South Korean actor Lee Byung-hun, best known globally for his role as the chilling Front Man in Netflix’s Squid Game, recently shared the emotional and personal challenges that came with portraying such a dark character.
In an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Byung-hun gave fans a rare glimpse into how his negative role affected his home life—especially his relationship with his children.
During the interview, Byung-hun revealed that although he has received worldwide acclaim for his performance, the reaction back home has been more complex—especially from his 10-year-old son. The actor humorously admitted, “They’re not supposed to watch Squid Game,” referring to both his son and 18-month-old daughter. However, things took a turn when a school friend exposed his son to clips from the show.
“One day, he came to me looking really sad and asked, ‘Why are you so mean?’” Byung-hun recalled with a mix of laughter and concern. His son was especially upset about a particular scene involving the character played by T.O.P., whom his son was fond of. “He asked me, ‘Why did you hit him so bad, Dad?’” the actor said. Although Byung-hun tried to explain that it was all acting, he admitted, “I think he doesn’t understand 100 per cent.”
Despite the heavy themes of the show, Fallon applauded Byung-hun’s son for being sensitive, joking, “No, good for him. He should be a 10-year-old!”
Byung-hun’s reflections added a new dimension to the persona behind one of the most intimidating characters in recent television. He acknowledged that playing such a role took emotional effort, especially knowing it could impact how his own child perceives him.
As the release date for Squid Game Season 3 approaches—set for June 27, 2025—fans are eager to see Byung-hun return as the enigmatic Front Man. While viewers may continue to be captivated by his cold and calculated performance, Byung-hun himself remains grounded, navigating the complex realities of being both a global star and a caring father.