In 2021, when I first pressed play on Netflix’s Squid Game, it was still flying under the radar, mostly watched by K-drama fans. The moment Wi Ha Jun appeared on screen as the intense, brooding cop Hwang Jun-Ho, I was hooked. What started as a late-night binge at 10 pm ended with the morning sun streaming through my window and me sitting there, whispering to myself, “What was that?”
Just days later, I wasn’t the only one left reeling. Squid Game had taken the world by storm, quickly becoming Netflix’s most-watched original series. Helmed by Hwang Dong-Hyuk, the Korean show surpassed the previous record holder, Bridgerton, within the next 28 days. It was viewed by 111 million accounts, making it the most-watched show on the platform at that time. Something the cast and crew never expected, especially for a non-English-language series.
And now, with Squid Game Season 2 knocking on our door, I had the opportunity to sit down with Wi Ha Jun for a conversation. The excitement surrounding the new season is palpable, and I was eager to get his take on what’s to come and how his life has changed since the first season.
A Global Phenomenon
When I asked Wi Ha Jun about the show’s massive success, it was clear that the scale of its global impact was still something he could hardly wrap his head around. “We never expected it to be this big,” he laughs. “I think the way we reinterpreted these simple children’s games, bringing back childhood nostalgia and turning them into brutal, deadly survival challenges, shocked the global audience.”
He feels that since the storytelling was fresh and unsettling, people connected with it on a much deeper level. “The way we explored how people’s darkest desires and secrets emerge in the fight to survive, everyone could relate to it in some way,” he says.
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With the show’s fanbase becoming bigger day by day, Wi Ha Jun was the centre of everyone’s attention on social media. Not to forget, his dance to Nicki Minaj’s Hey Mama to celebrate the success of Squid Game sent fans into a frenzy. His social media numbers blew up instantaneously. “Then came the offers—more shows, some commercial deals, and I started appearing in magazines. I’m so grateful for all these opportunities,” he says.
But with fame, of course, came a packed schedule. “I’ve been swamped ever since Squid Game. I never had a chance to take a break. I’ve been juggling back-to-back projects, but I’m grateful for it all. I get to work and grow in my craft, and that’s all I can ask for,” he says.
Wi Ha Jun admits that playing Jun-Ho, who is one of the rare characters to make it out alive from Season 1, was a thrilling departure from some of his earlier roles. “I received the script and was immediately hooked. I couldn’t put it down,” he recalls, speaking of Jun-Ho’s complexity. “He’s such an intriguing character. There was so much depth to him, and when I got the chance to audition, I did my best to prepare for it. I feel fortunate to have been able to play him.”
Let the Games Begin
Jun-Ho’s arc through Squid Game Season 1 was nothing short of intense. In the process, he uncovers the horrifying truth about the game and discovers that the mysterious Front Man is none other than his own brother. “He barely survives, which marks a huge turning point for his character.” This brings us to Season 2, where Jun-Ho returns more determined than ever. “In Season 2, he’s back with a vengeance. He’s on a relentless quest to find his brother and destroy this brutal organisation. This experience has made him tougher, colder, and more ruthless,” Wi Ha Jun reveals.
The new season has new players in the game, adding some notable names from the South Korean entertainment industry to the cast line-up, some of whom Wi Ha Jun had admired from afar. “There are so many senior actors I worked with, and they’re not only incredibly talented but also such warm-hearted people,” he says, his respect for his co-stars evident. “At first, I was a little nervous, but soon, I felt completely comfortable on set. I learnt so much from them, not just about acting but also about professionalism and maintaining the right attitude while working. Their presence helped me grow further as an actor.”
Crossing Borders
As Squid Game continues to capture global attention, Wi Ha Jun’s rise to fame mirrors the increasing popularity of K-dramas and K-pop worldwide, particularly in countries like India. Despite this newfound recognition, he remains deeply grounded. “I’m just so grateful,” he says with sincerity, his humility striking. “I never expected, even though I always dreamed of becoming an actor, that I’d be able to connect with so many fans globally. I feel so blessed to be living in this time. I’m thankful for every moment.”
With his career just beginning and many projects on the horizon, Wi Ha Jun’s growing portfolio makes it clear that he’s ready for whatever comes next. And one thing is certain: his journey has only just begun, with fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter.
Images courtesy: Netflix
