Lee Byung-hun Discusses His Experiences with Racism in the US & Expresses Gratitude to “Squid Game” for Enhancing His Fame

Exploring Frontman’s Role in Season 2 of “Squid Game”

The highly anticipated Season 2 of Netflix’s smash hit “Squid Game” reintroduces viewers to the intense rivalry between Ki-hoon (played by Lee Jung-jae) and the enigmatic Frontman (portrayed by Lee Byung-hun). This season takes an intriguing twist as the Frontman, now unmasked, enters the game as contestant 001, also known as Oh Young-il, further escalating the drama’s tensions.

Lee Byung-hun Reflects on the Success of “Squid Game 2”

In a recent interview, Lee Byung-hun shared his thoughts about the overwhelming success of Season 2. He expressed, “I believe that all the people who worked hard on this project would feel so rewarded seeing the positive responses from viewers. I do feel the same.” He reminisced about his past experiences in the U.S., noting how he always considered recognition by people in foreign places as a measure of success as an actor. After attending various promotional events for the series, he remarked, “This time, I got to experience the enthusiasm of the fans that I had never felt with previous Hollywood projects. It once again made me realize how amazing this project is.”

A Unique Sense of Belonging in the U.S.

When questioned about his experience in Hollywood compared to his recent visit to promote a Korean production, Lee Byung-hun noted, “When doing other Hollywood projects, I thought the cheers I received were the loudest, but the cheer this time was actually the biggest one. It feels different coming here with a Korean project together with my Korean colleagues.” This newfound warmth and enthusiasm left him both touched and overwhelmed.

Addressing His Past Experiences with Racism

Lee discussed his past experiences with racism in Hollywood, sharing that he faced limited negativity from only a few individuals. He emphasized, “There’s no big difference actually… I could feel the enthusiastic reactions of people to Korean content, especially ‘Squid Game’, when visiting LA and New York.” He found a growing appreciation for Korean culture, noting that people now greet him with “annyeonghaseyo,” which filled him with pride.

Commitment to Excellence in Season 2

Reflecting on his decision to return to the series, Lee Byung-hun revealed, “Rather than thinking ‘I’ll show people what I got’, I actually thought ‘I hope there is a chance for me to show them my ability.’” He acknowledged the challenge of balancing his role alongside a talented ensemble cast and the weight of participating in a phenomenon recognized globally. He trusted director Hwang Dong-hyuk to maintain a balance among the leading characters.

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