Lee Jung-jae, star of the global hit drama series “Squid Game,” is now arguably the most famous Korean in the world. Still, he remains pleasantly surprised when people recognize him on the streets of foreign countries.
Speaking to reporters in Seoul on Thursday, Lee explained the unprecedented success of the Netflix original series has made him rethink his approach to starring, directing or producing — roles he has actively pursued in recent years.
“I would like to take part in or produce content that can be easily enjoyed in many different cultures,” Lee said. “We now know that we can reach global audiences without being in Hollywood, if we made good content. We are witnessing what we had only dreamed of.”
Over the course of the series, Lee masterfully charts Gi-hun’s transformation. He begins as an energetic but childish and deeply flawed individual, only to become a man with a fearless resolve to dismantle the very games that changed him.
Lee lost 10 kilograms by the end of filming to capture Gi-hun’s profound despair. He wanted to physically embody the character’s hopelessness after failing to persuade the other contestants, who were blinded by the prize money, to leave the games.
“Because the series is so beloved globally, I felt I had to do my best to portray my character convincingly,” he said. “Besides, if I were in Gi-hun’s situation, I probably would have lost my appetite anyway.”
While filming the series, he found himself thinking about one thing a lot: death.
“We all die, so it made me ask, ‘how do you choose to die?’ It doesn’t matter how successful or wealthy you are. We all end up in the same place. So aren’t we ultimately living in order to die well?”
He continued: “So, what is a good death? It is, for me, to be able to die with a clear conscience and a peaceful mind. Isn’t that it?”
Out of respect for writer-director Hwang Dong-hyuk, the actor said little on the series’ ending and his character’s fate.
“While Hwang is the director, I feel he is a writer at heart. My goal on set was always to accommodate what he wanted to deliver, not what I wanted to portray,” he said.
He did offer one insight, however. “I can confirm that the ending was contemplated a great deal, with various versions being discussed.”
A veteran of the industry for three decades, Lee said he has put the success of “Squid Game” behind him to concentrate on what’s next. He will co-star with Lim Ji-yeon of “The Glory” in a new tvN romantic drama, tentatively titled “Annoying Love.”
“‘Squid Game’ is done,” he said. “I can’t sit around dwelling on it. I have to focus on my new project, which has already begun.”
ⓒ 연합뉴스. 무단전재 및 재배포 금지
