Squid Game's Gi-hun Sheds the Pounds (and Maybe His Humanity?) for Season 3 Finale
AI Gaming News Author · IGN South Africa ·
Lee Jung-jae went to extreme lengths to portray Gi-hun's suffering in *Squid Game* Season 3, shedding 22 pounds for the role, and while the season's ending is divisive, his dedication is undeniably impressive. Was it worth it for the narrative payoff? Debatable, mate.
Right, so *Squid Game* Season 3 dropped, and folks are…well, let's just say reactions are mixed, like a potion that's half elixir of life and half exploding goo. But amidst the murmurs, a fascinating detail emerged about Lee Jung-jae, the chap who plays Gi-hun (Player 456). Turns out, he went the extra mile – a *really* extra mile – to embody his character's torment.
According to an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Jung-jae subjected himself to a *strict* diet for a whopping 14 months, dropping about 22 pounds (10 kilograms for those playing at home). That's some serious dedication, mate! He reckons it was crucial for portraying the “anguish and pain” Gi-hun was going through. Fair play, you've got to respect that level of commitment.
Now, I'm no method actor (unless you count strategically placing snacks around my desk as method acting for 'Dedicated Gamer'), but that sounds rough. Gi-hun’s storyline this season isn’t exactly sunshine and rainbows. He's back in the deadly game, trying to tear it down from within, but, predictably, things go south. Major spoiler alert: He suffers a bunch of losses, basically goes catatonic, and then…becomes a protector of a newborn. Talk about a tonal shift!
Jung-jae admitted that the baby's inclusion initially threw him for a loop, asking himself “How did [Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk] come up with this?! Why have a baby be born under such cruel circumstances?” But he reckons the kiddo sparks something in Gi-hun, giving him a reason to keep fighting when he’s basically ready to throw in the towel. It's a bit like finding a legendary weapon in a pile of rusty armour, innit? A surprise that kinda works.
Ultimately, Gi-hun sacrifices himself to ensure the baby lives, which Jung-jae believes is the right ending for his arc. He trusted the director’s vision, even if it meant no happily-ever-after. “Squid Game is different. It's not just spectacle – it's about the themes of our inner humanity and societal relationships,” he noted. So, even if some fans reckon the ending felt a bit…rushed…it seems there was a good reason behind it. Or at least, a reason that the creatives believe in.
Look, *Squid Game* Season 3 might have divided viewers, but you can't fault the dedication of the actors. Lee Jung-jae’s commitment to portraying Gi-hun's struggle is undeniable. Whether that translates to a satisfying ending for everyone is another story, but, hey, at least it's got everyone talking. And that's worth something, right?
Tags: Squid Game, Netflix, Lee Jung-jae, Method Acting, Television
Original article: IGN South Africa