Gayatri S
When Squid Game first premiered in 2021, few could have predicted the cultural tidal wave it would unleash. Now, as the third and final season prepares to drop on Netflix, Lee Byung-Hun—who plays the enigmatic Front Man—sits down to reflect on the show’s meteoric rise, the evolution of his character, and what it’s like to share the screen with longtime friend and co-star Lee Jung-jae.
The Rise of a Global Phenomenon
Lee Byung-Hun is no stranger to international acclaim. With a career spanning over three decades and credits in both Korean cinema and Hollywood blockbusters, he was already a household name. But Squid Game catapulted him into a new stratosphere of fame.
“When I first read the script, I thought it was either going to be a massive hit or a complete flop,” Lee admitted in a recent interview. “It was so experimental, so different. But I never imagined it would become the most-watched show in Netflix history.”
The dystopian thriller, which critiques capitalism through a deadly survival game, resonated with audiences worldwide. From Halloween costumes to viral memes, Squid Game became a pop culture juggernaut.
The Complexity of the Front Man
Lee’s character, the Front Man—also known as Hwang In-ho—is one of the show’s most mysterious figures. Initially introduced as a masked overseer of the games, his identity was revealed in Season 1, shocking fans and setting the stage for deeper exploration in later seasons.
“In Season 2, I had to play both the shadowy Front Man and the more vulnerable In-ho,” Lee explained. “It reminded me of my dual roles in Masquerade. It’s always a challenge to portray such layered characters, but that’s what makes it exciting”.
Season 3 promises even more revelations. Lee teased that more players will uncover the Front Man’s identity, and hinted at a possible spinoff centered around his character3.
Working with Lee Jung-jae: A Dynamic Duo
One of the show’s emotional anchors is the evolving relationship between the Front Man and Seong Gi-hun, played by Lee Jung-jae. The two actors, both titans of Korean cinema, bring a palpable tension and chemistry to their scenes.
“Jung-jae and I have known each other for years,” Lee shared. “There’s a mutual respect that makes working together feel natural. We challenge each other, and that elevates the performance.”
Their on-screen rivalry reaches new heights in Season 3, as Gi-hun returns to the game with a mission to dismantle it from within.
Keeping Secrets and Surprising Fans
Lee revealed that Netflix was so secretive about his role that he wasn’t allowed to tell anyone—not even his mother. “She was furious when she found out after the show aired,” he laughed during an appearance on The Tonight Show.
He also shared how surreal it was to witness the global reaction. “It’s a Korean story, told in Korean, by Korean creators. To see it embraced around the world—it’s something I’ll always be proud of.”
What to Expect in Season 3
While Lee remained tight-lipped about major plot twists, he did confirm a few tantalizing details:
- More characters will learn the Front Man’s true identity
- There may be a new villain pulling the strings behind the scenes
- A spinoff series focused on the Front Man is “possible”
The final season, premiering June 27, 2025, promises to tie up loose ends while introducing new layers to the story’s mythology.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy Cemented
As Squid Game prepares to take its final bow, Lee Byung-Hun’s portrayal of the Front Man stands as one of the most iconic performances in modern television. His ability to balance menace with vulnerability has added depth to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional.
“I’m grateful for the journey,” Lee said. “This show has changed my life, and I hope it continues to inspire conversations about society, power, and human nature.”
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