Netflix

In a highly anticipated announcement that sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, Netflix Korea unveiled the extraordinary ensemble cast set to join the second season of the South Korean sensation, "Squid Game." Building upon the success of its first installment, the groundbreaking series welcomes a host of talented actors, including Park Gyu-young, Kang Ae-sim, Jo Yu-ri, and the renowned Big Bang member, Choi Seung-hyun, known to fans as T.O.P. This stellar lineup of eight new cast members promises to deliver riveting performances that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

While some of these names may be unfamiliar to viewers, many of the cast members have already made indelible marks in the realm of Korean entertainment, particularly within the realm of Netflix's Korean originals. Park Gyu-young, a 29-year-old rising star, captured the attention of both local and global drama fans with her captivating performance in the webtoon-based horror series, "Sweet Home" (2020). The success of the show propelled it to the third spot on Netflix's Top 10 chart in the United States, solidifying Park's talent and international appeal.

Joining the esteemed cast is veteran musical actor Kang Ae-sim, whose television debut in JTBC's hit romantic comedy "Be Melodramatic" (2019) garnered widespread acclaim. Kang's Netflix debut in "Move to Heaven" (2021) further showcased her versatility, setting the stage for her eagerly anticipated role in "Squid Game" Season 2.

K-pop enthusiasts will rejoice at the inclusion of Jo Yu-ri and Choi Seung-hyun in the cast. Jo, formerly a member of the disbanded group IZ*ONE, has successfully transitioned into acting, while Choi, widely known as T.O.P, has expanded his artistic pursuits beyond music, leaving an indelible mark in various films and TV dramas.

Additionally, the seasoned actor Lee Jin-uk, renowned for his lead roles in multiple seasons of the "Voice" franchise, reunites with director Hwang Dong-hyuk after their collaboration on the 2014 comedy movie "Miss Granny." Hwang, credited with discovering the rising star Jung Ho-yeon through "Squid Game," continues his pursuit of unearthing new talent by introducing promising newcomers to the cast. Young actors such as Lee Da-wit, Roh Jae-won, and Won Ji-an are set to make their mark in this highly anticipated season.

Netflix Korea revealed that the first script-reading session with the ensemble cast took place on June 23, setting the stage for the intense and thrilling storytelling that fans have come to expect from the series. Production for "Squid Game" Season 2 is scheduled to commence in the latter half of the year, promising a seamless continuation of the gripping narrative that has captivated over 111 million fans worldwide. With an astounding 1.6 billion hours of viewership, "Squid Game" has firmly solidified its status as Netflix's biggest series, leaving audiences eagerly awaiting the next adrenaline-pumping chapter.

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