Latest news with #Frontman
Korea Herald
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Frontman may get 'Squid Game' spinoff, says Lee Byung-hun on 'The Tonight Show'
'Squid Game' star hints at future project on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' Lee Byung-hun, who plays the Frontman in Netflix's global sensation "Squid Game," appeared on the popular talk show "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" this week and hinted at a possible spinoff centered on his enigmatic character. During the interview, which aired Wednesday, Korean time, on NBC, the veteran South Korean actor discussed his initial reaction to reading the script for "Squid Game." He also shared lighthearted anecdotes regarding his family's surprise when his secret identity as the series' main villain was revealed in season 1. Reflecting on the show's overwhelming global reception, Lee also admitted he was taken aback by fans' reactions when he traveled to the US to promote the series. "I've been acting for more than 30 years, and I also participated in some Hollywood blockbuster projects. But 'Squid Game' is a Korean story made by a Korean director with Korean actors and Korean language. I'm so grateful and proud of ('Squid Game''s success)," said Lee, during the interview. The entire interview was conducted in English. During the interview, Lee also fielded fan questions about the future of the series, teasing light spoilers. Lee confirmed that more characters in the upcoming season will uncover the Frontman's identity — and he didn't rule out the possibility of a standalone project exploring his character's backstory. In the series, the Frontman, also known as Hwang In-ho, is the mastermind orchestrating the deadly games and a former winner of the Squid Game himself. Much of his backstory remains shrouded in mystery. "Squid Game" season 3 is set to premiere June 27 on Netflix. yoonseo.3348@
Metro
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Squid Game boss confirms mind-blowing spin-off idea that has to happen
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video In just a couple of weeks, the final season of Squid Game is set to launch on Netflix. Fans around the world are in a state of disbelief that the South Korean dystopian TV phenomenon is drawing to a close, concluding the story of Seong Gi-hun, aka Player 456 (Lee Jung-jae). However, it might not be the absolute end, as the creator of the show Hwang Dong-hyuk revealed his gripping idea for a spin-off to Metro at last night's London premiere for season three. The writer previously expressed interest in continuing the franchise, but he's now finally shared the details of what his idea would entail with familiar, terrifying characters… and we're desperate to see this fascinating plot play out. While standing alongside lead actor Lee Jung-jae, Hwang Dong-hyuk emphasised that there was 'nothing concrete yet' for an official spin-off. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. Nonetheless, he's thought long and hard about how the Squid Game universe could live on, suggesting that they could delve into the backstories of people including the sinister Frontman (Lee Byung-hun) and the Recruiter (Gong Yoo). 'This is just some ideas that I've been throwing around during production. But there's a three-year gap between season one and two, since Gi-hun turns away from the plane,' he said. 'So I'd like to maybe look into the lives of those behind the mask, the Frontman, the Recruiter and Captain Park. How did they meet? What did they do during the three years? 'How did they stay on top of Gi-hun and whatnot? So that's something that I'm thinking about. I have to make it!' Metro TV Editor, Sabrina Barr When I first heard that there was talk of a Squid Game spin-off series, I envisioned a show taking place after the events of season three, perhaps following Gi-hun's daughter as she seeks revenge for her father, if he doesn't make it out of the game for a second time. However, hearing Hwang Dong-hyuk talk about the possibility of a sequel series that would fill in the blanks of that three-year gap between seasons one and two has piqued my interest greatly. I would still love to delve into the aftermath of the original series, but there is so much history about the game that we don't know, with ample content that could pack out a prequel focusing on the Frontman, the Recruiter and Captain Park. Alternatively, I also think it would be fascinating to watch a prequel on the very first Squid Game, so that we can find out how the game started in the first place, and what it was like in that inaugural year. On the other hand, maybe part of the allure that surrounds Squid Game is the sense of mystery, with the audience never being privy to the answers that they crave. Either way, I'm elated that it definitely feels as though there is more Squid Game to come in the future. The Frontman and the Recruiter have been a part of Squid Game since the beginning, although the former was only unmasked at the very end of season one, when he revealed himself to his brother, detective Detective Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon). The latter shed light on his backstory in season two, when he explained to Gi-hun that he willingly shot his own father dead during the game while he was working as a soldier. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Captain Park (Oh Dal-su) was introduced in season two as the fisherman who saved Hwang Jun-ho's life when he was shot by his brother and fell from a cliff into the sea. More Trending In season two, the captain was shown helping the police detective to search for the island where Squid Game takes place, but it was later revealed that he was actually a double agent working for the Frontman. Learning how this trio worked together behind the scenes, and how they were able to keep tabs on Gi-hun in the three years after he won the game, would add a new layer to one of the most thought-provoking thrillers on TV. View More » Squid Game season 3 premieres on Friday June 27 on Netflix. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: It's Friday the 13th so why not binge these 5 truly terrifying TV shows MORE: Netflix fans rush to binge 'must-see' series after huge Rotten Tomatoes boost MORE: 'Underrated' 90s thriller compared to Criminal Minds is finally coming to Netflix
The Star
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Squid Game back in Season 3, more intense than ever, director hints at possibility of spin-offs
SEOUL: 'Squid Game' coming to an end with third and final season, set to premiere June 27 on Netflix. As anticipation builds, series director Hwang Dong-hyuk and key cast members opened up about what fans can expect — and how they're addressing both the shortcomings of Season 2 and the headline-making spoiler leaks that surfaced ahead of the new season. Season 3 picks up in the aftermath of Season 2's events, following Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) as he grapples with his failed attempt at rebellion. Meanwhile, Frontman (Lee Byung-hun), who infiltrated the games in Season 2 as a participant, returns to his role as the unfeeling, calculating mastermind behind the deadly competition, setting the stage for his face-off with Gi-hun. Speaking at a press conference in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Lee Byung-hun previewed the evolving dynamic between the two characters in the final chapter. "Gi-hun falls into a state of deep helplessness after witnessing his closest friend being killed by the Frontman. But he regains his resolve, returning to his original intention to dismantle the entire system while still holding onto his belief in humanity. With this determination, he starts planning again. Seeing Gi-hun's renewed resolve, the Frontman also begins devising new plans," Lee said. "If we consider Seasons 2 and 3 as telling one continuous story, Season 3 will deliver the climax and conclusion, the final act of the narrative. From a dramatic standpoint, it will inevitably feel very intense. In a sense, this will be the story where the full-fledged confrontation between the Frontman and Gi-hun truly unfolds," he added. For Hwang, the saga of 'Squid Game' is about posing questions rather than prescribing answers. "Rather than delivering a message like, 'This is how it is. You should think about it this way,' what I wanted to offer through Seasons 2 and 3 was a question," he explained. "In today's capitalist society, where excessive competition and the constant stimulation of human desire lead to feelings of frustration and defeat, can we, as humans, create a better future? Can we offer the next generation a better, more sustainable world? That is the question I wanted to raise." While 'Squid Game' Season 1 was a worldwide success, earning a Primetime Emmy and becoming Netflix's most-watched non-English-language series, Season 2 drew more mixed reactions, with critics citing its lack of narrative cohesion, drawn-out pacing and unresolved plotlines. Addressing the critiques, Hwang was candid about the production process of the final season. "As most of you know, Seasons 2 and 3 were written, filmed, and produced all at once. We couldn't change Season 3 based on the reactions to Season 2. Nothing has changed in that regard. Since Season 2 ended without fully wrapping up the story arcs or character narratives, I think much of the disappointment people felt will likely be resolved when they watch Season 3," he said. As for the future of the franchise, Hwang made it clear that this is the definitive conclusion — at least for now. "I have no plans to make Season 4. This was something fully discussed and agreed upon with Netflix while working on Season 3. Once you watch Season 3, you'll see that while a Season 4 could be made, it doesn't necessarily need to be. (But) that doesn't mean I'll never return to 'Squid Game' in the future.... I'm not planning to make anything related to 'Squid Game' right away, though I am considering the possibility of doing a spinoff," he said. The road to the final season was not without controversy. Between the release of Season 2 and the upcoming release, key cast members Park Sung-hoon and Park Gyu-young became embroiled in social media scandals after Park Sung-hoon shared pornographic content related to 'Squid Game,' and Park Gyu-young uploaded a supposedly key Season 3 twist, which hinted that Lee Jin-wook's character, whose death was not confirmed in Season 2, may return. Regarding the spoilers, Hwang said he chose to "treat it as an unfortunate incident and let it go." "I hope they'll see (the spoilers) as a small mistake. There's plenty of fun in the show that won't be spoiled by this, so when you watch it, you'll probably feel, 'Oh, that wasn't such a big deal after all.'" - The Korea Herald/ANN
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Game on: ‘Squid Game' wraps with killer challenges and major reveals about its future
KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 — Anticipation for the final season of the popular South Korean series Squid Game continues to build, as audiences worldwide eagerly await the conclusion of this global phenomenon that began in 2021. Ahead of its worldwide release, a press conference was held where the cast talked about how their characters evolve this season. Lee Jung-jae, who plays the lead character Seong Gi-hun, also known as Player 456, spoke about how the character is deeply affected by guilt and despair after witnessing the death of his friend and failing to save many players in Season 2. 'At first, Gi-hun wants to return to the game to punish those behind it and save the players. 'But now, the question is, what is left for Gi-hun? What is he capable of, and what should he do next? He will have to make a decision that defines what he truly needs to do. 'Viewers will get to see Gi-hun's character progress from that point forward,' added Jung-jae. Lee Byung-hun, who portrays the infamous Frontman, said the showdown between his character and Gi-hun will be a major turning point. 'Gi-hun, driven by his beliefs and values, is determined to dismantle the system. 'Meanwhile, the Frontman will act according to his own plans.' Byung-hun explained that if Seasons 2 and 3 are seen as one continuous narrative, the true climax happens in Season 3. He added that it will be extremely dramatic and intense, marking the real conflict and showdown between Gi-hun and the Frontman. Wi Ha-joon, who plays Hwang Jun-ho, shared that his character will continue his search for the island where the games take place. Reflecting on the events at the end of Season 2, he hopes his character will finally be able to reunite with his older brother, the Frontman. Part of the 'Squid Game' cast at the TUDUM Netflix event (L-R: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Park Sung-hoon, Kang Ae-Sim and Choi Seung-hyun). — Picture courtesy of Netflix A glimpse of this season's games As audiences have seen in previous seasons of Squid Game with iconic challenges like Red Light, Green Light, and Dalgona, director Hwang Dong-hyuk confirmed that the upcoming season will introduce several new games, and offered a glimpse of what's to come. 'In the trailer, you probably noticed the jump rope rotating high above a bridge, where some participants fall as the rope reaches them — that's one of the new games you'll see in Season 3,' he said. He also mentioned a maze-like setting where participants wear blue and red vests. 'It's similar to hide-and-seek, but with a twist. 'It combines different elements, making it an exciting and unpredictable game.' According to the director himself, the new games are inspired by childhood games many people grew up playing, but with added twists to raise the stakes. He also teased that there are more games not shown in the trailer, which will be revealed in the final season. The fate of the Squid Game franchise Hwang stated that there are currently no plans for Season 4, explaining that this was a mutual decision made with Netflix during the development of Season 3. 'I think when you watch Season 3, you might feel that we don't need another season,' he said. When asked whether he would ever return to the world of Squid Game, Hwang replied, 'I'm not saying no to that.' He revealed that if the opportunity arises, he is open to the idea of a spin-off or prequel set in the Squid Game universe. 'As the creator and writer, I get curious myself, wondering what these characters were doing over the years. 'I want to explore that,' he shared. 'Whether it's a spin-off or a prequel, I can't wait until we get to see it.' Final thoughts It took about six years to make Squid Game, and the series is finally coming to an end. 'Everyone wants a successful career and to achieve their dreams, but nobody expected this level of success from one project. 'This is truly a miracle unfolding before me,' said Hwang. 'I hope all the audience will see that the untied knots from Season 2 are tied up in Season 3.' As this is the finale, he hopes people will feel it is a fitting conclusion that does Squid Game justice. Only less than three weeks away, you can catch the final season of Squid Game on June 27 for one last game.
Korea Herald
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
'Squid Game' comes back with season 3, more intense than ever, to settle final score
Director of 'Squid Game' teases possibility of spinoffs 'Squid Game' is coming to an end with its third and final season, set to premiere June 27 on Netflix. As anticipation builds, series director Hwang Dong-hyuk and key cast members opened up about what fans can expect — and how they're addressing both the shortcomings of season 2 and the headline-making spoiler leaks that surfaced ahead of the new season. Season 3 picks up in the aftermath of season 2's events, following Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) as he grapples with his failed attempt at rebellion. Meanwhile, Frontman (Lee Byung-hun), who infiltrated the games in season 2 as a participant, returns to his role as the unfeeling, calculating mastermind behind the deadly competition, setting the stage for his face-off with Gi-hun. Speaking at a press conference in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Lee Byung-hun previewed the evolving dynamic between the two characters in the final chapter. "Gi-hun falls into a state of deep helplessness after witnessing his closest friend being killed by the Frontman. But he regains his resolve, returning to his original intention to dismantle the entire system while still holding onto his belief in humanity. With this determination, he starts planning again. Seeing Gi-hun's renewed resolve, the Frontman also begins devising new plans," Lee said. "If we consider seasons 2 and 3 as telling one continuous story, season 3 will deliver the climax and conclusion, the final act of the narrative. From a dramatic standpoint, it will inevitably feel very intense. In a sense, this will be the story where the full-fledged confrontation between the Frontman and Gi-hun truly unfolds," he added. For Hwang, the saga of 'Squid Game' is about posing questions rather than prescribing answers. "Rather than delivering a message like, 'This is how it is. You should think about it this way,' what I wanted to offer through seasons 2 and 3 was a question," he explained. "In today's capitalist society, where excessive competition and the constant stimulation of human desire lead to feelings of frustration and defeat, can we, as humans, create a better future? Can we offer the next generation a better, more sustainable world? That is the question I wanted to raise." While 'Squid Game' season 1 was a worldwide success, earning a Primetime Emmy and becoming Netflix's most-watched non-English-language series, season 2 drew more mixed reactions, with critics citing its lack of narrative cohesion, drawn-out pacing and unresolved plotlines. Addressing the critiques, Hwang was candid about the production process of the final season. "As most of you know, seasons 2 and 3 were written, filmed, and produced all at once. We couldn't change season 3 based on the reactions to season 2. Nothing has changed in that regard. Since season 2 ended without fully wrapping up the story arcs or character narratives, I think much of the disappointment people felt will likely be resolved when they watch season 3," he said. As for the future of the franchise, Hwang made it clear that this is the definitive conclusion — at least for now. "I have no plans to make season 4. This was something fully discussed and agreed upon with Netflix while working on season 3. Once you watch season 3, you'll see that while a season 4 could be made, it doesn't necessarily need to be. (But) that doesn't mean I'll never return to 'Squid Game' in the future. ... I'm not planning to make anything related to 'Squid Game' right away, though I am considering the possibility of doing a spinoff," he said. The road to the final season was not without controversy. Between the release of season 2 and the upcoming release, key cast members Park Sung-hoon and Park Gyu-young became embroiled in social media scandals after Park Sung-hoon shared pornographic content related to 'Squid Game,' and Park Gyu-young uploaded a supposedly key season 3 twist, which hinted that Lee Jin-wook's character, whose death was not confirmed in season 2, may return. Regarding the spoilers, Hwang said he chose to "treat it as an unfortunate incident and let it go." "I hope they'll see (the spoilers) as a small mistake. There's plenty of fun in the show that won't be spoiled by this, so when you watch it, you'll probably feel, 'Oh, that wasn't such a big deal after all.'"
