Actor Gong Yoo recently opened up about his thrilling first villain role in Squid Game 2, where he plays the mysterious and unsettling ddakji-playing recruiter.

On January 3, Netflix dropped a special behind-the-scenes look titled Squid Game 2: Behind the Scenes of Season 2, and fans got a deeper glimpse into the actor's character.

The second season of the hit Netflix series, released on December 26, follows Gihun (played by Lee Jung Jae) as he returns to the deadly game seeking revenge and faces off with the sinister Front Man (played by Lee Byung Hun).

The series quickly became a global sensation, racking up 68 million views in its first week, making it the most-watched Netflix drama debut ever. It also dominated the charts in all 93 countries where Netflix operates, breaking records across the board.

Director Hwang Dong Hyuk explained the plot behind Gong Yoo's character, saying, "With only a few characters left, we had to continue the story for Season 2. I thought it would be fun to bring back characters who briefly appeared before. Gihun, realistically, would first want to find the ddakji-playing recruiter, who is active outside."

He added, "So, finding this recruiter becomes Gihun's first mission, forming the main story of Episode 1. I created the plot from the question, 'What would happen if they meet?'"

Gong Yoo shared some intriguing thoughts about his role, saying, "He’s a mysterious character. If we reveal too much too early, we lose the charm of the ddakji-playing recruiter. In simple terms, he’s almost like a psychopath. What kind of life has he lived to have such a gaze and appearance?"

Lee Jung Jae, who plays Gihun, praised Gong Yoo's performance, saying, "Gong Yoo really brought the character to life. He played such an eccentric character, showing both fear and humor within that weirdness. The scenes with Gong Yoo were almost completely filled with his energy."

Gong Yoo admitted that he had long wanted to play a villain but had hesitated before this opportunity. He said, "Honestly, I’ve wanted to play a villain for a long time, but I had been holding back a bit. Director Hwang Dong Hyuk, almost like a ghost, brought it out."

He added, "Since this is my first villain role, I think I’ve developed a strong attachment to the ddakji-playing recruiter more than any other character".

Director Hwang Dong Hyuk also echoed the praise, calling the ddakji-playing recruiter "the breakout character of Season 2," further cementing Gong Yoo's role as a memorable presence in the series.

Source: [1]

Actor Yoo Yeon Seok has spoken up about the dating rumors swirling around him and Chae Soo Bin, his co-star in When the Phone Rings. Fans were so drawn to their chemistry on-screen that they began wondering if the romance was real!

In an interview with SPOTV News on January 6th, Yoo Yeon Seok addressed the fans' excitement. Laughing, he said, "I’m grateful that viewers were so immersed in the story."

Yoo Yeon Seok starred as Baek Sa Eon, a former star anchor turned presidential spokesperson, in the MBC Friday-Saturday drama When the Phone Rings.

The show, adapted from a hit web novel, is a mix of romance and thriller. It tells the story of a couple in a three-year contractual marriage who get tangled in a dangerous mystery after receiving a threatening phone call.

In the drama, Yoo Yeon Seok’s Baek Sa Eon and Chae Soo Bin’s Hong Hee Joo had undeniable chemistry. Fans even nicknamed them the "Saju Couple", combining parts of their characters' names. The pair’s realistic and heart-fluttering moments made viewers wonder if they were dating in real life.

Responding to the speculation, Yoo Yeon Seok said, "I’m thankful for all the love. It shows how strong the chemistry was, and I appreciate that people were so into the 'Saju Couple' romance."

He jokingly added, "But is that something I can control? Even though the show is a thriller, the romance really shines through. It’s a love story at heart, and the thriller parts just make it more exciting."

Talking about working with Chae Soo Bin, Yoo Yeon Seok shared, "At first, things were a bit awkward. Soo Bin is shy, and I also need some time to warm up to people. Plus, her character uses sign language in the story, so early on, I was basically acting alone in some scenes."

He added, "But as we spent more time together, it became easier to connect. Being in the same agency definitely helped. Soo Bin has such a bright and fun personality, and she leaned on me a lot, which made building chemistry natural."

Fans are still swooning over the "Saju Couple", and while Yoo Yeon Seok stays humble about the rumors, viewers can’t help but hope for more magical moments between the duo on and off-screen!

Source[1]