Gong Yoo has always been a fan favorite, but his role in Squid Game 2 might be his most unforgettable performance yet.

The actor, known for his warm-hearted characters, takes a dark turn this time, showing a side of him no one expected. With his chilling portrayal of the "Ddakji Man", fans and critics alike are buzzing about his Emmy potential.

In the first episode of Squid Game 2, Gong Yoo takes center stage. His character, the infamous Ddakji Man, returns as the gatekeeper to the deadly games, challenging participants with the slap-or-cash game of ddakji. But this time, his role is much bigger—and much darker.

From handing out bread and lottery tickets to the homeless at Tapgol Park to orchestrating a nerve-wracking game of Russian roulette, Gong Yoo’s transformation into a cold, calculating villain is nothing short of breathtaking.

One haunting scene shows him crushing loaves of bread in front of desperate onlookers, mocking their choices and delivering a line that leaves chills: "You’re the ones who wasted this bread."

His unhinged nature reaches a peak during a Russian roulette game, where his wide, darting eyes and sinister smile steal the scene. Taunting his victims and reveling in their fear, Gong Yoo brings a level of madness that is both terrifying and captivating.

The tension only grows when the Ddakji Man faces Seong Gi Hun (played by Lee Jung Jae) in a final, high-stakes duel. Their showdown is a heart-pounding moment that cements Gong Yoo’s performance as one of the series’ highlights.

Known for his more virtuous or morally complex roles in the past, Gong Yoo completely embraces this evil character. His portrayal of the psychopathic Ddakji Man has viewers praising his versatility, with some even calling it Emmy-worthy.

Fans are raving about his performance, with one commenting, "I’ve never seen Gong Yoo like this before—it’s mind-blowing!" Another said, "Why did it take so long for him to play a villain? He’s incredible."

Whether he snags an Emmy or not, one thing is clear: Gong Yoo’s performance in Squid Game 2 is a masterpiece that will be talked about for years to come.

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Actor Song Kang Ho shocked fans by revealing the surprising reason he initially turned down the iconic role in Joint Security Area (JSA).

On February 4, the movie JSA was celebrated as a "Visionary" work at a special GV (Guest Visit) event for CJ ENM’s 30th anniversary at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul. The event was attended by director Park Chan-wook and stars like Song Kang Ho, Lee Byung Hun, Lee Young Ae, Kim Tae Woo, and Ko Kyung Beom, who shared stories from the making of the film.

Joint Security Area, a groundbreaking film by director Park Chan-wook, tells the story of North and South Korean soldiers caught in a tragic incident at the border, highlighting the human side of the divided nations. The film has been widely praised for changing the perception of inter-Korean relations and is seen as a key moment in Korean cinema.

During the event, Song Kang Ho admitted that he turned down the JSA script at first, saying, "The script was just too perfect. It was so well-written and tightly woven that I couldn’t believe it. I thought, ‘Is this really Korean cinema at this level?’ I felt it was too good, and I figured the movie wouldn’t live up to the script."

He also mentioned that at the time, Park Chan-wook’s previous films hadn’t done well, which made him even more doubtful. "But after meeting the director, I started to trust him," Song Kang Ho added.

Reflecting on the film 20 years later, Song Kang Ho joked, "I was flipping through channels and watched JSA again. I thought, ‘There was a time when I wasn’t envious of Lee Byung Hun,’ but he looked so handsome and cool back then." He continued, laughing, "One thing about Park Chan-wook's films is that they have a depth and elegance that you just can’t forget. It’s probably why his new movie is called I Can’t Help It."

Song Kang Ho also spoke fondly of reuniting with his JSA co-stars after 25 years. He shared, "We didn’t watch the film together, but we had a cozy two-hour dinner. After all this time, it felt nostalgic. It was heartwarming to sit together again and reminisce about the past. It really made me realize how meaningful these moments are."

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