On October 8, actress Jo Yu-ri, who stars in Netflix's 'Squid Game 3,' shared her thoughts on her co-star Im Si-wan's character, calling him the 'worst man.'
In 'Squid Game 3,' the story follows Seong Gi-hun, played by Lee Jung-jae, as he re-enters the deadly games to save others, alongside the remaining survivors. Jo Yu-ri portrays Jun-hee, a pregnant participant who ends up giving birth during the games.
Jun-hee struggles physically after twisting her ankle, making it increasingly difficult for her to move. When her baby's survival is secured thanks to Seong Gi-hun's help in a jump rope game, she chooses to forfeit the game and embrace death. Some viewers expressed disappointment at Jun-hee's decision to give up without trying. Jo Yu-ri explained, "I discussed this a lot with the director. We added a scene where she practices to avoid making it look like she gave up too easily. However, time ran out, and she realized it was impossible. From Jun-hee's perspective, conveying her final words to Gi-hun was more meaningful than attempting the challenge. That's how I approached the role."
Jun-hee entrusts her baby to Gi-hun, participant 456, instead of the baby's biological father, Myung-gi, played by Im Si-wan, whom she met in the game. Jo Yu-ri commented, "I understood her decision because the biological father didn't feel like one. She sensed more humanity in Gi-hun." She added, "As a mother who had to entrust her child to someone, she might have thought Gi-hun, being a previous winner, could better protect her child. It was a realistic concern."
Myung-gi, a YouTuber who advises on cryptocurrency investments, ends up in debt and pursued by creditors and subscribers due to poor investment choices. In the series, Myung-gi is depicted as lacking paternal instincts, even attempting to harm his child for his survival. When asked about men like Myung-gi, Jo Yu-ri said, "He's the worst," adding, "Initially, I could sympathize with him because he was also being chased by creditors. But Myung-gi is the type who makes wrong choices despite warnings. I wouldn't want to meet someone like him again," she joked.
Seong Gi-hun ultimately sacrifices himself for the baby's survival. Jo Yu-ri expressed, "As a mother, I'm relieved the baby survived in such a harsh environment." Reflecting on her role in 'Squid Game 3,' she added, "Seeing my face on the survivor screen until the end gave me a sense of exhilaration," she laughed.
Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr