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Lee Jung Joon catapulted to stardom thanks to his brief yet impactful appearance in the internationally acclaimed series “Squid Game.” Despite gracing the screen for just 25 seconds, his portrayal of the enigmatic man in the mask left an indelible mark on viewers worldwide. Beyond his striking appearance, audiences lauded his nuanced performance. Since then, Lee Jung Joon has showcased his talent in a range of dramas, steadily ascending to lead roles, captivating audiences with his versatile acting prowess.
Who is Lee Jung Joon?
In 2019, Lee Jung Joon ventured into the spotlight with a modest debut, showcasing his talents in a small role in the drama “He is Psychometric.” That same year, he further solidified his presence in the industry by taking on a supporting role in the critically acclaimed thriller law drama “Class of Lies.”
In 2020, the actor made his debut in a leading role with the captivating drama “Best Mistake Season 2”. Prior to his breakthrough in “Squid Game”, he showcased his talent in various notable projects such as “Scripting Your Destiny”, “School of Start”, “Be My Boyfriend”, and “Kairos”.
In 2021, Lee Jung Joon made a significant impact with his brief yet memorable guest appearance in Squid Game. Portraying the enigmatic character donning a mask adorned with a square in Episode 3, titled “The Man with the Umbrella,” his mere 25 seconds on screen captured the attention of audiences worldwide. Almost instantly, his portrayal catapulted him into the spotlight, garnering immense fame and sparking widespread discussion across the internet.
Projects after Squid Game
Following the phenomenal success of Squid Game, Lee Jung Joon has ventured into a multitude of captivating dramas, showcasing his versatile talent. From Tomorrow to Cheer Up, and The Interest of Love among others, he continues to captivate audiences with his compelling performances.
One of his most impactful performances came in “Kokdu: Season of Deity,” where he took on the role originally portrayed by the late Lee Ji Han. Tragically, Lee Ji Han passed away during the Itaewon Tragedy of 2022.
In 2023, he stepped into the supporting role for the acclaimed drama “Celebrity,” followed by a leading role in the 2024 romantic drama “Reunion Counseling.”
More about Squid Game
Since its release in September 2021, Squid Game, a gripping Korean drama directed by Hwang Dong Hyuk, has captivated audiences worldwide with its intense portrayal of a survival game. Starring Lee Jung Jae, Park Hae Soo, Jung Ho Yeon, and Anupam Tripathi, the series has become a cultural phenomenon, marking its two-year anniversary this September. Netflix has officially confirmed Squid Game Season 2, much to the anticipation of fans, with the release slated for December 2024.
The upcoming second season boasts an impressive lineup, including renowned actors such as Kang Ha Neul, Park Gyu Young, Im Siwan, Park Sung Hoon, former BIGBANG member T.O.P, and several other notable stars.
In the upcoming second season, fans can anticipate the return of Lee Jung Jae, Lee Byung Hun, Gong Yoo, and Wi Ha Joon. These talented actors will reprise their roles, adding depth and excitement to the continuation of the series.
In February, there were reports circulating about a potential English-language remake of the immensely popular Korean drama, Squid Game, helmed by David Fincher. These reports claimed that Fincher had quietly taken on the task of adapting the South Korean sensation. However, during an event attended by Netflix’s co-CEO Ted Sarandos on February 16 in Seoul’s Jongno-gu, he dismissed these rumors, stating, “That’s just a rumor,” and emphasized, “Korea first.”
As anticipation builds for the upcoming second season, fans can explore similar movies to Squid Game to keep their excitement alive.
A reality series, “Squid Game: The Challenge,” has also emerged, capitalizing on the popularity of the original show.
