Latest news with #SquidGame
Time of India
20 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Squid Game's Shocking Finale - Lee Jung-jae Gets Real About That Bold Ending and the Madness Behind the Scenes
The Ending That Broke the Internet (And Lee Jung-jae 's Diet) So, Squid Game Season 3 finally dropped on June 27, and the world basically lost its mind. But what did Lee Jung-jae-the OG Seong Gi-hun and probably the most famous South Korean on the planet right now-think about the show's wild finale? Over coffee in Seoul, Lee admitted, "It's really over now," sounding like every college student after their last exam. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He wondered if he'd ever get to talk about Squid Game again, but honestly, with the way this show has taken over memes, reels, and every group chat, we doubt it's ever truly over. Lee didn't just star in all three seasons-he owned the role, even snagging an Emmy for Best Actor in 2022 (first Asian to do it, by the way). When asked about the most unforgettable moment, he instantly picked the "final ending" of Season 3. He confessed, "To be honest, I never imagined such an ending. But I was amazed by the director's courage." Apparently, the director knew the ending would split fans right down the middle, but he stuck to his guns and wrapped things up for real, ignoring the temptation to milk more seasons for cash. That last scene? It took a whole day to shoot. Lee had to channel every emotion in the book, filming take after take with different faces and vibes. It was so intense that Lee joked, "Thanks to that, I was finally able to end the diet that helped me lose 10 kilograms." Relatable-who hasn't stress-eaten after a big project? The Characters That Hit Different When it comes to characters, Lee says Cho Sang-woo (played by Park Hae-soo) from Season 1 left the deepest mark. Sang-woo, the neighborhood genius who crashed and burned after a failed investment, is the ultimate "what could have been" story. Lee reflected, "Squid Game is ultimately a story about choices. As I thought about why Sang-woo made those choices, I felt more pity than a sense of betrayal." Tired of too many ads? go ad free now If you've ever had a friend who seemed to have it all but still struggled, you know exactly what he means. Behind the Scenes: The Pressure and the Paychecks Lee's not just an actor-he made his directorial debut with "Hunt" in 2022, so he knows the grind from both sides. With all the drama lately about K-drama stars' sky-high fees and ballooning production costs, Lee kept it real: "The content industry must not regress because of this issue. It's not any one person's fault, but everyone in the industry surely feels the need for improvement." Sounds a lot like Bollywood, where everyone's always debating star salaries and whether it's killing creativity. Why K-Content Is Just Getting Started For Lee, Squid Game is more than just a show-it's a gateway that introduced global audiences to K-content. He hopes this door stays wide open, even as the Korean film market faces some tough times. "The domestic film market is quite stagnant right now, but I hope K-content, which has just started to gain momentum, continues to spread steadily across the world," he said. Let's be honest: whether you're binge-watching in Mumbai or Seoul, Squid Game's mix of hustle, heartbreak, and hard choices hits home. It's about survival, ambition, and the wild ride of chasing your dreams-stuff every Indian youth can relate to, whether you're grinding for a job, a degree, or just a little respect.
Time of India
39 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Squid Game' star Lee Jung Jae's journey: From Seoul streets to Times Square
Ever imagined what it's like to be stopped for selfies in Mumbai, Paris, or even a random airport in Brazil? That's Lee Jung Jae's reality now, thanks to the Squid Game tidal wave. In his own words, "Wherever I go, people recognize me. It's honestly so surprising and kind of surreal." He's not exaggerating-after Squid Game Season 3 dropped, the show hit number one in a jaw-dropping 93 countries. The world's got Squid Game fever, and Lee Jung Jae is at the center of it all. He even joked about how, as Asians, we often hear that Westerners can't tell Asian faces apart. But now? "They spot me instantly, even if I'm just walking by on the street. That's when I realize just how massive Squid Game has become," he said, still sounding a bit stunned. Imagine your local rickshaw driver recognizing a K-drama star-yep, that's the level we're talking about. Squid Game: Not Just a Show, But a Cultural Tsunami What's wild is that even people who haven't watched Squid Game know about it. It's become a global pop culture reference, like Harry Potter or Game of Thrones. Lee Jung Jae pointed out that Squid Game has made Korean content a global obsession. "People start with Squid Game, then end up watching more K-dramas. It's boosted interest in all things Korean-music, food, fashion, you name it," he explained. And honestly, who hasn't fallen down a K-content rabbit hole at 2 a.m.? For Indian youth, this is like when Sacred Games or Mirzapur suddenly made Indian stories cool on the world stage. But with Squid Game, it's on steroids-K-content is now everywhere, and Lee Jung Jae is the face of that revolution. Fame Hits Different When It's Global Being famous in your own country is one thing, but being recognized everywhere is next-level. Lee Jung Jae admits he still can't fully process it. "It's a huge experience. I'm just grateful for all the love and attention. Sometimes I wish I could take it all in a bit more slowly," he shared. He's gone from being a respected actor in Korea to one of the most famous Koreans on the planet-no exaggeration. And here's the kicker: this fame isn't just about him. Lee hopes the Squid Game effect keeps the doors open for more Korean creators and actors, so the world keeps tuning in to what Korea has to offer. "I hope this wave doesn't fade away and that it brings good changes to not just culture, but all industries," he said, sounding like a true ambassador for K-culture.
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Squid Games' Lee Byung-hun flaunts panda-inspired Jacob & Co. watch, Jimmy Fallon asks: ‘Does it tell time'; learn more about this limited edition collectible
Squid Game season 3 has finally hit the screens, and fans waiting in anticipation for the popular Korean drama have finally found peace. All this while, the cast was busy promoting Squid Game at press events and on popular primetime television shows. As part of the same event, Lee Byung-hun, who plays an integral character in the series, was a star guest on a recent episode of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, where he was spotted wearing the Jacob & Co. Astronomia Panda watch, paired with an all-black ensemble. When asked by the host to show his beautiful accessory, the actor shyly moved his wrist around to flaunt the watch. Fallon jokingly asked: 'Does it tell time?' to which Byung-hun said: 'Yeah, the panda tells the time. Astronomia Art is a collection that gathers all the know-how Jacob & Co. has accumulated in watchmaking, high jewelry, and artistic crafts. Astronomia Art receives artistic figurines, decor, and themes of high symbolic content. Miniature sculptures of animals, real or mythical, of constructions that are emblematic of a country, engraved gold plates, hand-painted miniature scenes, or a combination of the above, Astronomia Art is composed of minimal series and unique pieces. Their connection is a level of craft, expression, and symbolism that has no equivalent in the world of watchmaking. According to the official Jacob & Co. website, installing several types of miniature sculptures required altering the original Astronomia vertical, rotating caliber. Most of the Astronomia Art movements are therefore fixed versions of it. This allows it to integrate large, expressive vertical miniatures between its four arms. Its dial is no longer rotating, but off-centered. Its tourbillon does away with one of its axes, thus becoming a double-axis, flying tourbillon. The Earth globe and moon are made from a one-carat, 288-facet, Jacob-cut diamond. In fact, its artistic calling is accomplished by the non-spinning version of the Astronomia movement: exclusive, hand-wound Caliber JCAM25. A post shared by JACOB & CO. (@jacobandco) The miniature subjects have in common a unique level of complexity and detail. They're hand-made, hand-finished, and hand-painted by specialist craftspeople. Their hands are capable of executing the most delicate, intricate, and elaborate of subjects. They give each Astronomia Art its unique life. The watch retails for $ 1 million and is a limited-edition collectible, with only nine rare pieces available worldwide.
The South African
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Lee Byung-hun reveals the darkness of ‘Squid Game's' front man
Lee Byung-hun, the acclaimed Korean actor, has opened up about his complex role as the Front Man in the global hit series Squid Game . Lee's character has evolved from a distant overseer to a deeply troubled man grappling with loss, cynicism, and a faint hope for humanity. Since the show's first season, the Front Man has been a mysterious figure. But in the recent finale, he steps into the spotlight, revealing layers of sorrow and conflict. Lee Byung-hun explains that the Front Man was once a police detective with a normal life. Tragedy struck when he lost his wife and child, plunging him into despair and pushing him into the brutal world of the Games. 'He became extremely pessimistic and cynical, believing there is no hope left for humanity,' Lee says, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The actor shares how the Front Man's interactions with Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), the show's protagonist, highlight this inner turmoil. In a key scene, the Front Man hands Gi-hun a knife, watching intently as Gi-hun contemplates killing other players. Lee reveals the character's conflicting emotions: 'Part of him wanted Gi-hun to kill everyone, proving his belief that people are selfish. But deep down, he was rooting for Gi-hun to hold onto hope.' Lee Byung-hun's performance captures this tension with subtlety. He draws on his own life experiences. 'Every emotion I've felt becomes an asset. I've faced moments where I questioned humanity's kindness, and that influenced how I played the Front Man.' The finale also features a poignant moment where the Front Man meets Gi-hun's daughter. Lee interprets this as a sign of the character's restored humanity. 'He's offering what Gi-hun left behind with a sliver of goodness,' Lee explains. Yet, he admits the scene leaves room for interpretation, sparking questions about the Games' future. One of the most intriguing scenes shows the Front Man spotting a recruiter, played by Cate Blanchett, on the streets of Los Angeles. Lee Byung-hun says the character is shocked, realising the Games continue elsewhere. 'He feels bitterness, knowing this cycle never ends,' Lee notes. Fans speculate about a U.S.-based spin-off. Lee imagines the Games adapting to local culture but keeping the core theme of humanity's loss. 'The essence remains the same — players face impossible choices and hardship,' he says. Lee Byung-hun is also open to a Front Man prequel or spin-off. 'Director Hwang and I have joked about it. The Front Man's backstory is still vague, and I'd love to explore it,' he reveals. In Lee's words, 'The show urges us to wake up and look at what we're doing to each other. That connection brings hope.' Squid Game remains a global phenomenon, and Lee Byung-hun's Front Man continues to captivate audiences with his haunting complexity and unexpected humanity. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Pink Villa
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Squid Game 3: Park Sung Hoon reveals avoiding THIS acting method to portray transgender role in series
The global success of the Squid Game series can be attributed to its gripping storyline and outstanding performances from the cast. After the show's highly successful premiere, the actors participated in an interview with InStyle, where Park Sung Hoon discussed his distinct approach to playing Hyun Ju and how he aimed to bring a fresh perspective to this type of transgender role in Korean dramas. Squid Game 3's Park Sung Hoon revealed what he did differently to portray a transgender character aptly Park Sung Hoon, who plays the role of Hyun Joo in Squid Game Season 3 emphasized the responsibility he felt to represent her authentically. Hyun Ju is a transgender woman, who is yet to complete transitioning from a man's body. She wished to collect money for the rest of the medical procedures by playing the deadly games and then live happily in Thailand. However, her life was not free from ridicule in her home nation. To portray Hyun Ju's emotions well and depict the character with sensitivity, Park Sung Hoon revealed avoiding stereotypes and caricatures often seen associated with such roles in K-dramas and movies. "The transgender characters that we've had in Korea before Hyun Ju, have been written flatly like a caricature and I thought Hyun Ju shouldn't be caricatured at all" he said. To portray the transgender role differently from how it was usually done in the past, Park Sung Hoon focused on Hyun Ju's inner world, her sincerity, and how she treated others. So, he consciously avoided "exaggerated gestures and vocal tones," making the role even more impactful and memorable. His gender sensitive comments won over fans, who revisited his previous remark on how he wanted Hyun Ju to be perceived by the viewers. Park Sung Hoon wanted fans to say "she [Hyun Ju] was a hero" rather than "he portrayed a transgender woman" well. His nuanced portrayal of the beloved chacrater in the drama resonated with audiences, earning labels like 'eternal hero' and 'our forever queen' from fans. Hence, the role can be said to be one of the actor's most career-defining ones, besides Queen of Tears.
