hwang confessed. The director added that all the staff could feel the same way – they all knew they were witnessing something special.

Since Squid Game 2 was released on December 26, 2023, it has been breaking records. The show topped the global OTT ranking site FlixPatrol in 93 countries, becoming the first Netflix original series to achieve such a feat.

With Gong Yoo’s incredible performance and the continuation of the high-stakes drama, Squid Game 2 is proving to be just as unforgettable as the first season!

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Lee Jun Ho has officially ended his long-time journey with JYP Entertainment after 17 years.

On March 20, JYP Entertainment made an official announcement stating, "The exclusive contract between JYP Entertainment and artist Lee Jun Ho will conclude on April 15."

JYP further expressed, "Since debuting as a member of 2PM in 2008, Lee Jun Ho has shown incredible dedication to both his music and acting careers. Thanks to a strong relationship built on trust, we have renewed our contract multiple times over the years. We sincerely thank him for being a part of JYP’s growth and journey."

Lee Jun Ho also shared his thoughts through the agency, saying, "I sincerely appreciate the unwavering support I’ve received over the past 17 years. I will cherish the relationships and encouragement that have been built over this long time as I move forward."

JYP Entertainment also confirmed that while his exclusive contract is ending, they will still support his activities in Japan and assist with any future collaborations if needed.

This news has left fans wondering about Junho’s next steps. With his immense success as an actor, especially after the hit drama King the Land, many are speculating that he may join a new agency focusing on his acting career.

Meanwhile, Junho’s fans have been flooding social media with messages of support, thanking him for his time with JYP and expressing excitement for his future endeavors.

As one of the most successful idol-turned-actors, all eyes are on what Lee Jun Ho will do next!

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