Emmy-Winning ‘Squid Game’ Star: Success is Due to Show’s Message

In 2021, the South Korean dystopian horror thriller Squid Game premiered on Netflix. A year later, it made Emmy history by becoming the first non-English-language series to earn a win — six in total. But Lee Jung-jae, 52, who became the first South Korean (and the first Asian actor, and the first person in a non-English-speaking role) to win the Emmy for lead actor in a drama series for his role as game winner Seong Gi-hun, has a simple explanation for Squid Game’s success.

It was the “themes and the messages of the show” that director Hwang Dong-hyuk, 53, [also a Squid Game Emmy winner] brought to life, Lee says. “[Viewers] thought that we had these social issues in our global community. That's why I think a lot of people related to Squid Game, and that's why they gave us a lot of love and support.”

And that’s how Season 2, debuting Dec. 26 on Netflix, and a final third season, set for later in 2025, began to take shape. Lee, an iconic South Korean model turned actor, spoke with AARP recently about his newfound international stardom; the challenges of learning English for his role on the Star Wars: The Acolyte series; and the American TV show he watched and loved as a kid.

This interview was conducted over video with an interpreter. It has been edited for length and clarity.

Fans have been waiting three years for a new season. What can we expect?

In Season 1 of Squid Game, there were a lot of entertainment factors including the narrative and everything, but there was also that shared common caring about our society and deep themes. You will see that again in Season 2, so I hope the fans will enjoy it. 

Lee Jung-jae in Season 1 of "Squid Game" on Netflix.

Noh Juhan/Netflix

Why do you think people related to your character [Gi-hun aka Player 456]?

I think the main reason is that my character is just an ordinary man. He's a plain Joe, and he's nothing different from any of us. That's why people like to root for him.

How has your life changed since you became a world-famous star after Season 1?

Not that big of a star. Just that people sometimes recognize me on the streets. It’s a joy to see people come to me and recognize [me], and I’m very grateful people love the show.

Were your parents supportive of you becoming an actor?

In the beginning, my dad wasn't very supportive of me choosing this path, but then I actually was quite fast to get recognition. So I think he thought it was a good career path for me to go.