South Korean actor Lee Byung Hun, known for his chilling portrayal of the Front Man in Netflix’s global phenomenon Squid Game, recently shared his candid thoughts about reading the show’s script for the first time. During a captivating appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on June 18, 2025, the seasoned actor opened up about his initial reaction to the experimental script, his role as the enigmatic Hwang In-ho, and the bittersweet anticipation surrounding the final season of the series, set to premiere on June 27, 2025. Here’s a deep dive into his revelations, offering fans a glimpse into the mind of one of Squid Game’s most pivotal stars.
A Script That Felt Like a Gamble
When Lee Byung Hun first read the Squid Game script, he was struck by its bold and unconventional nature. “When I first read the script, it was a very, very interesting story with a very unique structure, but at the same time, it was too experimental,” he shared on The Tonight Show. He admitted to feeling torn about its potential, thinking, “Either it’s going to be a huge hit or a complete flop.” This uncertainty stemmed from the show’s daring premise—a dystopian survival thriller where 456 desperate contestants risk their lives in deadly children’s games for a massive cash prize.
Lee’s instincts about the show’s high-stakes gamble paid off. Squid Game became Netflix’s most-watched series, amassing 1.65 billion views within 28 days of its 2021 debut and making history as the first non-English series to top U.S. charts. His portrayal of the masked Front Man, the overseer of the brutal games, cemented his status as a global star, adding to his already impressive Hollywood resume, which includes films like G.I. Joe and The Magnificent Seven.
The Front Man’s Complexity and Season 3 Teases
As the Front Man, Lee Byung Hun embodies a character shrouded in mystery and moral ambiguity. During his Tonight Show appearance, he hinted at the emotional depth he brought to the role in Season 3. “When I was portraying the character, the Front Man, so many thoughts were going through my mind and so many different layers of emotions,” he told Extra. “I’m also curious as to how that is going to be conveyed to the viewers.” This suggests that Season 3, the series’ final chapter, will delve deeper into the Front Man’s inner conflicts, particularly his ideological clash with Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae).
The Season 3 trailer teases a “final face-off” between Gi-hun, who is determined to dismantle the deadly games, and the Front Man, who spared Gi-hun’s life to test his unwavering belief in humanity’s goodness. In an IGN interview, Lee revealed that the Front Man sees parallels between himself and Gi-hun, believing Gi-hun will eventually abandon his ideals, just as he once did. “I’m almost rooting for Gi-hun to be right,” Lee admitted, hinting at a surprising empathy beneath his character’s cold exterior.
Behind-the-Scenes Secrets and Family Reactions
Lee Byung Hun’s Tonight Show appearance wasn’t all serious talk—he shared lighthearted anecdotes that endeared him to the audience. He recounted keeping his Squid Game casting a secret, even from his mother, at Netflix’s request. “After Squid Game opened, my mom called me and she yelled at me: ‘How could you not tell me that?’” he laughed. He also shared a funny moment with his son, who, after watching his father’s menacing performance, asked, “Why are you so mean?” Lee playfully responded, “Don’t tell your mother—it’s a secret!” These personal stories humanized the actor, showing the contrast between his on-screen intensity and off-screen warmth.
The actor also engaged in a lively “Squid Game” OX game with Jimmy Fallon, showcasing his fluent English and quick wit, which created a friendly atmosphere in the studio. When asked about the possibility of a Front Man spinoff, Lee remained coy but didn’t rule it out, saying, “There’s a possibility, and we’ll never know what happens.” This tantalizing hint has fueled fan speculation about the Squid Game universe expanding beyond its final season.
The Perfectly Written Finale
Lee Byung Hun has repeatedly praised the scripts for Seasons 2 and 3, which he read together due to their simultaneous filming. “It was just perfectly written,” he told The Hollywood Reporter at Netflix’s Tudum event. He described Season 3 as the “climax” of the story, a sentiment echoed by director Hwang Dong-hyuk and co-star Lee Jung-jae. Lee expressed satisfaction with the series’ ending but admitted to feeling “bittersweet” as the cultural juggernaut concludes. “The Squid Game experience was truly special,” he told The Star, reflecting on how the show elevated Korean content globally.
Fans are equally eager and nervous about the finale. Lee Jung-jae, who plays Gi-hun, shared his anticipation and anxiety about audience reactions in a Hollywood Reporter interview, while Lee Byung Hun remains curious about how viewers will perceive the Front Man’s arc. The final season promises jaw-dropping twists, new games, and a resolution to Gi-hun’s quest to end the games, with a stellar cast including Wi Ha-joon, Park Gyu-young, and Kang Ha-neul.
Why Lee Byung Hun’s Insights Matter
Lee Byung Hun’s reflections on Squid Game offer more than just behind-the-scenes trivia—they highlight the show’s daring creativity and emotional depth. His initial doubts about the script’s experimental nature mirror the high stakes of the series itself, where bold risks led to unprecedented success. As the Front Man, Lee brings nuance to a character who challenges viewers to question morality and human nature, making his Season 3 performance one to watch.
With Squid Game Season 3 set to drop on June 27, 2025, and a fan event planned in Seoul on June 28 featuring Lee Byung Hun, Lee Jung-jae, and Hwang Dong-hyuk, the excitement is palpable. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, Lee’s insights remind us why Squid Game resonates worldwide: it’s a story that dares to be different, much like the actor who helped bring it to life.
