Im Siwan has the internet talking — and cursing — after his unforgettable performance in Squid Game Season 3.
The singer-turned-actor is making headlines for playing the controversial character Myung Gi, who stirred up strong emotions with his actions in the deadly Netflix series. And instead of avoiding the hate, Im Siwan is welcoming it with open arms.
During an interview on July 2 at a café in Samcheong-ro, Seoul, Im Siwan shared his thoughts on the explosive response to his role.
“Being hated for a character is kind of a blessing,” he said with a smile.
“I’m happily getting cursed at. People say I’m worse than Thanos or Nam Gyu. I’m hearing every kind of insult right now.”
Im Siwan plays Myung Gi, a man who’s thrown off balance after reuniting with his pregnant ex-girlfriend Jun Hee inside the deadly Squid Game arena. As the games go on, his character spirals deeper into fear and selfishness — and fans aren’t holding back their reactions.
But Siwan revealed he didn’t see himself as the villain at first.
“While filming, I didn’t think I was the biggest villain. I thought Thanos and his group were worse.
But after watching it, I guess I might be the most annoying one.”
Even though the script clearly portrayed Myung Gi as a shady character, the director encouraged Im Siwan to show a more complex side.
“The director told me Myung Gi wasn’t just evil — he had a kind side too. That confused me.
I tried to play him as someone who could be good, but it didn’t match what we were filming.”
He admitted that confusion stayed with him the entire shoot — and maybe that’s what made Myung Gi feel so real.
“Even I thought Myung Gi should’ve died early. He should’ve sacrificed himself for Jun Hee.”
Im Siwan said he didn’t act Myung Gi as a classic villain, but as a man who was cowardly and small-minded.
“He thinks he’s smart, but he’s really just a loser. That’s why he does those terrible things.
Like threatening people with the baby — it wasn’t evil, it was desperation. He needed to believe his actions made sense so he could live with them.”
In Squid Game 3, Im Siwan ends up in the final round, facing off against Sung Gi Hun (played by Lee Jung Jae). The last scene, he says, was the hardest to film.
“That final moment was intense. I didn’t even want to read the script at first.
Even though I threatened the baby, I don’t think Myung Gi actually meant it.
It was more like a bluff — a desperate move, not a real intention.”
He praised Lee Jung Jae for his help during filming.
“Jung Jae sunbaenim gave me so much emotional support. Even when the camera angles made eye contact hard, he made the effort to connect with me during those difficult scenes.
I already admired him, but now I respect him even more. We still talk often.”
Now that the series is out, Im Siwan said he’s being cursed at in multiple languages online.
“It feels different than when Season 2 dropped. I think people are following me just to insult me.
I understand the Korean and English ones, but for other languages, I don’t even bother translating.
Not knowing is more peaceful,” he laughed.
Still, he doesn’t want to be stuck in villain roles forever.
“Squid Game made me realize I want to show softer sides too.
If anyone wants to see that, I’d recommend my drama Run On.
That character is upright and might help balance out the villain image.”
Despite his global rise from Squid Game, Im Siwan says he joined simply because he loved the original series.
“Honestly, I didn’t expect to gain anything big. I was just excited to be part of something I admired.
But then I saw my role and thought… ‘Oops. Maybe not like this.’”
He also said he doesn’t think the role will change his life or career dramatically.
“It might make introductions easier, but that’s about it.
Now that Myung Gi is known overseas, I’m thinking more about what new types of roles I can take on.”
As for going to Hollywood?
“These days, there are so many paths to go global.
Just having the chance feels like a blessing.
I’m not chasing Hollywood, but I’m open to wherever life takes me.
I just want to do my best.”
Even with millions cursing at him online, Im Siwan has become one of Squid Game 3’s biggest scene stealers — proving that sometimes, being hated means you nailed the role.
Source (1)
