The Korean drama “Squid Game” remains the talk of the townseven weeks after its initial release. Having become Netflix’s most watched TV show to date, it is only fair that we delve deeper into the main characters and the actors that played them in order to get to know them better.
Without further ado, here is a guide to the cast of “Squid Game” that took on player roles!
Warning: minor spoilers ahead.
Player 456 –Seong GiHun played byLee Jung Jae
SeongGiHun is a divorced father and a gambling addict with a massive amount of debt that keeps weighing down on him and his mother whom he lives with. When he learns that his ex-wife is taking their daughter to the United States, he joins the game for a chance to win the ultimate prize, clear his debts, and regain custody of his daughter.
Lee Jung Jae kickstarted his career in the entertainment industry as a fashion model before he landed his first role in the school drama “Feelings” back in 1994. Throughout the years, he has had many successful movie roles, with“Along With The Gods: The Two Worlds,” “Along With The Gods: The Last 49 Days,” “The Thieves,” and “New World” being some of them, and his latest work to date being “Deliver Us From Evil” before joining the “Squid Game” cast. The actor mainly takes on action and thriller works, and his flawless portrayal in all of them is proof that he is the right choice for the role.
Check out Lee Jung Jae in “New World”:
Player 218 – Cho Sang Woo played byPark Hae Soo
Cho Sang Woo is a Seoul National University alumnus who used to have a respectable job as the team leader of an investment company. Following a series of bad investments that led him to steal from his clients andbecome wanted by the police, he takes part in the game to settle his colossal debt. There, he reunites with Seong GiHun who used to be hisupperclassman in high school.
Park Hae Soodebuted as an actor in 2012 and participated in many dramas and films. Most notably, his role in “Quantum Physics” earned him the Best New Actor award at the 40th Blue Dragon Film Awards. Some of his drama works include“Six Flying Dragons,” “Legend of the Blue Sea,” “Prison Playbook” and more. His most recent work following “Squid Game” is “Chimera,” and he landed a role in the upcoming Korean remake of “Money Heist.” The actor’s excellent acting skills can be spotted throughout his various roles that he plays with equal dedication and genuineness.
Watch him in his ongoing drama “Chimera”:
Player 067 – Kang Sae Byeok played byJung Ho Yeon
Kang Sae Byeok is a North Korean defector who arrived to South Korea with her brother witha plan to also bringtheir mother along in their new home. Having lost the money she initially saved up to help her mother cross borders, her only chance to reunite her family is to play the game. Isolated and wary at first, sheeventually joinsSeong GiHun’s team as things start getting out of control.
Jung Ho Yeon’s portrayal of Kang Sae Byeok was so impressive that viewers would think she’s had quite an established acting career. The truth is, the new actress has been a model for her entire adult life sinceshe started her modeling career in 2010, and she only set foot in the actingworldthrough her role in “Squid Game.” Being the drama’s breakout star, we can only fervently wait for her upcoming roles!
Player001 – Oh Il Nam played byOh Young Soo
Oh Il Nam is the game’s first and oldest player. Unlike the rest of the participants who joined in order to get rid of their burdensome debts, he had a different burden of his own: a brain tumor that is putting his life on countdown. He chooses to live the remaining days of his life as a participant as opposed to awaiting death outside. He is asked bySeong GiHun to join their team so that they keep an eye on him from the threats faced inside the building.
Oh Young Soo is a veteran actor who started as a theatre actor in 1967 and switched to film and television later in his career. He usually takes on monk roles since he is familiar with the role from his Buddhist plays.Some of his memorable monk roles are in “The Great Queen Seondeok” and “God of War.”
Watch the actor in “The Great Queen Seondeok”:
Player199 – Ali Abdul played byAnupam Tripathi
Ali Abdul is a Pakistani migrant worker whose boss has been holding back his payment for months. He participates in the game to provide a decent standard of livingfor his wife and kid. His introduction on the show is memorable, and his first interaction withSeong GiHun is simply life-changing. If you don’t know what happened, it’s time towatch the show! No spoilers here!
Anupam Tripathi is an Indianactor living in Seoul who is currently finishing his master’s degree in acting at Korea National University of Arts. He’s had a handful of minor roles since 2014, but “Squid Game” marks his first main role. The role highlighted his mind-blowing emotional delivery onscreen, and he captivated the audience with his sincerity and devotion in portraying the role of Ali.
Player 101 – Jang Deok Su played by Heo Sung Tae
Jang Deok Su is a criminal who finds himself in a pickle after being caught stealing from his boss. In order to pay his debts and save his life, he takes part in the squid game to win the grand prize. He is the main antagonist of the show, and his presence from the start screams trouble.
Heo Sung Tae’s career began with the talent show “Miraculous Audition.” His popularity skyrocketed when he took on the role of Ha Il Soo in the thriller “The Age of Shadows.” He’s had various movies and dramas since then such as “The Outlaws,” “Mal. Mo. E – The Secret Mission,” and “Different Dreams” until hejoined the cast of“Squid Game.”
Watch him in “The Outlaws” below:
Player 212 – Han Mi Nyeo played by Kim Joo Ryoung
Han Mi Nyeo is the female counterpart of Jang Deok Su, an obnoxious and cunning woman whose reason for joining the game was never fully disclosed. The only detail that was revealed about her were her fraud charges, which makes us think she is a con artist. Her presence in the game, despite being despicable, has been momentous for the storyline in unexpected ways.
Kim Joo Ryoung has been in various films and dramas since 2000, taking on small roles and cameos mostly. She rose to prominence with her edgy and daring role in “Squid Game.” The actress played her role to perfection when she brought the character of Han Mi Nyeo to life, which generated the wanted reaction from the audience.
Watch her in “Joan’s Galaxy” of “SF8” here:
Which “Squid Game” player is your favorite? Let us knowin the comments below!
Esmee L.is a Moroccan lively dreamer, writer, and Hallyu enthusiast.
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As an expert in Korean dramas and a passionate enthusiast, I can confidently say that "Squid Game" has taken the world by storm. The show has captivated audiences and become Netflix's most-watched TV series to date. Now, let's dive deeper into the main characters and the talented actors who brought them to life.
Player 456 – Seong GiHun, played by Lee Jung Jae: Seong GiHun is a divorced father and a gambling addict burdened by massive debt. When he learns that his ex-wife plans to take their daughter to the United States, he joins the game in hopes of winning the ultimate prize and regaining custody. Lee Jung Jae, a former fashion model, made his debut in the entertainment industry in 1994. He has since established himself as a versatile actor, known for his roles in movies like "Along With The Gods: The Two Worlds," "The Thieves," and "New World." Lee's flawless portrayal of complex characters in action and thriller films proves he was the perfect choice for the role.
Player 218 – Cho Sang Woo, played by Park Hae Soo: Cho Sang Woo is a former team leader at an investment company who turns to stealing from clients after a series of bad investments. He participates in the game to settle his debts and finds himself reunited with Seong GiHun, his upperclassman from high school. Park Hae Soo, who debuted in 2012, has appeared in numerous dramas and films. His role in "Quantum Physics" earned him the Best New Actor award at the 40th Blue Dragon Film Awards. Notable works of his include "Six Flying Dragons," "Legend of the Blue Sea," and "Prison Playbook." Park's exceptional acting skills shine through in every role he takes on, showcasing his dedication and authenticity.
Player 067 – Kang Sae Byeok, played by Jung Ho Yeon: Kang Sae Byeok is a North Korean defector who dreams of bringing her mother to South Korea. After losing her savings, she joins the game as her only chance to reunite her family. Jung Ho Yeon, a former model, made her acting debut in "Squid Game." Her portrayal of Kang Sae Byeok was so impressive that viewers would assume she had an established acting career. With her breakout performance, we eagerly await her future roles.
Player 001 – Oh Il Nam, played by Oh Young Soo: Oh Il Nam is the game's oldest player, motivated by a brain tumor that puts his life on a countdown. Choosing to spend his remaining days in the game rather than waiting for death, he joins Seong GiHun's team. Oh Young Soo, a veteran actor, started in theater before transitioning to film and television. He often takes on monk roles, drawing from his experience in Buddhist plays. Notable works of his include "The Great Queen Seondeok" and "God of War."
Player 199 – Ali Abdul, played by Anupam Tripathi: Ali Abdul is a Pakistani migrant worker participating in the game to provide for his wife and child. Anupam Tripathi, an Indian actor currently studying acting at Korea National University of Arts, shines in his first major role in "Squid Game." His emotional delivery and sincerity captivate the audience, showcasing his talent and dedication.
Player 101 – Jang Deok Su, played by Heo Sung Tae: Jang Deok Su is a criminal seeking to pay off his debts and save his life by winning the game. Heo Sung Tae gained popularity through the talent show "Miraculous Audition" and has since appeared in movies like "The Outlaws" and "Mal. Mo. E – The Secret Mission." Heo's portrayal of Jang Deok Su as the show's main antagonist is compelling and adds an element of trouble to the storyline.
Player 212 – Han Mi Nyeo, played by Kim Joo Ryoung: Han Mi Nyeo is a cunning woman whose reasons for joining the game remain undisclosed. Known for her fraud charges, she adds a despicable yet impactful element to the story. Kim Joo Ryoung, who has appeared in various films and dramas, rose to prominence with her daring role in "Squid Game." Her portrayal of Han Mi Nyeo generated the desired reaction from the audience, showcasing her talent as an actress.
Each player in "Squid Game" brings their unique story and adds depth to the gripping narrative. From the divorced father seeking redemption to the North Korean defector longing for family reunification, the cast delivers exceptional performances that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. With their talent and dedication, these actors have truly brought the characters to life, making "Squid Game" an unforgettable and thought-provoking experience.
