Squid Game Actors — Complete List of Lead Performers.

«Squid Game» — one of the loudest and most unexpected television phenomena of the last decade. After its premiere on Netflix in 2021, the series instantly became a global hit, sparking enthusiasm, discussions, and a wave of costumes on Halloween. Its success is not only the result of a captivating plot and social critique but also the brilliant performances of its actors. 

Main Actors of the Series "Squid Game"

Each character is deeply developed, and the lead actors impressed not only with their talent but also with emotional authenticity. The actors of the series have not only become popular but have transformed into international stars. Many of them were already known in Korea, but «Squid Game» opened doors for them in the global market. 

Lee Jung-jae — Seong Gi-hun (Player No. 456)

Lee Jung-jae is a legend of South Korean cinema, but it is the role of Seong Gi-hun that became his breakout on the Western market. His character is a loser, a debtor, and at the same Time a good person striving to save his family. Throughout the series, the viewer witnesses the character's complex transformation — from helpless to deeply self-aware.

In real life, Lee Jung-jae has a rich acting career that started in the 1990s. He has appeared in well-known films such as «New World», «Assassination», and «The Housemaid». Moreover, he is a co-founder of the Artist Company agency together with another star actor — Jung Woo-sung.

After the success of «Squid Game», Lee Jung-jae received offers from Hollywood. In 2022, he was awarded the «Emmy» for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series — the first in history for an Asian artist. Instagram: @from_jjlee.

Gong Yoo — The Salesman

Although Gong Yoo's character appears only in a cameo, his role is one of the most enigmatic and memorable. He plays a man in a suit who recruits participants for the game by offering them money to play a children's game. His smile, manners, and coldness are long remembered.

Gong Yoo is a well-known figure in the South Korean industry. Among his most successful projects are the cult film «Train to Busan», the romantic drama «Goblin», and the thriller «Seoul Station». He is renowned for his versatility: he can portray both a charismatic lover and a brutal agent or psychopath.

Off-screen, Gong Yoo leads a rather private lifestyle, avoids scandals, and rarely shares personal details. However, his fans around the world keep track of every appearance he makes in the media. Instagram (unofficial fan account): @gongyoo_official. 

Lee Byung-hun — Front Man

Lee Byung-hun plays one of the most intriguing roles in the series — the mysterious Front Man, who runs the games and maintains order. His character is the embodiment of control, silence, and ruthless logic. Although initially hidden behind a mask, when his true identity is revealed — it is a true shock for the viewer.

In real life, Lee Byung-hun is a megastar of Asian cinema, an actor who has repeatedly worked in Hollywood. He can be seen in such films as «G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra», «Red 2», and «The Magnificent Seven». His career began in the 1990s, and he remains one of the most influential actors in Korea.

Interestingly, Lee Byung-hun is one of the few Asian actors invited to the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He also frequently participates in charity events and supports young actors. Instagram: @byunghun_lee.

Cho Yeo-jeong — Kim Jung-hee

Cho Yeo-jeong is one of the new stars of the second season of «Squid Game». Her character Kim Jung-hee is a strong, independent woman who is forced to participate in the game to help her family escape from a debt trap. Her acting performance is emotionally rich, authentic, and has already elicited positive reactions from viewers.

Before this project, Cho Yeo-jeong was more known as a former member of the popular girl group IZ*ONE. She began her acting career relatively recently but already has every chance of becoming a star not only on stage but also on screen.

Her Instagram is a mix of filming scenes, fashion photos, and personal moments, making her even closer to her fans. Instagram: @zo__glasss. 

T.O.P — Thanos

In the second season of «Squid Game», a mysterious character named Thanos will appear, portrayed by the famous artist Choi Seung-hyun, better known by his stage name T.O.P — a member of the iconic K-pop group BIGBANG. His appearance in the series was an unexpected surprise for both music fans and fans of Korean dramas. Previously, T.O.P primarily showcased himself in the music industry and the world of fashion, so participating in a large-scale film project of this level is a new stage in his career that generates significant interest.

According to preliminary information, his character is not just a participant in the game but a person with a deeply hidden past filled with tragedies, conflicts, and internal demons. His involvement in the deadly competition is motivated not only by money but also by personal drama that is likely to be gradually revealed throughout the season. Such a character adds even more tension to the plot, and the image of Thanos could become one of the most memorable in the series' history.

T.O.P is not only a musician but also an experienced actor: he has appeared in films such as "Commitment", "Tazza: The Hidden Card", and "71: Into the Fire", where he showcased his ability to work with deep dramatic characters. However, after a long hiatus from acting, his return in a global project as significant as «Squid Game» is a true sensation.

Viewers are particularly attracted by his unique charisma. T.O.P is known for his deep, velvet voice and serious, almost mysterious persona. He has a talent for creating an atmosphere of tension on screen — even without words. His ability to «speak with his eyes» and create a strong emotional impact with minimal dialogue makes him the ideal choice for the role of a mysterious and potentially antagonistic character.

Off the set, T.O.P is a multifaceted creative personality. He actively engages in art: participates in international exhibitions, supports young artists, and even organizes art auctions. His aesthetic sensibility is recognized in the fashion world — he collaborates with leading luxury brands as an art curator and ambassador. Many global publications have repeatedly noted his unique style and sense of taste.

His Instagram is not just a page full of photographs but a true art space where photography, philosophical captions, fashion images, and moments from his personal life intertwine. Through each post, he transmits an aesthetic vision of the world — calm, exquisite, and somewhat detached. This only enhances his on-screen image — a silent but deep character who leaves a mark even in short scenes.

Instagram: @choi_seung_hyun_tttop.

Wi Ha-joon — Hwang Jun-ho

Wi Ha-joon played the role of police officer Hwang Jun-ho, who secretly infiltrates the island where the games are held in search of his missing brother. His character adds a detective element to the series and reveals to the viewers the behind-the-scenes of the organization. Jun-ho is one of the few heroes who acts independently, with his own moral stance.

The actor gained widespread recognition thanks to «Squid Game», although prior to that he appeared in several dramas, including «18 Again», «Romance Is a Bonus Book», and the film «Midnight». His charisma and physical preparation make him ideal for roles of policemen, guards, or action heroes.

In real life, Wi Ha-joon is actively developing his career and is filming in new projects, including the horror film «Scream» (2024). His Instagram contains both stylish professional photos and moments from his life. Instagram: @wi__wi__wi. 

Park Gyu-young — Kang Noh-il

Park Gyu-young joined the cast in the second season, playing the role of Kang Noh-il — a mysterious participant who enters the game to escape her past. Her character is cold, observant, and has a unique strategic approach to the situations she finds herself in.

Gyu-young was already familiar to viewers due to her roles in «The Devil Judge», «Sweet Home», and «It's Okay to Not Be Okay». She stands out for her ability to play multilayered, emotionally complex characters. In «Squid Game», her heroine evokes conflicting feelings — sympathy, admiration, and sometimes even suspicion.

In everyday life, Park Gyu-young engages actively in media activities, participates in photo shoots for glossy magazines, and supports social campaigns. Instagram: @lavieenbluu. 

Park Hae-soo — Cho Sang-woo (Player No. 218)

Cho Sang-woo is one of the most ambiguous characters in the series. A brilliant student who went bankrupt due to financial machinations finds himself in the game as a last chance for salvation. Initially, he seems rational and noble, but his dark side is gradually revealed.

The role was played by Park Hae-soo, who previously starred in the series «Prison Playbook», where he also played a multifaceted hero. His acting performance in «Squid Game» received particularly positive reviews for emotional depth and dramatic intensity.

After the series, Hae-soo starred in the lead role in the crime drama «Yaksha: Ruthless Operations» on Netflix. He rarely shares details about his personal life but occasionally appears in public to support cultural initiatives.

O Yeong-su — Oh Il-nam (Player No. 001 / Old Man)

The image of the old participant No. 001 initially seems naïve and touching. Viewers sympathize with him until they learn the shocking truth — he is the creator of the games. The role was performed with impressive subtlety.

O Yeong-su is a veteran of South Korean theater and cinema. His acting career began in the 1960s, and although he rarely appears on television, this role brought him world fame. In 2022, he received the «Golden Globe» for Best Supporting Actor — the first in history for an actor from South Korea with such an award.

Interestingly, even after the explosive success of «Squid Game», the actor has not become a media personality. He declines interviews and does not maintain social media.

No Chae-won — Nam Gyu

No Chae-won is another star who will appear in the upcoming season of the series. Her character — Nam Gyu — is a young participant with a strong intuition, who remains calm in the most critical moments. Not much is known yet, but her storyline promises to be the emotional backbone of the new story.

The actress is just beginning her journey in mainstream cinema, although she has already established herself as a talented performer in such series as «School 2021» and «Curtain Call». She actively engages in photo projects, maintains a blog, and positions herself as a representative of a new generation of actresses.

Her Instagram is bright, stylish, filled with atmospheric travel photos and behind-the-scenes moments. Instagram: @no_chaewon.