“Probably saw the criminals lineup” — Fans react as Son Seok-gu reported to have declined Squid Game casting offers amid ongoing cast controversies

Actor Son Seok-gu (or Son Suk-ku) recently garnered attention for reportedly declining casting offers for both seasons of Netflix's acclaimed series Squid Game. On January 3, 2025, Pannchoa and @kdramahandle reported that despite the show's global success, Son Seok-gu chose to pursue other projects.

As per reports, in Squid Game Season 1, Son Seok-gu was offered the role of Sang-woo, played by Park Hae-soo—known for Narco-Saints and Prison Playbook. A staff member from Son Seok-gu's agency reportedly said that the actor declined season 2 as all the main roles were already assigned to other actors like Im Siwan and Kang Ha-neul.

Reports of Son Seok-gu's decision to decline roles in both seasons of Squid Game elicited mixed reactions from fans. Some expressed disappointment, speculating how his involvement could have influenced the series, while others respected his commitment to diverse and challenging roles in other projects.

Discussions on social media platforms reflected a blend of surprise and understanding, with fans acknowledging the actor's impressive body of work during the same period. Some fans made comments regarding the Squid Game's second season's controversial cast, which included former BIGBANG member T.O.P, who was accused of drug abuse.

"Probably saw the criminals lineup and decided he's better off far away from them," one netizen tweeted.

Several fans approved Son Seok-gu's alleged decision to turn down the Netflix show.

"Thank heaven for that. However, this man would have devoured the frontman's role," one fan said.

"More successful works with better co-stars will surely come his way," another fan said.

"Oh my he just keeps getting higher and higher on my standards, please never let me down," one other fan wrote.

However, others highlighted how the My Liberation Notes actor would have been a crucial catalyst in the Squid Game franchise.

"If bro was in squid game then all my fav actors other than jung haein and lee hejoon would be in squid game wtf," a fan expressed.

"We’ve could’ve had it all," another fan added.

"He would have been such a great addition," one fan said.

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More about Son Seok-gu's career from 2021 to 2024 and Squid Game season 2's plot and cast

Between 2021 and 2024, Son Seok-gu built an impressive portfolio in both television and film. In 2021, he starred in the K-drama D.P., portraying Captain Im Ji-sup, a role that earned him critical acclaim. The following year, he appeared in My Liberation Notes as Mr. Gu, starring alongside Kim Ji-won and Lee Min-ki.

In 2023, Son Seok-gu played a leading role in the crime thriller Big Bet, playing Oh Seung-hoon, a character entangled in the high-stakes world of gambling. His film credits during this period include The Roundup (2022), where he played the antagonist Kang Hae-sang. Korean sci-fi thriller films like Troll Factory (2024) and Night Fishing (2024) also shot him to global acclaim.

Meanwhile, Squid Game Season 2 premiered on December 26, 2024, continuing the harrowing narrative of life-and-death competitions. The season followed protagonist Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), who infiltrated the games to dismantle the organization from within.

Joining him was detective Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon), who sought to uncover the truth behind his brother's disappearance. New cast members included Park Gyu-young as Kang Eun-ji, a contestant with a mysterious past, and Lee Byung-hun, reprising his role as the enigmatic Front Man. Other lead cast members were Im Siwan, Kang Ha-neul, T.O.P, Park Sung-hoon, Joo Yu-ri, and more.

The season introduced a series of new, psychologically intense games that tested the limits of human morality and survival instincts. The narrative delved deeper into the origins and operations of the clandestine organization behind the games, such as organ trafficking, human killing for entertainment, and money laundering, offering viewers a more intricate understanding of its inner workings.

While season 2 retained the brutal and suspenseful elements that captivated audiences in the first season, it also explored more complex character dynamics and ethical dilemmas.

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In other news, Squid Game Season 2 concluded with a dramatic cliffhanger: Gi-hun's rebellion against the game's controllers led to a tragic outcome, including the death of his ally, Park Jung-bae, at the hands of the Front Man, Hwang In-ho. A post-credit scene hinted at new, ominous games involving characters reminiscent of Young-hee and Chul-su, setting the stage for the anticipated third season.

Squid Game season 3 will reportedly be released on June 27, 2025.