The global sensation Squid Game returns with Season 3—and joining the brutal competition are new standout cast members Jo Yu-ri (Player 222) and Yim Si-wan (Player 333).
In an exclusive sit-down with AllHipHop’s D-Nellz, the two stars open up about their emotional journeys, the toll of filming, and the pressure of joining the hit series.
Jo Yu-ri, known for her work as a singer, plays a pregnant participant fighting for survival. Yim Si-wan, a former K-pop idol, brings complex layers to his morally shaky character. Both say the script pulled them in instantly. And, when they got comfortable, they were immersed fully in the story.
But this wasn’t just about acting. Since AllHipHop was in the room, the conversation naturally shifted to Hip-Hop. Korean rap has gained traction globally and both stars revealed their respect for the roots and the culture.
East met West in the most authentic way—and the synergy is undeniable.
AllHipHop (D-Nellz): When you first got the script for Season 3, what was your immediate reaction?
Yim Si-wan: I was completely hooked. I read the entire thing in one go. It was that immersive—I couldn’t stop.
Jo Yu-ri: Same here. It took me about three hours, but I didn’t put it down once. I had to know what happened.
AllHipHop: Did the global success of Squid Game bring added pressure to your performances?
Yim Si-wan: Definitely. At first, I felt that pressure. But once I read the script, it was so well-written that I just told myself: trust the story, trust the director, and trust my castmates. That helped me shift my focus.
Jo Yu-ri: I agree. The expectations were high, but I reminded myself to enjoy the process. Once we started filming, the pressure kind of melted away.
AllHipHop: What was the most challenging part of filming?
Yim Si-wan: Emotionally, it was tough. My character’s morality is murky. He’s not clearly a good or bad guy. That ambiguity took a mental toll while filming.
Jo Yu-ri: For me, it was also emotionally heavy. My character is pregnant, so beyond just surviving, she’s fighting to protect a child. That added a lot of emotional weight to every scene.
AllHipHop: Since we’re AllHipHop, we have to ask…how do you both feel about Hip-Hop’s influence in Korean culture?
Yim Si-wan: I have huge respect for Hip-Hop. There are so many amazing artists I admire. It’s a genre that tells the truth in a raw, emotional way.
Jo Yu-ri: I’ve always felt a connection to Hip-Hop—even if I’m more known for pop music. It’s powerful, and I think Korean and Western Hip-Hop are learning from each other every day.
Head to www.netflix.com/SquidGame for all the action.
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