Park Gyu-young: "Feeling the Global Phenomenon of Squid Game 2... Bringing a Twist with a New Character"
As Squid Game 2 continues its global success following its full release on November 26, Park Gyu-young, a new addition to the cast, shared her insights on the show's achievements and the process of building her character.
■ Breaking New Global Records
Squid Game 2 has maintained its No. 1 spot in Netflix's TV Program category for 10 consecutive days since its release.
According to FlixPatrol, it ranked No. 1 in 93 countries for five consecutive days, continuing the momentum of Season 1.
Park remarked, "Although I've been part of international projects before, this time it truly feels global.
This is the first time I've been part of something so successful."
■ New Challenges in the Second Season
Season 2 centers on the confrontation between Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), who returns with a thirst for revenge, and the Frontman (Lee Byung-hun).
Released three years after the worldwide success of Season 1 in 2021, the show needed a refreshed cast lineup due to the demise of many original characters.
Park Gyu-young’s inclusion has been praised for injecting fresh energy into the series.
■ An Unexpected Character Twist
Contrary to expectations that she would play a participant, Park surprised audiences by appearing as a game staff member.
She shared,
"I only found out about my role after I was cast.
Since Season 1 didn’t delve into the stories of the staff, I felt it was meaningful to explore new narratives."
■ Building Depth for Kang Noeul
Kang Noeul, a former North Korean soldier searching for the daughter she left behind, is defined by her guilt and sense of loss.
Park explained,
"Noeul is someone who cannot confidently show her face because of the immense guilt of leaving her daughter behind. I wanted to stay true to that aspect."
■ A Unique Acting Approach
To portray Noeul, Park chose an extremely restrained performance.
"She’s not someone who overcomes life but someone who endures it,"
she said, interpreting the character with a pale and subdued demeanor.
She described maternal love in this context as "the emotion of living after losing the most precious thing."
■ Expectations for Season 3
Not all aspects of Noeul's story were revealed in Season 2, leading to speculation about her future.
Park teased,
"The parts many are curious about will be clarified in Season 3." The next installment is expected to delve deeper into Noeul’s growth as a staff member and her journey to reunite with her daughter.
Park Gyu-young’s interview highlights how Squid Game 2’s success is rooted not just in its global reach but also in the authentic character-building efforts of its actors.
Her fresh portrayal of a new character has breathed life into the series, leaving fans eager for the narrative developments in Season 3.
With its global popularity, in-depth character construction, and expanded storytelling, Squid Game 2 is earning praise on multiple fronts. Park Gyu-young’s portrayal of Kang Noeul stands as a key element of this success.
