Here, I take a look at well‑known facts—familiar to most Koreans—about the two actors who play the main characters in Squid Game 3: Seong Gi‑hun and Hwang In‑ho (the Front Man).
※ I kindly ask for your understanding if my English is somewhat lacking or awkward.
Seong Gi‑hun & Hwang In‑ho (Front Man)
These two actors were already top‑tier stars in Korea long before Squid Game.Seong Gi‑hun (Actor Lee Jung‑jae)
Among Koreans, the films most closely associated with him include 태양은 없다 (City of the Rising Sun, 1999), 신세계 (New World, 2013), 관상 (The Face Reader, 2013), and 암살 (Assassination, 2015).Memorable scenes
- 태양은 없다 (City of the Rising Sun, 1999, Film), the dancing scene is widely known and iconic.- 관상 (The Face Reader, 2013, Film), his portrayal of 수양대군 (Prince Suyang), although technically a supporting role, produced an entrance scene many Koreans consider legendary.
Famous lines that became memes
These are lines from his works that ordinary people still quote in everyday life:- 관상 (The Face Reader, 2013, Film): 내가 왕이 될 상인가? (Think you that I bear the countenance of one fated to be king?)- 암살 (Assassination, 2013, Film): 구멍이 두개지요! (It makes two holes!)
Hwang In‑ho or Front Man (Actor Lee Byung‑hun)
If you ask Koreans today who they think is the most skilled actor, he would receive more votes than almost anyone else.He has appeared in a wide variety of dramas and films, earning his place as one of Korea’s most representative actors.
It is difficult to choose just one signature work, as he has starred in so many well‑known titles.
Based on my own perspective, here are works that most Koreans would immediately recognize:
Dramas: 올인 (All In, 2003), 미스터 션샤인 (Mr. Sunshine, 2018), 우리들의 블루스 (Our Blues, 2022)
Films: 광해 (Masquerade, 2012), 내부자들 (Inside Men, 2015)
※ For reference, I was not just impressed but genuinely stunned by his outstanding acting in 광해 (Masquerade, 2012).
Memorable scenes and meme‑worthy lines
- 아이리스 (Iris, 2009, drama): (while looking at his phone) 아, 안돼! (Ah, No!)
- 내부자들 (Inside Men, 2015, film): 모히또 가서 몰디브 한잔 해야지 (Let’s go to Mojito and have a Maldives.) → The humor comes from the character mixing up Mojito and Maldives.