Lee Jung‑Jae: When a TV Show Feels Like a Reality Check
Bittersweet Fame of Squid Game
After starring in Netflix’s global juggernaut Squid Game, 49‑year‑old Lee Jung‑Jae opened up about the mixed emotions that come with the nasty pop‑culture phenomenon. In an interview with the Guardian, he admitted that being part of the hit is a rollercoaster ride of pride and poignancy.
- Enjoyment – Lee was thrilled that people worldwide are soaking up Korean dramas and movies.
- Concern – He points out that the series’ grim themes—people doing anything to pad their pockets—touching so many viewers feels unsettling.
“It’s great that audiences are consuming our content globally,” Lee said. “But the fact that the show’s dark message struck a nerve so far out there is worrisome. It’s a chilling reminder that a lot of folks across the globe are living a reality similar to what’s portrayed.”
From a Gambling Addict to a Game‑Show Survivor
Lee’s character, Seong Gi‑hun, was a horse‑race gambler with a heap of debt owed to loan sharks. He joined the deadly “games” looking for a way to pay back his loans and treat his bedridden mom, but the brutality of the competition turned his mission into a desperate fight for life.
Playing a role that spiraled from hope to ruthless survival left the whole cast on edge. Lee said:
“We had to convey how these characters are pushed to the brink of madness… it was tough.”
He highlighted the absurd contrast between the game’s child‑ish set and its horrific content, remarking that the sharper the visual appeal, the more shocking the reality for both characters and us as actors.
A Life‑Changing Experience
Lee confessed that the show’s impact lingers in his thoughts far beyond the set. “It’s hard not to replay what happened,” he admitted. “It forced me to reevaluate my own life and perceive the world differently.”
In a nutshell, Squid Game isn’t just a landmark of Korean entertainment; it’s a difficult mirror, forcing its creators and fans alike to confront the darker edges of reality.
