"The Russian roulette scene was incredible," Lee Jung Jae praises Gong Yoo's acting in 'Squid Game 2'

Lee Jung Jae reacted to the Russian Roulette Scene in 'Squid Game 2' Episode 1

On December 30, the Netflix Korea YouTube channel uploaded a video titled, “Can You Stop Watching After Episode 1? | Lee Jung Jae Reacts to the Russian Roulette Scene.”

In the video, Lee Jung Jae watched the Russian roulette scene featuring Gong Yoo from Episode 1 of Squid Game Season 2.

Lee Jung Jae commented, “I thought this scene was a very cinematic setup. Filming such a scene requires a lot of consideration. Since it’s in the first episode, the audience needs to find it entertaining, engaging, and tense without feeling like it’s too theatrical. I spent a lot of time thinking about the right emotional and acting tone for this scene.”

Watching Gong Yoo’s character, the “Recruiter Slap Man,” holding a gun and smiling at Seong Gi Hun (played by Lee Jung Jae), he remarked, “Fans of Gong Yoo will see a very new side of him here. I think they’ll really enjoy it.”

He continued, “In Season 1, there were quite a few lines emphasizing fair play and sticking to the rules. Even in this game between just the two of them, there’s an effort to maintain those rules. Breaking the rules symbolizes defeat while following them sends a powerful message of strength: ‘I’m stronger than you, and I can beat you.’”

As the first episode concluded with a dramatic finish, with Gong Yoo’s character losing and shooting himself, Lee Jung Jae said, “The ending is so intense—how could anyone not watch Episode 2 after this? I told Gong Yoo several times, ‘You did such an amazing job,’ and I truly meant it. He played his role so well, capturing both mischievous and chilling aspects, creating a climax that couldn’t have been executed better.”

Lee Jung Jae also talked about the other Russian Roulette scene in the same episode, saying, “There’s another roulette scene earlier that combines fear and humor in a very intricate way, creating a natural flow that draws in the audience in completely. On set, I already felt, ‘This scene turned out really well,’ but hearing it with the music, I realized just how much effort we put into it.”

He added, “Portraying the changed Seong Gi Hun was something I genuinely enjoyed as an actor, and I believe the audience will appreciate it as well. It’s a scenario where viewers can ask themselves, ‘How would I change if I were in his shoes?’ The director and I thought this version of Seong Gi Hun was the most fitting depiction of his transformation.”