The Squid Game 2 cast is excited about the new characters we’ll meet

Squid game 2 It brings back some familiar faces – including assistant‘s Lee Jung Hae as Ji Hoonalso known as Player 456, as well as the mysterious front man, played by Lee Byung-hun. but Season two It also introduces an entirely new supporting cast, which is something that’s been expected since, well…almost everyone Other characters died in the first season.

Recently Squid game 2 At press day, io9 was part of a group of journalists who met some of the new competitors, with a translator assisting in the interviews.

One thing that viewers will notice in Season 2 is that there is a bigger group of younger players this time around. They may be in their 20s, but there’s still plenty of time for them to make mistakes big enough to lure them into the Squid Game.

““I think the greater presence of the younger generation gives the message that even young people or the younger generation are not free from financial burden or financial difficulties,” explained Yim Se Wan, who viewers will meet in Season 2 as Lee Myung Ji. Also known as Player 333.

Myungi is a would-be cryptocurrency king whose scheme failed – wiping out all of his own money, as well as everything others invested. When he arrives at Squid Game, he’s disturbed to learn that some of the other players are his angry (and newly broke) former customers – but he’s not ready to feel guilty for his role in their destruction.

“For me, Myung Ji is someone who easily shifts blame to others,” Yim said. “So when he joined the game, when he faced people hostile to him, he thought they failed because of their wrong choices, not because of him. So he did not take responsibility. So I think Myung Ji was trying to justify or rationalize what he did.

One of Myung-gi’s direct enemies is Kim Jun-hee, Player 222, played by Jo Yu-ri. Their situation is made even more awkward by the fact that she’s his ex-girlfriend, and there’s some serious unfinished business between them, even beyond the crypto debacle. Although their characters had a lot of drama, both Yim and Jo had upbeat things to say about being a part of it. Squid gameGreat cast.

“For me as a novice actress, this was a valuable experience,” Jo said. “And working with such a well-respected actor, and with actors and actresses who I have always admired – as someone new to the industry, I considered this to be a very grateful experience.”

Yum agreed. “I feel the same way as my co-actor. Our director (Hwang Dong Hyuk) Dealing with such a large group of actors – I think he never lost control. He always had a firm grip on the cast. Then try to bring each character back (to life in a way) that they deserve. So I was very happy with the direction.”

He also joked, “I remember the director was really happy when the character was killed off, because it meant the burden of having to worry was lessened.”

Another Season 2 couple has more acting experience under their belts: Jang Geum-ja, Player 149, and her son Park Young-sik, Player 007 – played by Kang Ae Sim and Yang Dong Geun, respectively.

Both artists He credits his time on set with helping build what appears on screen as a realistic mother-son relationship. “S“He was like a real mother to me, taking care of me and showing me such love,” Park said. “And we had six months of filming for Season 2, and that really helped us through that collaboration process. And of course, there was one spoonful of direction that Director Hwang did that really added to this relationship that we had already built.”

Kang added, “And I think Dong-geun was able to give me really sincere and sincere feelings, so we were able to work together synergistically.”

As for what prompted their characters to separately log into the Squid Game — on the first day, they were shocked to find each other there — that’s mostly Young-sik’s fault, to be honest.

“I think for my character she’s really trying to earn this money for her son. I think that altruism is what really motivates her because she doesn’t want money versus greed,” Jang said. “Her thinking about others, and that side of herself… is really the source of her strength.” “

As for her son, Park said, “He really just needs the money.” “He’s in a difficult situation, you know, his organs may be sold (to help offset the money he owes).” His life is in danger even outside of the games due to the debts he has accumulated. So he’s really focused on making this money so he can pay off his debt.

Meet players 007, 149, 222, 333 — and many more — when Squid game 2 It arrives on Netflix on December 26.

Want more io9 news? Check when to expect the latest marvel, star warsand Star Trek Releases, what’s next for DC Universe in film and televisionAnd everything you want to know about the future Doctor Who.