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Jo Yu-ri praised Yim Si-wan for his kindness on the sets of Squid Game 2, as reported by Cineplay on January 10, 2025. Among the new characters introduced in Squid Game 2 is Jun-hee, played by Jo Yui-ri, who appears to be pregnant and alone, and Myung-gi, played by Yim Si-wan, engaged in a game of ddakji with the Recruiter, played by Gong Yoo.
As the story progresses and their paths converge within the game, it's revealed that Jun-hee was deceived into investing in Myung-gi's cryptocurrency, and he is also her ex-partner and the father of her unborn child. While Yim Si-wan has applauded Yu-ri for her acting skills, Yu-ri considers him a kind senior.
"Our chemistry was great. He guided me and took care of me on set. I learned so much from him and thought, when I become a senior, I want to treat others the way Si-wan oppa did." she said.
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Jo Yu-ri expressed her admiration for Im Si-wan, highlighting how much they learned from observing his actions rather than receiving direct advice. She noted Si-wan's dedication to practicing scenes, often inviting them to rehearse together or working diligently on his own, which was inspiring. She also appreciated his thoughtfulness in small moments, such as taking care of them during meals on set.
How did Jo Yu-ri prepare to portray Jun-hee in Squid Game 2?
In the interview with Cineplay, Jo Yu-ri shared her perspective on Jun-hee's complex emotions in Squid Game season 2, particularly in her first scene at an obstetrics and gynecology clinic. She explained that Jun-hee was torn between wanting to keep the child and being forced to give it up due to her bleak circumstances, including the father's absence. Jun-hee got a checkup out of curiosity and ultimately decided to call Myeong-gi as a last resort.
Feeling betrayed when he failed her, she turned to the games out of desperation. Regarding her physical transformation, the singer-actress revealed that she gradually lost weight to reflect Jun-hee's exhaustion as the game progressed. She noted that Jun-hee likely wouldn't have experienced the joys of pregnancy, such as eating freely, due to her challenging circumstances.
Jun-hee's styling, including her two-toned hair and eyebrow piercings, hinted at her past, which Jo interpreted as someone who cared about appearances and followed her boyfriend, Myeong-gi, in ventures like part-time jobs and a coin YouTube channel. In the interview, she was also asked how she dealt with emotional scenes, such as the bathroom scene.
"Since it was the first time that Jun-hee's emotions were revealed, I also prepared carefully. I had a desire to do this scene well, and I prepared myself mentally before filming, but when filming actually started, regardless of how hard I prepared, I just started crying," she said.
Jo Yu-ri said actress Kang Ae-shim hugged her and whispered comforting words, which deepened her immersion in the moment.
Jo Yu-ri and Yim Si-wan reflect on their characters in Squid Game 2
As reported by Lifestyle Asia on January 15, Jo Yu-ri shared that taking on her first major role in a series required extensive preparation to portray a pregnant woman.
"To prepare for my character, I studied a lot about pregnancy. I also asked a lot of questions to people around me who have experienced pregnancy, including my mother. And the more questions I asked them, the more I learned that a mother's love is truly amazing and sacred," she said.
Yu-ri said she focused on naturally conveying these contrasting emotions in her character, Jun-hee.
Yim Si-wan, reflecting on his role as Myung-gi, noted that while he has often portrayed villains in the past, such as in Unlocked and Emergency Declaration, this character was approached differently. He expressed his gratitude to viewers who recognized the variety in his roles, adding that Myung-gi initially seemed like a typical villain.
"Director Hwang Dong-hyuk told me he wanted Myung-gi to be seen as more human. So, I tried not to portray him as just a simple villain but also a human being with a lot of different layers within him," said Si-wan.
Both actors discussed the intricate dynamic between their characters, Jun-hee and Myung-gi, which serves as one of the season's highlights. Si-wan pointed out the stark difference in how the two characters perceive their relationship—Jun-hee sees it as over, while Myung-gi believes it's still ongoing.
During the script readings, this divergence in perspective was evident, but instead of resolving it, they chose to emphasize and explore those differences.
Jo Yu-ri added that she had noticed discussions online about their relationship, with fans speculating whether Jun-hee still harbors feelings for Myung-gi and whether Myung-gi genuinely loves her. She expressed satisfaction with these reactions, explaining that the ambiguity in their relationship was intentional. However, she acknowledged that as the games progress, Jun-hee begins to open up to Myung-gi.
An entertainment industry official revealed to Sports Chosun on January 7 that Jo Yu-ri has been cast as the lead in the upcoming drama Variety. The series, a thriller set in the idol industry, will be directed by Kim Yong-hoon, known for his work on Mask Girl.
