Here are the 4 K-pop idols in ‘Squid Game’ season 2
Photo from netflixkr/Instagram
Netflix’s smash-hit “Squid Game” has returned for a thrilling second season, and while the deadly games are back in full swing, something else has caught the attention of viewers (or just for second generation K-pop fans) – several cast members are recognizable figures from the K-pop industry.
Players 333, 230, 222 and 007 may be embroiled in life-or-death challenges, but off-screen, they are known for hitting musical notes and dance moves on stage.
While the crossover of K-pop idols into acting is hardly a new trend, it still excites fans when familiar stars take on roles in hit dramas and thrillers. With their polished charisma and years of performance experience, idols-turned-actors often bring a unique presence to the screen, elevating their roles beyond expectations.
Player 333 – Im Si-wan
While Siwan has built an impressive acting portfolio with popular K-dramas such as “Run On,” “Summer Strike” and “Strangers from Hell,” many may not know that he first rose to fame as a member of the second-generation K-pop group ZE:A.
Siwan shares this musical background with fellow idol-turned-actor Park Hyungsik, who recently made waves for his role in “Doctor Slump.”
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Player 230 – T.O.P.
There was a scene in “Squid Game” Season 2 where ZE:A’s Siwan faced off against former Bigbang member T.O.P. and this sparked a wave of memes across social media. Fans quickly turned the intense moment into lighthearted content, blending K-drama suspense with K-pop humor.
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For those unfamiliar, Bigbang from YG Entertainment is one of the most influential K-pop groups of all time, known for hits like “Fantastic Baby” and “Bang Bang Bang.”
Player 222 – Jo Yuri
From one survival show to another, Jo Yuri seems to be carving a niche for herself as a queen of survival challenges – this time, in the gripping world of Squid Game.
Known as Player 222 in the series, Yuri brings her charm and resilience to the high-stakes thriller with her as a pregnant ex-girlfriend of Siwan’s character.
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Yuri first gained attention through Mnet’s Idol School in 2017 but truly rose to prominence after joining Produce 48, which led to her debut with the hit group IZ*ONE with songs “Panorama,” “Fiesta” and “La Vie en Rose.”
Player 007 – YDG
Surprising to some, Player 007 in “Squid Game,” Yang Dong-geun, or YDG, is not only an actor but also a well-known rapper and record producer in South Korea.
YDG made his debut in the music scene under Cooking Music in 2001 and has since built a solid reputation in the hip-hop industry.
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Well, maybe in the next season, you might find even more idol-actors stepping into the deadly arena. With the ever-growing pool of talented K-pop stars turning to acting, the possibilities are endless. Who would you want to see competing in the bloody games next?
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