Squid Game (Season 2): Official trailer
Since its record-breaking Netflix debut on Boxing Day, Squid Game season two has had fans on the edge of their seats. The thrilling narrative twists and THAT jaw-dropping cliffhanger have left viewers eagerly anticipating the third season.
Despite no official release date from Netflix, a slip-up on its Korean YouTube channel revealed a launch date of June 27, 2025, in a swiftly deleted teaser video for the new season. However, fans managed to capture screenshots, fuelling further speculation.
Yet, it's not just the show's plot that has fans buzzing. A recently unearthed video of Lee Jung-jae, who portrays Player 456, Seong Gi-hun, has sent fans into a frenzy.
The Reddit post, shared a few days ago, features a compilation of clips showing a younger Jung-jae in what appears to be footage from the 90s.
The actor can be seen engaging in various activities such as rowing a boat, cycling, and working out, all while flashing a charming grin at the camera.
This endearing display has seemingly won over many hearts, reports the Mirror.
Fans were quick to express their admiration for the star of Player 456 in the comments, with many expressing surprise and disbelief that the man in the footage and the character they know from Squid Game are one and the same.
The leading man of the hit series has sparked an online frenzy after a clip surfaced showcasing his extraordinary transformation. Fans were left in awe, with one blurting out: "Holy s***, okay Gi-hun", and others voicing their disbelief: "Is that really him?"
As curiosity bubbled over, another spectator probed: "Ummmmm excuse me, where did this man come from?" Then, admiration for Jung-jae's striking looks began in earnest. A flurry of compliments flooded in, with comments such as: "I am questioning my sexuality right now", "a very pretty man" and "a Korean Leonardo DiCaprio".
Discussions about his attractiveness ensued with one individual reflecting: "I didn't know he was pretty, he has like a ruggedly handsome look to him. It's interesting that he went from pretty to like ruggedly handsome."
Other fans were unabashed in their praise: "He aged like fine wine", "my brain is fried", and "god damn" epitomised the wave of adulation that washed over social media.
Veteran actor Jung-jae, 52, first graced television screens in 1993, but it wasn't until 1998, with E-J Yong's critically-acclaimed film An Affair, that he ascended to stardom. That same year, his performance in City of the Rising Sun garnered him a Best Actor accolade.
Away from the camera, Jung-jae has parlayed his success into entrepreneurial ventures, owning a range of high-end Italian eateries inspired by his 2000 blockbuster, II Mare. He also helms a real estate development empire and runs his own entertainment company.
Regrettably for the admirers of Squid Game's Jung-jae, he is presently in a relationship with Lim Se-ryung, the eldest daughter of honorary Daesang Group president, Lim Chang-wook. The couple maintains a low profile, although they have been seen together on numerous occasions, including dates and public events.
Notably, they attended the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards together, where Jung-jae clinched the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series award in 2022.
Squid Game is available to stream on Netflix.
