Meet ‘Squid Game’ season 2’s new faces: Park Sung-hoon, T.O.P, Jo Yuri, more
(From left) Park Sung-hoon, T.O.P, and Jo Yuri. Images: Courtesy of Netflix Korea
“Squid Game” season two is the continuation of the dystopian series, which tells the story of financially-burdened players who fight to the death by competing in children’s games. Set three years after the first “Squid Game,” Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) and the Frontman are joined by new faces, with hopes of getting lucky in the death-defying competition.
Among the standouts of “Squid Game” season two are Park Sung-hoon and K-pop idol-actors T.O.P, Jo Yuri, and Im Si-wan. Get to know the newest faces of the series with a refresher on their notable works and other career pursuits.
Park Sung-hoon as Cho Hyun-ju (Player 120)
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With a background in theater, Park Sung-hoon started his career in the 2008 historical erotic film “A Frozen Flower” until he was able to establish himself as an actor with a range of different characters. He is best known for his antagonist roles in “The Glory” and “Queen of Tears,” and also appeared as a minor character in “Joseon Exorcist,” “Six Flying Dragons,” and “Moon Embracing the Sun.”
T.O.P as Choi Su-bong or ‘Thanos’ (Player 230)
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A former member of the legendary K-pop group BigBang, T.O.P — also known as Choi Seung-hyun — debuted as the lead rapper, visual, and vocalist in August 2006. He departed from the group in May 2023.
Article continues after this advertisementThroughout his time with BigBang, he was able to establish himself with his deep voice, striking looks, and rapid-fire lines in songs which can be heard in “Fantastic Baby,” “Bae Bae,” and “Bang Bang Bang.” T.O.P was also part of the group’s sub-unit GD&TOP with G-Dragon, producing a series of hip-hop tracks.
Aside from being known among art circles in South Korea, he also appeared in the films “Tazza: The Hidden Card” and “Out of Control.” He also took the lead roles in the dramas “I Am Sam” and “Iris.”
Jo Yuri as Kim Jun-hee (Player 222)
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Jo started her entertainment career as a contestant on “Idol School” where she ended at the 15th spot. She then joined “Produce 48” and became one of the debut members of the project girl group IZ*ONE after bagging the third spot.
Known for her high notes, she debuted as IZ*ONE’s main vocalist in October 2018. She then forged her path as a solo artist with the single album “Glassy” in October 2021 after wrapping up her activities with the 12-member group. Since then, she has been making waves as an idol-actress.
Im Si-wan as Lee Myung-gi (Player 333)
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Im was a member of K-pop boy group ZE:A for seven years until their disbandment in 2017. He has since reestablished himself as an actor, and is best known for his lead roles in “Misaeng,” “Hell is Other People,” “Run On,” and “Boyhood.”
Kang Ha-neul as Kang Dae-ho (Player 388)
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With his effortless charm, Kang made his presence known after taking on supporting roles in “Misaeng” and “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” before establishing himself as a leading man.
One of his first projects as a leading man was “When the Camellia Blooms” where he had the chance to showcase his acting chops opposite award-winning actress Gong Hyo-jin. He also appeared in the dramas “Insider” and “Curtain Call.”
Park Gyu-young as Kang No-eul
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Since her acting debut in 2016, Park had a knack for choosing roles that have a distinct character trait which is reflected in her extensive filmography. Among her notable works include “Romance is a Bonus Book,” “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,” “The Devil Judge,” and “A Good Day to be a Dog.”
Kang Ae-sim as Jang Geum-ja (Player 149)
Kang Ae-sim. Image: Courtesy of Netflix Korea
While Kang has been taking on the role of a mother or a supporting role in recent years, she never fails in making her presence known whether it’s through crying out for her child’s fate or being a supportive parent.
Some of her notable appearances include “When the Camellia Blooms,” “Hospital Playlist 2,” “Bad and Crazy,” “Thirty-Nine,” and the films “Concrete Utopia” and “Kim Ji-Young: Born 1982.”
Yang Dong-geun as Park Yong-sik (Player 007)
Yang Dong-gun. Image: Courtesy of Netflix Korea
Another actor known for his range, Yang appeared in several dramas such as “Moving,” “Cheer Up,” “Connect,” “My Secret, Terrius,” and “The King of Desert,” where he never took on the same kind of role twice.
Known as YDG among South Korea’s hip-hop circles, he is also a singer and record producer. He was also a judge of the rap-centered competition “Show Me the Money 3” and a mentor of “High School Rapper 1.”
