Squid Game Season 2 Cast, A Complete Guide to All the Returning and New Players - Netflix Tudum

  • Meet the Cast

    Squid Game Season 2 Cast Guide: Meet the New and Returning Players

    Seong Gi-hun is back. 
    By Ariana Romero
    Jan. 8, 2025

It’s back. The wildly popular — and lethal — competition that puts 456 desperate contestants through a series of children’s games with a massive cash prize at stake (and deadly consequences for the losers) returns in Squid Game Season 2, premiering Dec. 26. While we already knew some familiar faces from Season 1 would be staging a comeback in the Squid Game Season 2 cast, new episodes will also welcome colorful new characters into the arena.

In Season 2 of the award-winning drama, Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), the series’ main character, remains determined to find the people behind Squid Game and put an end to their bloodthirsty sport. So, Gi-hun — also known as Player 456 — taps into the fortune he won in Season 1 for justice. He leads a citywide search for the Recruiter (Gong Yoo), the man in a sharp suit playing ddakji in the subway. But when Gi-hun’s efforts finally yield results, the path towards dismantling the organization proves to be even deadlier than he imagined. To end the game, he needs to re-enter it.  

Gi-hun’s dangerous journey will put him against foes new and old — while also introducing him to potential allies. As you prepare to get back into the game, here is your full guide to the heroes and villains — and everyone in between — in the Squid Game Season 2 cast.  

Lee Jung-jae as Gi-hun (Player 456) in Season 2 of ‘Squid Game’

Lee Jung-jae

as Gi-hun (Player 456)
About the Character

When we first meet Gi-hun in Season 1, he is a struggling divorced gambler who enters Squid Game to secure enough money to maintain his relationship with his estranged young daughter (Jo Ah-in). Gi-hun manages to win the competition — but at what cost? 

 

In Season 2, he’s intent on taking Squid Game down by any means necessary. “Even though he doesn’t have power or a clear strategy to solve the problem, one thing he knows for sure is that this must never happen again,” Lee tells Netflix. “That mindset played the biggest role in his motivations this season. He has a strong sense of purpose that he has to change it all.” 

Previously In

Lee won a Critics Choice Award for his work in Squid Game Season 1. He was nominated for an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award (and won ensemble SAG gold with his co-stars in 2022). 

Follow Lee Jung-jae

Lee Byung-hun as The Front Man in Season 2 of ‘Squid Game’

Lee Byung-hun

as The Front Man
About the Character

The enigmatic Front Man is the puppetmaster behind the scenes of Squid Game — as well as a former winner. In Season 2, we’ll learn what lengths the Front Man is willing to go to in order to protect the competition. Lee and Squid Game director Hwang Dong-hyuk worked together to develop the Front Man’s backstory, which will be revealed in Season 2. 

 

“I got to portray these complex, intertwined emotions [in Season 2],” Lee told Netflix. “It was challenging, but it was the complexity of emotions that attracted me to the character as an actor in the first place.” 

Previously In

Lee previously worked with director Hwang in 2017’s The Fortress. Over the course of his decades-long acting career, he’s  starred in projects including Mr. Sunshine and Iris

Follow Lee Byung-hun

Wi Ha-hun as Hwang Jun-ho in Season 2 of ‘Squid Game’

Wi Ha-jun

as Hwang Jun-ho
About the Character

Much like Gi-hun, detective Jun-ho is focused on ending Squid Game forever. Certain revelations from Season 1 — like his unexpected connection to the Front Man — only increase his determination. 

 

“He now knows the truth [about Squid Game], but he can’t get any support from his captain and continues to struggle alone because he has no evidence,” Wi told Netflix. Still, Jun-ho can’t be broken. “He remains unshaken, and in portraying him, I focused on his unwavering gaze.” 

Previously In

Wi has appeared in multiple series, including Gyeongseong Creature, Little Women, and Romance Is a Bonus Book

Watch them on Netflix
Gyeongseong Creature
Watch
Follow Wi Ha-jun

Yim Si-wan as Myung-gi (Player 333) in Season 2 of ‘Squid Game’

Yim Si-wan

as Myung-gi (Player 333)
About the Character

Myung-gi is used to playing around with huge sums of cash. He’s a cryptocurrency influencer whose decisions led to disaster for himself and his followers. Squid Game is his only way out of a dangerous financial hole. 

Previously In

Yim is a former K-pop star. He comes to Squid Game fresh off of projects including feature film Unlocked and Run On

Watch them on Netflix
Unlocked
Watch
Follow Yim Si-wan

Kang Ha-neul as Dae-ho (Player 388) in Season 2 of ‘Squid Game’

Kang Ha-neul

as Dae-ho (Player 388)
About the Character

Dae-ho is another new Squid Game competitor. He may prove to be an ally for Gi-hun against the looming dangers ahead. 

Previously In

Kang’s most recent Netflix film is The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure. He also starred in When the Camellia Blooms.  

Watch them on Netflix
The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure
Watch
Follow Kang Ha-neul

Lee Jin-uk as Gyeong-seok (Player 246) in Season 2 of ‘Squid Game’

Lee Jin-uk

as Gyeong-seok (Player 246)
About the Character

Gyeong-seok is a loving and loyal father who enters the game ready to do anything to protect his family. 

Previously In

The Sweet Home star is ready to get into the game. 

Watch them on Netflix
Sweet Home
Watch
Follow Lee Jin-uk

Park Sung-hoon as Hyun-ju (Player 120) in Season 2 of ‘Squid Game’

Park Sung-hoon

as Hyun-ju (Player 120)
About the Character

This new player will risk anything for an essential medical treatment.

Previously In

You may have recently spotted Park in Queen of Tears and The Glory

Watch them on Netflix
The Glory
Watch
Follow Park Sung-hoon

Yang Dong-geun as Yong-sik (Player 007) in Season 2 of ‘Squid Game’

Yang Dong-geun

as Yong-sik (Player 007)
About the Character

Yong-sik  is a compulsive gambler drowning in debt. When he enters Squid Game, he discovers that an unexpected loved one is also participating. 

Previously In

Not only has Yang appeared in projects like Yaksha: Rutheless Operations — he is also a hip-hop artist and breakdancer. 

Watch them on Netflix
Yaksha: Ruthless Operations
Watch
Follow Yang Dong-geun

Kang Ae-shim as Geum-ja (Player 149) in Season 2 of ‘Squid Game’

Kang Ae-sim

as Geum-ja (Player 149)
About the Character

This headstrong woman joins Squid Game to help a relative in dire need. 

Previously In

Kang has appeared in Korean TV shows for decades, including the Extraordinary Attorney Woo series premiere. 


Lee Seo-hwan as Jung-bae (Player 390) in Season 2 of ‘Squid Game’

Lee Seo-hwan

as  Jung-bae (Player 390)
About the Character

Jung-bae might be a fresh face in the Squid Game arena, but he’s not new to the series. He’s a longtime friend of Gi-hun and a former co-worker. The last time viewers glimpsed Jung-bae, he was gambling alongside Gi-hun at the horse racetrack. In Season 2, he’ll get into the game himself.

Previously In

Rewatch Squid Game Season 1 to reaquaint yourself with Jung-bae’s charms. 

Follow Lee Seo-hwan

Jo Yuri as Jun-hee (Player 222) in Season 2 of ‘Squid Game’

Jo Yuri

as Jun-hee (Player 222)
About the Character

Like many Squid Game players, Jun-hee enters the competition after a bad investment. Unlike many, however, she isn’t the one to blame for her own hardships. June-hee simply trusted the wrong person. 

Previously In

Jo comes to Squid Game from a successful pop career. She is a former member of girl group Iz*One. Squid Game is her drama debut. 

Follow Jo Yuri

Chae Kuk-hee as Seon-nyeo in ‘Squid Game’ Season 2
No Ju-han/Netflix

Chae Kuk-hee 

as Seon-nyeo (Player 044)
About the Character

If you’re feeling metaphysical, Seon-nyeo is the player for you. She is a shaman past her heyday who shares unnerving prophecies about her fellow contestants.

Previously In

Squid Game is Chae’s first major Netflix project.  She previously starred in the drama The World of the Married


Lee David as Min-su in ‘Squid Game’ Season 2
No Ju-han/Netflix

Lee David

as Min-su (Player 125)
About the Character

Not all players can be as confident as 001. Min-su is a shy contestant who has trouble asserting himself. He enters Squid Game after falling victim to a housing scam — and, no, he is not VIP 3 from Season 1. (That character is played by David Lee.).

Previously In

Squid Game isn’t Lee’s first time working alongside some of his co-workers. He appeared in Svaha: The Sixth Finger with Lee Jung-jae and Squid Game creator Hwang’s The Fortress with Lee Byung-hun.


Roh Jae-won as Nam-gyu in ‘Squid Game’ Season 2
No Ju-han/Netflix

Roh Jae-won

as Nam-gyu (Player 124)
About the Character

Nam-gyu is a former club promoter who bullies the weaker Squid Game players. He uses cruelty as a way to impress those he views as stronger than him. 

Previously In

One of Roh’s first acting roles was in the K-romance Once Upon a Small Town. He also starred in the dramas A Killer Paradox and Daily Dose of Sunshine

Watch them on Netflix
Daily Dose of Sunshine
Watch
A Killer Paradox
Watch
Follow Roh Jae-won

Choi Seung-hyun as Thanos in ‘Squid Game’ Season 2
No Ju-han/Netflix

Choi Seung-hyun

as Thanos (Player 230)
About the Character

Scene-stealer Thanos is always going for the win. He’s a rapper who got famous after appearing on a popular rap competition show. Thanos joins Squid Game after losing his money in a failed cryptocurrency investment. 

Previously In

While Thanos’ music career has taken a turn for the worst, Choi is a world-renowned singer and rapper, who also goes by the name T.O.P. Choi was very intentional about how he portrayed Thanos’ musical style. 

 

“Since I’m a rapper myself, I tried to deliver the lines as natural as possible while not being too lighthearted or comical,” Choi told Netflix. “My personal goal was to show the viewers a character they hadn’t seen before — someone who is mysterious and unpredictable and with a couple of loose screws.” 

 

Since breaking out as a musician, Choi has appeared in various TV shows and movies, including Iris alongside Lee Byung-hun. 

Follow Choi Seung-hyun

Won Ji-an as Se-mi in ‘Squid Game’ Season 2
No Ju-han/Netflix

Won Ji-an

as Se-mi (Player 380)
About the Character

Se-mi has a bold sense of style to match her outgoing personality. She is kind to those who seem weak — and refuses to back down against bullies. 

Previously In

Won previously appeared in the drama D.P. alongside Squid Game co-star (and on-screen antagonist) Roh. 

Watch them on Netflix
D.P.
Watch
Follow Won Ji-an

Gong Yoo as The Recruiter in Season 2 of ‘Squid Game’
No Ju-han/Netflix

Gong Yoo

as The Recruiter
About the Character

Although The Recruiter appears in only a single episode of Squid Game Season 1, his presence is unforgettable. The ddakji expert will return for Season 2 — with an even deeper storyline.

 

“I was both happy and nervous to know that Recruiter has more scenes, since the first season received much love globally,” Gong told Netflix. “I felt pressured to meet the fans’ expectations for the character but tried my best.” 

Previously In

Gong initially collaborated with director Hwang on 2011’s Silenced

Watch them on Netflix
The Trunk
Watch
The Silent Sea
Watch
Follow Gong Yoo

Additional reporting by Christopher Hudspeth. 

Watch the Squid Game Season 2 Trailer

All About Squid Game

  • Up Close
    Squid Game Star Lee Byung-hun Goes Behind the Front Man’s Mask 
    Player 001 is back in the game for Season 2.
    By Ariana Romero
    Jan. 7
  • News
    This week’s Top 10 also includes Missing You, La Palma, and more.
    By Tudum Staff
    Jan. 7
  • News
    Wipe your tears and get into the game.
    By Ariana Romero
    Dec. 31
  • News
    There’s no stopping Gi-hun in the Golden Globe–nominated drama.
    By Ariana Romero
    Dec. 30
  • News
    From Ddakji to the locked doors of Mingle.
    By Ariana Romero
    Dec. 30
  • Recap
    A finale nearly as shocking as Gi-hun’s hair.
    By Haein Jung
    Dec. 26
  • News
    Director Hwang Dong-hyuk promises another “thrill ride” for the final season.
    By Ariana Romero
    Dec. 26
  • Sneak Peek
    The new season — premiering Dec. 26 — starts with a bang.
    By Ariana Romero
    Dec. 25

Shop Squid Game

GO TO NETFLIX SHOP

Discover More Meet the Cast

  • Meet the Cast
    The new sports drama stars a talented Indigenous team.
    By John DiLillo
    Oct. 4
  • Meet the Cast
    Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt are joined by a star-studded cast.
    By Phillipe Thao and John DiLillo
    Oct. 1
  • Meet the Cast
    A who’s who from Olympus to Earth to the Underworld.
    By Christopher Hudspeth
    Aug. 30
  • Meet the Cast
    The Hargreeves are back in a new timeline with Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally.
    By Drew Tewksbury
    Aug. 8
  • Meet the Cast
    The epic story of Rebel Moon continues in Rebel Moon — Part Two: The Scargiver.
    By John DiLillo
    April 19
  • Meet the Cast
    Jamie Foxx, John Boyega and Teyonah Parris head up a bonkers  conspiracy comedy.
    By Malcolm Venable
    July 25, 2023
  • Meet the Cast
    Hot and ready for culinary deception.
    By Natalie Morin
    June 1, 2023
  • Meet the Cast
    The nonbinary mermaid says they’ve been passionate about the craft since childhood. 
    By Amanda Richards
    May 23, 2023

Discover More Drama

  • News
    All you have to Dune is press play. 
    By Erin Corbett
    8:30 pm
  • What To Watch
    Here’s some Netflix for the chill. 
    By Mary Sollosi
    8:00 pm
  • News
    Betty Gilpin, Dane DeHaan, Shea Whigham, and more set out to explore the American West.
    By Tara Bitran and Phillipe Thao
    3:18 pm
  • Deep Dive
    The epic Western stars Kevin Costner, Sienna Miller, and Sam Worthington.
    By Ingrid Ostby
    12:00 am
  • Explainer
    “We had multiple options from nobody dying to all of them dying.”
    By Tara Bitran
    Yesterday 8:39 pm
  • Deep Dive
    The series is based on Sweden’s second-largest criminal investigation.
    By Ingrid Ostby
    Yesterday 8:30 pm
  • News
    #Polin season is now in bloom.
    By Ariana Romero
    Yesterday 7:30 pm
  • Deep Dive
    Pete Berg and Eric Newman talk making the series. 
    By Keisha Hatchett
    Yesterday 8:00 am

Related Videos

  • Press Play
    Lee Jung-jae returns to the games. 
    Dec. 9
    10:06
  • Trailer
    The second round begins on Dec. 26.
    Nov. 26
    1:35
  • Trailer
    The first game was just the beginning.
    Oct. 31
    1:42
  • What To Watch
    Dive into the queue with stars from 'One Piece,' 'Cobra Kai,' and more.
    Sept. 28
    3:41
  • Trailer
    The game never stops. Are you ready to play?
    Sept. 20
    0:45
  • Press Play
    Something seems a little fishy.
    Sept. 24, 2022
    1:13
  • Behind the Scenes
    Creating realistic fear and spectacle, featuring Oh Young-soo.
    July 10, 2022
    6:39
  • Behind the Scenes
    The emotional push and pull featuring Park Hae-soo and the Composer Jung Jae-il.
    July 9, 2022
    5:34

Latest News

Popular Now

  • New on Netflix
    Stream Back in Action, The Recruit Season 2, Selling the City, and more.
    By Erin Corbett
    Jan. 6
  • Deep Dive
    The new action comedy sees the pair playing suburban spies. 
    By John DiLillo
    Nov. 19
  • News
    See Peter Sutherland hit back in the first teaser trailer.
    By Ariana Romero
    Dec. 25
  • News
    Get a sneak peek at Wednesday’s ghastly return.
    By Ariana Romero
    Dec. 4