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On January 8, a South Korean media outlet, Nate, reported that actor Lee Byung-hun addressed the growing international fascination with the perceived "bromance" between his character, Hwang In-ho (the Frontman), and Lee Jung-jae’s character, Sung Gi-hoon, in Squid Game Season 2. During an interview at a café in Seoul, he acknowledged the buzz around fan-created interpretations of their relationship but admitted that he found some reactions surprising.
Lee Byung-hun also commented on overseas fans urging the two characters to have an intimate scene, remarking that such reactions were puzzling yet amusing. When asked if Korean fans shared a similar sentiment, he lightheartedly identified himself as one, adding that he, too, felt discomfort at times, eliciting laughter from those present. He said,
"I think I'm a Korean fan too. I get offended."
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The actor mentioned seeing "BL" in connection to the series online and initially mistaking it for a misspelling of "BH" (his initials Lee Byung-hun). Realizing it referred to "Boys Love," he humorously shared his confusion, expressing that while he didn't take offense, the notion didn’t sit well with him either. He said,
"I saw BL written on the shorts and I thought it was a misspelling of BH. Or was it 'Byung-hun Lee? '"
More about Lee Byung-hun and Lee Jung-jae in Squid Game 2
Season 2 of Squid Game was released on Netflix on December 26, 2024, and has since been a global sensation. The series topped Netflix charts across 93 countries with 126.2 million views within its first 11 days. The show has captivated audiences with the intense dynamics between Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae), who returns seeking revenge, and the Frontman (played by Lee Byung-hun), who secretly participates in the deadly games as "001."
Their evolving relationship and Lee Byung-hun’s chemistry with co-star Lee Jung-jae have sparked widespread discussions.
Reflecting on their collaboration, Lee revealed that despite working on Squid Game Season 1 and the drama White Night, the two actors never exchanged dialogue in those projects. Season 2, however, provided a long-awaited opportunity for them to act directly alongside each other, which Lee described as a fulfilling and exciting experience.
"Come to think of it, we met before in the drama 'White Night'. We also did 'Squid Game 1', but coincidentally, we never worked together in either of the two works. It was the first time we exchanged lines like this, so it was a good experience.We've never worked together in a project, but we debuted around the same time, so we're old friends. It was really amazing. We're finally exchanging lines with each other," he said.
While addressing the controversies surrounding Squid Game 2, Lee maintained a diplomatic stance, noting that the immense popularity of the series inevitably attracted scrutiny.
Lee Byung-hun refrained from commenting on specific incidents, such as spoilers or social media mishaps involving cast members, instead emphasizing that such attention underscored the significance of the project.
Lee Byung-hun concluded by praising director Hwang Dong-hyeok’s brilliance and expressing gratitude for being part of a show that continues to set global benchmarks. Despite mixed reviews, he finds satisfaction in the collaborative efforts that brought the gripping tale to life.
