Jo Yu-ri Reflects on Her Role in 'Squid Game 3' and Prepares for Solo Comeback

"I need to show growth by using this as nourishment."

Jo Yu-ri, who has received mixed reviews for her expressionless acting in Netflix's 'Squid Game 3,' is determined to improve. The series follows Seong Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) and other survivors as they face their final fates in the brutal games. Jo Yu-ri plays Jun-hee, a pregnant participant who gives birth during the games. Recently, Jo Yu-ri shared her thoughts at a café in Seoul.

'Squid Game' released its third season on June 27. Jo Yu-ri commented, "I wasn't ready to let go of Jun-hee, but now that all three seasons are out, I feel prepared to say goodbye." She added, "I was so immersed that I watched it all in one sitting. I realized I could make such expressions and look at someone as if they were a bug." Regarding the criticism of her expressionless acting, she said, "I accept it as feedback from viewers who care about the show." On the praise for her eye acting, she noted, "As an actress just starting out, I wasn't aware of my strengths, but hearing from seniors, directors, and viewers that my eye acting is good made me realize it's my weapon."

Some viewers criticized the childbirth scene as unrealistic, noting the ease of the process. Jo Yu-ri explained, "I tried to balance dramatic situations with reality. The director and I discussed it extensively, and he suggested that while realism is important, some dramatic elements are necessary."

Jo Yu-ri researched pregnancy and childbirth to build her character. Kang Ae-shim, who plays Geum-ja, Jun-hee's supporter, offered advice. Jo Yu-ri said, "Ae-shim taught me about possible and impossible positions. I also watched childbirth vlogs on YouTube and asked a recently delivered friend." She added, "Hearing many experiences, I realized that during childbirth, one enters a trance-like state. Initially, I planned everything meticulously, but I decided it was better to clear my mind and portray that state." On reactions to the childbirth scene, she shared, "My mom said it was painful to watch, and others commented on the effort it must have taken to film."

In the series, Jun-hee's condition worsens after an ankle injury, making it difficult for her to walk. After securing her baby's survival with Seong Gi-hun's help in a jump rope game, she chooses to forfeit and die. Some viewers wondered if she should have tried harder. Jo Yu-ri explained, "We discussed this a lot with the director. To avoid appearing as if she gave up too easily, we added a practice scene. However, realizing time was up and practice hadn't helped, Jun-hee felt it was more meaningful to convey her final words to Gi-hun."

Jun-hee entrusts her baby to Gi-hun, participant 456, instead of the baby's father, Myung-ki (played by Im Si-wan), whom she met in the game. Jo Yu-ri said, "I understood her choice because Myung-ki didn't feel like a father. She sensed more humanity in Gi-hun." She added, "As a mother needing to entrust her child, she might have thought Gi-hun, a previous winner, could protect her baby better. This reflects a realistic concern."

Myung-ki is a cryptocurrency investment YouTuber who misleads others, causing financial losses and being pursued by creditors and subscribers. In the series, he lacks paternal instincts and even considers harming the baby for his survival. When asked about men like Myung-ki, Jo Yu-ri said, "He's the worst," adding, "Initially, I could reconnect with him because he was also pursued by creditors. But Myung-ki is the type to make wrong choices despite warnings." She humorously concluded, "I never want to meet someone like him again."

Before Jo Yu-ri's role in 'Squid Game 3' was confirmed, former IZ*ONE member Choi Ye-na surprised everyone by dreaming of Jo Yu-ri's audition success. Jo Yu-ri shared, "Ye-na said she dreamt of me crying while pregnant. When she looked up the dream's meaning, it indicated success. She asked if I got the 'Squid Game' role. It was amazing she guessed the character." She added, "I treated her to grilled clams at Wolmido as a thank you, though not directly for the dream."

Jo Yu-ri debuted as a member of the girl group IZ*ONE. Fans eagerly await news of a reunion. She stated, "There's no talk or plan yet, but if it happens, I'll definitely participate."

Jo Yu-ri will release her third mini-album on the 13th, marking her return as a solo artist after two years. The album reflects her musical and personal growth. She expressed gratitude to fans for waiting, saying, "I prepared it with a heart of gratitude, incorporating my tastes and opinions." She added, "Originally, I planned to release it right after filming 'Squid Game 3,' but delays occurred. However, releasing it at a time of attention seems fortunate. I'm thinking positively with a lucky mindset."

Having started her acting career with a major project like 'Squid Game 3,' Jo Yu-ri plans to continue both singing and acting. She said, "In my next project, I'll take on a role as challenging as Jun-hee in 'Squid Game 3.' I aim to show even more intense and impressive performances."

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr