Squid Game S2 - Kang Ae-sim [Player 149 / Jang Geum-ja] & Yang Dong-geun [Player 07 / Park Yong-sik]

Summary

In this interview, the actor reflects on the excitement of joining Season 2 of 'Squid Game.' They describe their shock and awe upon learning they were cast, comparing the experience to being struck by lightning. The actor discusses their character, Kuma, a loving mother with a humorous and nosy side, who finds herself in a dire situation involving her son's gambling debts. The actor shares insights into the creative process, emphasizing the director's minimal yet precise direction and their desire to stay true to the script, ensuring the authenticity of their portrayal.

Takeaways

• 😀 The actor expresses immense excitement about joining season 2 of 'Squid Game,' a role they never imagined they would get.
• 😀 The actor auditioned virtually for the role in 'Squid Game' season 2 and was in shock upon being chosen.
• 😀 The actor compares their chance of being cast to being struck by lightning, emphasizing the rarity and luck involved.
• 😀 The actor's character, Kuma, is a loving mother with a warm personality who is also a bit nosy and humorous.
• 😀 Kuma's story involves her son being heavily in debt, which leads her to participate in the dangerous games to pay it off.
• 😀 Kuma's character is depicted as a traditional Korean mom who balances love for her son with a sense of humor and warmth toward others.
• 😀 The character's motivation to enter the game comes from her son's significant gambling debts, which were incurred in Las Vegas.
• 😀 The director, Hong, wrote the characters and their personalities into the script, but allowed actors to fine-tune the details during filming.
• 😀 Director Hong is described as a 'genius' who writes his own scripts and provides minimal direction, focusing on conveying his vision.
• 😀 The actor emphasizes the importance of staying true to the director's vision and delivering the intended emotions rather than over-improvising.
• 😀 The interview concludes with well wishes for the well-being of those involved, expressing gratitude and a positive goodbye.

Q & A

What was the actor's initial reaction when they found out they would be part of 'Squid Game' season 2?

The actor was in shock and awe, describing the experience as incredibly lucky, comparing the probability of getting the role to being struck by lightning.

How did the actor audition for 'Squid Game' season 2?

The actor auditioned virtually and was waiting for the results. When they found out they were cast, they were overwhelmed by the news.

What is the character of Kuma like in 'Squid Game' season 2?

Kuma is a mother who deeply loves her son but also extends that love to others. She has a warm, caring personality but can also be a bit nosy and funny. She embodies a traditional Korean mother and faces a tough situation with her son's gambling debt.

What is Kuma's role in the story at the beginning of season 2?

Kuma's son has a large amount of gambling debt, which leads her to enter the deadly games in hopes of paying back the debt. This is where the audience first meets her character.

What is the situation with Kuma's son in 'Squid Game' season 2?

Kuma's son has accumulated an immense amount of gambling debt, which leads to him playing the game in Las Vegas, where he loses all his money.

How does the director, Hong, approach working with the actors on the set?

Director Hong is known for giving very minimal direction but is very precise with what he wants to convey. He writes his own scripts and prefers the actors to reflect his ideas as accurately as possible, allowing room for subtle adjustments to characters during filming.

What was the process like for the actors to develop their characters in 'Squid Game' season 2?

The actors worked with director Hong to fine-tune their characters' nuances during filming. While the script provided the foundation, there was room for improvisation and adjustments to better fit the characters.

What is the relationship between the actors and the director when it comes to creative input?

While director Hong has a clear vision for the characters and the story, he allows the actors to make subtle changes and adjustments to enhance their performances. The actors prioritize delivering the director's intentions while still being able to add their own touch to the characters.

What makes 'Squid Game' season 2 different in terms of the character development process?

The character development process in season 2 allows for more flexibility and creativity compared to a rigid approach. Actors can explore their roles more deeply, adding personal touches while still staying true to the script's foundation.

How does the actor describe their experience working on 'Squid Game' season 2?

The actor describes the experience as very enjoyable, especially with the opportunity to collaborate with director Hong, who creates an environment where actors can bring out the best in their characters while staying true to the original script.