The cast of Netflix's Squid Game (Photo; Netflix)
Cover The cast of Netflix's Squid Game (Photo; Netflix)

The stars listed below have given life to the profoundly harrowing yet philosophical tale of Netflix’s Squid Game

Netflix’s latest show Squid Game offers a dark and twisted tale that leans heavily on the realities of life, social hierarchy, and more. The fast-paced show immediately introduces the viewer to the financial misfortunes of Seong Gi-hun, a gambling addict who lives under the roof of his ailing mother. 

Desperate for cash, Gi-hun finds himself in a mysterious place where he and a bunch of people in debt are forced to clash through a series of games. On their heads is a large sum of money which can only be taken home by one person.

Below are the names of the people who have given life to the whole show:

Hwang Dong-hyuk

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Hwang Dong-hyuk
Above Hwang Dong-hyuk

As the creator, director Hwang Dong-hyuk wrote the screenplay and directed Squid Game. He is known for his ability to work in diverse genres and for his award-winning films such as Silenced, Miss Granny, and The Fortress

The director was able to create Squid Game after over 10 years of planning, being inspired by a comic book in 2008. You’ll be able to appreciate his genius when you see how he changes beautiful, innocent memories of childhood games into an extremely competitive and horrifying reality in the series.

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Lee Jung-jae

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Lee Jung-jae
Above Lee Jung-jae

Lee Jung-jae is a well-known actor who has been in the show business since 1993. He has portrayed various roles in different genres, but you might recognize him from movies like The Thieves and Svaha: The Sixth Finger or the series Chief of Staff.

In Squid Game, he portrays Seong Gi-hun who has gone through a lot of difficult experiences including divorce, business failure, debt, and gambling issues. Despite his desperate situation, Gi-hun doesn’t lose hope and tries his best to survive. He’s a personable character who is kind to others.

Jung Ho-yeon

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Jung Ho-yeon
Above Jung Ho-yeon

Squid Game will mark Jung Ho-yeon’s acting debut. As a fashion model, she gained recognition through appearing on Korea’s Next Top Model 4 where she was a joint runner-up. Her experience on many runways and campaigns is evident in the tough charisma that is portrayed through her character Kang Sae-byeok. As a North Korean defector, Sae-byeok is no stranger to adversity. We’ll be able to see how her survival skills will help her as she fights to stay alive and win.

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Park Hae-soo

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Above Park Hae-soo

Park Hae-soo will be a familiar face if you’ve seen the uber-hilarious series Prison Playbook, the action-thriller Time to Hunt (where he stars with Lee Je-hoon), or Legend of the Blue Sea (top-billed by Hallyu stars Lee Min-ho and Jun Ji-hyun).

Like a true chameleon, the actor takes on diverse characters that reflect his wide range. For Squid Game, he takes on Cho Sang-woo who grew up in the same neighbourhood as Gi-hun. Known for his intelligence, he went on to graduate from Seoul National University. Unfortunately, one wrong decision completely upends his life. Sang-woo is unexpectedly reunited with Gi-hun as they meet while they play the games and try to survive.

See also: Exclusive: Meet Kim Seon-Ho and Lee Sang-Yi, the Leading Men of Netflix's ‘Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha’

Wi Ha-jun

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Wi Ha-jun
Above Wi Ha-jun

Wi Ha-jun debuted in 2015 through the film Coin Locker Girl. Since then he’s appeared in many works such as Something in the RainRomance Is a Bonus Book, and 18 Again. The actor will be taking on a different type of role in Squid Game. His character, Hwang Jun-ho, is a police officer who is searching for his missing brother. While investigating some clues related to his brother’s disappearance, Jun-ho ends up discovering the games. Hiding his identity, he uncovers various mysteries surrounding the games.

See Also: 5 Reasons to Watch 'Squid Game'


Squid Games' first season which consists of nine nerve-wracking episodes is now available on Netflix. To get a full grasp of what awaits you in the show, feel free to watch the trailer below!

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