[Interview] What Lee Jung-jae calls 'Squid Game 2'..."It's not a cheer for Sung Ki Hoon".

The "Squid Game," which caused syndromes around the world, is finally back for a second season.

'Squid Game' is the most popular film of all time on Netflix, depicting the process of people who participate in a mysterious survival game with a prize money of 45.6 billion won risking their lives to enter the game to become the winner.

Season 2, which came off the veil on the 26th of last month, tells the story of Sung Ki-hoon (Lee Jung-jae), the winner of the last game, vowing revenge on the game's architect and jumping into survival once again. The work is once again heating up the world, ranking No. 1 in the top 10 global Netflix series in 93 countries within two days of its release.

On the 2nd, YTN met with actor Lee Jung-jae, who participated in another game in three years and three months, and talked about various things related to the work.

Next is Lee Jung-jae and Moon Jae-in.

Q. It's been a week since the second season was released. Good grades are coming out, and is it the response as expected?

Lee Jung-jae: I'm feeling too hot a reaction. I'm also seeing a lot of reactions such as favorable reviews and harsh criticisms. In the case of harsh criticism, it will be reflected as a valuable opinion in finishing season 3.

Q. Didn't the global syndrome of the first season and the resulting high expectations act as a pressure or pressure?

Lee Jung-jae: It's a lie to say there was no pressure. Even before filming, I thought that many people could like it as much as the previous season. However, when the scenario was received, there was hope that many people would like it. In addition, when I had to immerse myself during filming, I was able to get out of the pressure for 10 months because I had to be so immersed in the character that I couldn't afford to think about the pressure. Rather, it seems that the burden is greater now than when filming.

Q. It's interesting to hear that you saw hope in the scenario.In season one of

Lee Jung-jae: The sorrows of various characters were well described, and the hardships and social aspects of them in real life were well melted. In addition to this, in seasons 2 and 3, faith and betrayal from human relationships are well expressed. It will also be interesting to viewers that it depicts more intensely who betrays and how.

Q. Sung Ki-hoon's character also has many changes.

Lee Jung-jae: Rewatched Season 1 twice before filming. Ki-hoon's purpose changed so strongly that he had to show a completely different appearance after surviving the game, so he thought about and studied how to continue the character.

Season 1 depicts Ki-hoon's bright and positive side, becoming more serious and eventually homeless with 45.6 billion won in front of him. However, in season 2, Ki-hoon focused on showing how he was when he was immersed in trying to save people and found out that it was the wrong way, the failed way.

And since no one knew that season 1 would be so successful, I wanted the coach to do everything he wanted to do in season 2. Therefore, if there were a lot of Sung Ki-hoon in the way I wanted to express in season 1, I can tell you that he followed more than 100% of what the coach wanted in seasons 2 and 3. Even the tone of voice and even a small movement did what the director wanted.

Q. There is also an opinion that the character setting is contradictory to the part where Sung Ki-hoon says that he can sacrifice a minority for the sake of the majority. From the standpoint of the actor who played the character, do you sympathize with Sung Ki-hoon's change?

Lee Jung-jae: I don't think the intention of the writer-director is 'Please support Sung Ki-hoon'. In your view, I thought it was the coach's intention to ask what Sung Ki-hoon's choice was.

Sung Ki-hoon may seem reckless and stupid, but he only tries to prevent the game with the mindset of "good faith." However, it is up to the viewer to determine whether his beliefs and choices were correct. Just as Young-il (Lee Byung-hun) in the

play continues to ask questions to Ki-hoon, the director also asks questions. In the end, Sung Ki-hoon faces the devastation when the belief that he believed to be the most right is broken at the end. The frontman asks, "Did you enjoy the hero game?" with a sneering emotion at the end, which is also "Does Sung Ki-hoon seem to have done well?"It's the same question as '.

Q. Some point out that the part where Sung Ki-hoon, who knows the identity of Yoo Il-nam, does not notice Young-il's identity is a setting error, and I am also curious about the actor's opinion on this.

Lee Jung-jae: I don't think Ki-hoon is such a smart friend.(laughs) Ki-hoon may get serious because he's been through a serious situation, but I'm not sure he's smart because he's been through a serious situation. Sung Ki-hoon is a friend who believes in people very well. As a result, when I meet Oh Il-nam in season 1, I am asked, "Do you still believe in people?" I think it's a setting that you should keep taking those attributes with you.

Q. "Squid Game" is not over yet, but if you can tell us how you feel so far,

Lee Jung-jae : 'Squid Game' shows so much interest around the world that I'm even careful to say a word. I think I should explain our intentions better and convey them with more sincerity. Also, since season 3 still remains, there are some issues that naturally resolve in the next season. There are many things I can't tell you yet, but if I tell you with all my heart when this moment and season 3 are released, I think it will be a little better understood.

It is still a process so far, so I would appreciate it if you could wait a little longer. And I think I feel responsible as an actor because many countries like 'Squid Game' and I become known a lot thanks to it. I also thought that I should make a better drama and a better movie. I would also like to say that I am working on this.

Q. Season 3 is about to be released in the summer. Can you give us a hint?

Lee Jung-jae: I would like to say that coach Hwang Dong-hyuk wrote the story well until season 3. Season 2 also seems to have various axes of evil. My friend could be evil and various twists have come out. In Season 3, it turns into a much more powerful psychological game. I think there will be something that goes deep in human relationships and a much more interesting setting.

[Photo provided = Netflix]