Lee Byung-hun Talks ‘Squid Game’, Secret Casting & That Surprise Call From Mom on ‘The Tonight Show’
Sometimes, even the biggest stars need to keep their lips sealed — and for Lee Byung-hun, that meant staying mum about one of the most jaw-dropping roles on television.
The South Korean superstar, now 54, made a surprise revelation during a candid and hilarious chat on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The Emmy-nominated actor — known for everything from Hollywood action flicks to award-winning Korean dramas — dished on what it was like to secretly join one of Netflix’s biggest global phenomena: Squid Game.
"Not even my mom knew," Lee admitted with a laugh. “Netflix asked me to keep it a secret — so I didn’t tell anyone. Not even my close friends. Not even my mom.”
Let that sink in. You're cast in Squid Game, arguably the most viral TV series of the decade, and you can’t even share the news with your own mother? That’s some next-level confidentiality.
And, of course, that secret didn’t go unnoticed forever. Lee recalled the moment the series dropped and the world went crazy — including his own household.
“After Squid Game came out and blew up, my mom called me and just yelled,” he said, grinning. “She was like, ‘How could you not tell me you were in this?!’”
Keeping the Secret: Netflix Style
Netflix’s approach to secrecy is legendary, and Squid Game was no exception. With Lee taking on the mysterious and chilling role of Hwang In-ho, aka The Front Man, it was crucial to keep plot twists under wraps.
And Lee, ever the professional, took that seriously. Even as fans speculated and theories went wild online, he said nothing — just quietly watched the hype grow, knowing full well his role would eventually be a big reveal.
“It’s not easy to sit on a secret like that,” he joked. “But at the same time, it was kind of fun seeing how people reacted without knowing I was part of it.”
What’s Next for the Front Man?
With the announcement that Squid Game is gearing up for its third and final season, Fallon naturally tried to squeeze out some spoilers. But Lee stayed tight-lipped on most plot points — though he did toss a few breadcrumbs.
“Let’s just say... more players might find out who the Front Man really is,” he teased. “And there’s always a possibility of a spinoff. You never know what could happen.”
That subtle suggestion — a Front Man spinoff? — was enough to send fans on social media into a frenzy. Could we see a prequel exploring the Front Man’s dark origin story? A side series digging deeper into the twisted world behind the scenes? The possibilities are endless.
From Skeptic to Superstar: Lee’s Honest Take on Squid Game’s Script
What’s even more fascinating is that Lee wasn’t 100% sold on Squid Game when he first laid eyes on the script.
“It was such an unusual story. Very unique structure. Very experimental,” he explained. “When I first read it, I thought this is either going to be a massive success... or a total disaster.”
Luckily for Lee (and Netflix), it turned out to be the former.
Squid Game didn’t just succeed — it shattered records, became a global cultural phenomenon, and spawned memes, Halloween costumes, and TikTok trends worldwide. The show also opened doors for South Korean content globally, proving that good storytelling truly knows no borders.
“No one expected it to get this big,” Lee said. “We were shocked by how far it reached — from South Korea to the U.S. and all around the world.”
Jimmy Fallon’s Reaction? Priceless.
During the Tonight Show sit-down, Fallon was clearly fanboying a little himself. He praised Lee’s performance, particularly the mystery and menace he brought to the Front Man role.
“You’re so good, man,” Fallon said. “I had no idea it was you when I first watched. That mask, the voice... it was chilling.”
The two shared a laugh as Lee nodded. “That’s the goal,” he said. “Make you wonder what’s behind the mask — and then boom, surprise!”
A Career Spanning Continents
For those unfamiliar, Lee Byung-hun isn’t new to the spotlight. He’s one of South Korea’s most respected actors and has crossed over into Hollywood with roles in G.I. Joe, Red 2, and The Magnificent Seven. But Squid Game catapulted his international profile to a whole new level.
“It’s been a wild ride,” he said. “I’ve done so many different kinds of roles, but this one — this was different. It connected with people in such an unexpected way.”
And while he’s tight-lipped about season 3, fans can’t wait to see what’s next — for Squid Game, the Front Man, and Lee himself.
Final Season? Say It Ain’t So!
With Netflix confirming that the third season will wrap up the saga, fans are both hyped and heartbroken. How will it end? Who will survive? Will justice finally be served? These are the burning questions.
Lee, of course, offered no concrete answers. But he did drop this intriguing nugget:
“There’s still so much to uncover,” he said. “You think you know the game? Wait till the final round.”
Exciting Takeaways from Lee’s Interview
Let’s break down a few highlights from Lee’s Tonight Show appearance:
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🕵️♂️ Secret casting: Not even mom was in the loop!
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🎭 The Front Man may get a bigger spotlight in season 3.
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🧨 Spinoff rumors are swirling — and Lee isn’t denying them.
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📖 Initial doubts about the script turned into record-breaking success.
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🤐 No spoilers — but he hints that fans should expect the unexpected.
Whether you're a diehard Squid Game fan or just curious about the behind-the-scenes world of your favorite Netflix thriller, Lee Byung-hun’s candid and charming revelations on Fallon gave us a rare peek inside the mask. One thing’s for sure — he’s a master of suspense, both on and off screen.
Now, all eyes are on that final season. And if Lee’s smirk and sly comments are anything to go by, we’re in for one wild ride.
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