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Lee Jung-jae's performance as Seong Gi-hun in Squid Game was highly acclaimed. His ability to portray a complicated protagonist in a deadly survival game was showcased through his nuanced, raw emotion-filled, and witty portrayal. With the second season of Squid Game now up for online streaming on Netflix, season 3 will be released in 2025.
While his role in Squid Game showcased a delicate balance between vulnerability and strength, delving deeper into his broader work reveals how exceptionally he has performed as an actor. If his performance in Squid Game had made a long-lasting impression, here are five other roles worth noting.
Note: the opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author.
City of the Rising Sun, New World, and other great Lee Jung-jae performances
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1) City of the Rising Sun- MUBI
In City of the Rising Sun, Lee Jung-jae plays an internally conflicted gangster walking the underworlds of South Korea. His portrayal of a man grappling with loyalty, power, and personal demons mirrors the complex characters he brought to life in Squid Game.
Fans of Squid Game will find similarities in the internal struggles of his characters, making this a must-watch for anyone looking to explore Lee Jung-jae’s early work.
2) New World- Netflix
In New World, Lee plays an undercover cop who is torn between his loyalty to the police force and his growing attachment to a criminal organization. His performance in this high-stakes thriller demonstrates his skill in navigating moral ambiguity and internal conflict.
Much like in Squid Game, Lee expertly navigates a world of danger, deception, and moral compromise. New World is a testament to Lee’s skill in portraying characters who are caught between conflicting loyalties and forced to make tough choices.
3) The Face Reader- Prime Video
In The Face Reader, Lee Jung-jae takes on the role of a skilled physiognomist—someone who reads people’s fortunes based on their facial features. Set during the Joseon Dynasty, the film follows Lee’s character as he navigates political intrigue, betrayal, and power struggles.
For fans of Lee Jung-jae in Squid Game, The Face Reader provides a fascinating look at his ability to balance subtlety with intensity.
4) Along with the Gods- Netflix
Lee Jung-jae portrays Yeomra, the king of the underworld (Hell), in Along with the Gods. Though his screen time is minimal, he proves to be a scene-stealer with his commanding presence and intense performance. As the ruler of the afterlife, Yeomra is tasked with overseeing the trials of souls, balancing justice and compassion in a realm that governs life and death.
There was such a mix of authority and vulnerability in his role that it left the audience getting a glimpse into the complexities that this character entails. His performance indeed leaves a memory, and through this film, he proves the depth he is capable of carrying even in a supporting role.
5) Deliver Us from Evil- Prime Video
In Deliver Us from Evil, Lee Jung-jae plays an ex-assassin after redemption while on the run from his past. The action-thriller allows him to exhibit a different kind of acting ability, one which is both physically demanding and emotionally complex. His character is constantly on the run, and he brings an inner conflict with the emotional baggage of his actions.
As with his portrayal of Seong Gi-hun in Squid Game, he explores issues like survival, guilt, and redemption. The intense action and still moments in the movie showcase the emotional depth of his character, making Deliver Us From Evil another must-watch film from his filmography.
Lee Jung-jae also starred in Hunt, The Acolyte, The Housemaid, An Affair, and Over the Rainbow among others.
