Last Updated on January 15, 2026 by Hanna Tejada
The hit series Squid Game is back, and this time, it’s not just the intense challenges and gripping storyline stealing the show.
Fans of K-dramas and K-pop alike are buzzing with excitement as some of Korea’s most popular singers, rappers, and idols step into the spotlight in Squid Game 2. These familiar faces are adding a whole new layer of excitement to the series.
Let’s dive into which idols you can expect to see and how their roles are shaking up the Squid Game universe. Warning though, there might be spoilers ahead!
Yang Dong-geun (Park Yong-Sik, Player 007)
Yang Dong-geun, also known by his stage name YDG, is a multifaceted South Korean entertainer born on June 1, 1979. He has established a diverse career as an actor, rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and breakdancer.
Role in Squid Game Season 2
In the second season of Netflix’s “Squid Game,” Yang plays Player 007 Park Yong-sik. Yong-sik is depicted as a compulsive gambler overwhelmed by debt, who unexpectedly discovers that his mother, Jang Geum-ja (Player 149), has also joined the game to support him. This mother-son dynamic introduces complex interpersonal relationships within the high-stakes environment of the series.
Yang has described his character as someone who “hides behind his mom.” Without her presence, Yong-sik would be more inclined to make reckless decisions within the game. As per the series writer, Hwang Dong-hyuk, Yong-sik is inherently a “bad guy,” with his negative traits subdued by his mother.
Channel your inner rapper with the Wayward sunglasses in matte black from Classic Specs. It’s almost the exact same as YDG’s sunglasses. They’re large and oversized, so you can easily achieve that cool look, just like YDG!
Music Career
Beyond his acting endeavors, Yang Dong-geun is also prominent figure in the South Korean hip-hop scene. He performed under the moniker YDG and debuted as a rapper in 2001 with the album “Yangdonggeun A.K.A Madman.” Since then, he has released several albums, including “Da Man On The Block!!” (2002), “Travel” (2003), and “Mirror (28 Peak At Youth)” (2006).
One of his biggest hits (which has gone viral on TikTok) was his collaboration with PENOMECO on a song titled “Bolo.”
Wi Ha-joon (Hwang Jun-ho)
Wi Ha-joon, born on August 5, 1991, in South Jeolla Province, South Korea, is a versatile actor, model, and singer. He graduated from Dongguk University and majored in Theater and Film, which laid the foundation for his career in the entertainment industry.
Role in Squid Game Season 2
Wi Ha-joon was Hwang Jun-ho, a determined police detective, in Squid Game Season 2. After surviving a near-fatal encounter with his brother, Hwang In-ho (the Front Man), in the first season, Jun-ho continues his quest to uncover and dismantle the deadly games. His character’s resilience and moral compass drive him to collaborate with Seong Gi-hun (Player 456).
Black square sunglasses are a staple for Wi Ha-joon as he’s out and about as seen in his IG posts. Luckily, we have a similar pair of sunglasses at Classic Specs if you wanted to match with the heartthrob actor, Todd in carbon black.
Music Career
While Wi Ha-joon is primarily recognized for his acting, he also ventured into music. When he was younger, he aspired to become an entertainer or a member of a boy band. During his middle and high school years, he was also part of a dance club. One example of his vocal work is the song “Maybe It’s Too Late”, which he recorded for the South Korean drama Matrimonial Chaos in 2018.
Although he has not pursued a full-fledged music career, his early involvement in dance and music has contributed to his versatility as an entertainer. His multifaceted talents have enabled him to deliver dynamic performances across various mediums, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in South Korea’s entertainment landscape.
Lee Byunghun (Hwang In-ho, the Front Man)
Lee Byung-hun, born on July 12, 1970, in Seoul, is a distinguished actor, singer, and model with a career spanning over three decades. He debuted in the entertainment industry through the 1991 KBS drama “Asphalt My Hometown” and has since gained international acclaim for his roles in both Korean and Hollywood films, including “Joint Security Area,” “A Bittersweet Life,” “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra,” and “I Saw the Devil.”
Role in Squid Game Season 2
In his role as Hwang In-ho, known as the Front Man, in Squid Game 2, he participates in the games as Player 001 under the alias Oh Young-il. His involvement adds layers of intrigue and tension, especially in his interactions with Seong Gi-hun (Player 456). Lee Byung-hun has expressed that the developments in his character gave him chills.
Music Career
Beyond his acting achievements, Lee Byung-hun has explored his musical talents. In 1999, he released an album titled “Lee Byung-hun – To Me”. Additionally, he has contributed to various TV series soundtracks, further demonstrating his musical abilities.
Park Sunghoon (Cho Hyun-ju, Player 120)
Park Sung-hoon is a versatile actor renowned for his dynamic performances across television and film. He graduated from Dong-ah Institute of Media and Arts, majoring in Broadcasting and Entertainment, which laid the foundation for his acting career.
Over the years, Park has built a diverse portfolio. He acted in known series such as “The Glory,” where he portrayed one of the most hated characters, Jeon Jae-joon.
Role in Squid Game Season 2
In Squid Game S2, Park Sung-hoon plays a controversial role as Cho Hyun-ju, also known as Player 120. Hyun-ju is a transgender woman and former special forces soldier who enters the deadly competition to secure funds for her gender-affirming surgery and new life in Thailand.
Her character grapples with societal prejudice and personal challenges and brings a profound depth to the narrative. Park’s portrayal has been lauded for its sensitivity and authenticity, especially with South Korea’s sensitivity on LGBTQ+ issues.
However, the casting of a cisgender male actor in a transgender role sparked discussions about representation in media. Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk addressed this by highlighting the scarcity of openly transgender actors in South Korea, attributing it to societal marginalization. He expressed that, despite the challenges, including a transgender character was needed for the representation.
Music Career
While Park Sung-hoon is primarily celebrated for his acting prowess, he has also ventured into the music industry. In 2012, he released a digital single titled “You Are My Baby.” In addition, Park has participated in various musical theater productions.
Kang Haneul (Kang Dae-ho, Player 388)
Kang Ha-neul, born on February 21, 1990, in Busan, is a distinguished actor celebrated for his versatility across theater, television, and film.
He began his artistic journey in musical theater, with notable performances in productions like “Thrill Me” and “Assassins.” which honed his acting and vocal skills. Transitioning to the screen, Kang gained widespread recognition through roles in acclaimed television dramas such as “The Heirs” (2013), “Misaeng: Incomplete Life” (2014), and “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” (2016).
Role in Squid Game Season 2
Kang Ha-neul plays Kang Dae-ho (Player 388), a former member of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps. Throughout the season, he allies with fellow contestant Jung-bae, Gi-hun’s best friend.
One of his standout moments in the series was in episode four, where his exceptional skills in “gonggi,” a traditional Korean game predominantly for women, was highlighted. This scene was brought to life with Park Jong-nam, a renowned gonggi expert who served as Kang’s hand double.
Kang doesn’t always wear eyeglasses, but when he does, he likes them simple and sleek. If you’re the same way, then this is your sign to get the Lindsey eyeglasses from Classic Specs. Just like Kang Haneul’s eyeglasses, they have a thin rim and rounder shape for a minimalistic but stylish look!
Music Career
Unbeknownst to many, Kang Ha-neul has a rich musical background. His father, a folk singer, introduced him to music at a young age and taught him how to sing and play the guitar.
Kang also participated in various musical theater productions. Notably, he has also appeared in music videos, including “Still Pretty Today” by Fly to the Sky in 2007 and “Lost One” by Epik High in 2017.
Im Siwan (Lee Myung-gi, Player 333)
Im Siwan, born on December 1, 1988, in Busan, has successfully navigated both the K-pop and acting scene throughout his career. He debuted as a member of the boy group ZE:A (Children of Empire) and has since established himself as a respected figure in both music and television.
Role in Squid Game Season 2
Im Siwan takes on the role of Lee Myung-gi, known as Player 333, in Squid Game 2.
Myung-gi is a former YouTuber known as “MG Coin,” who became a fugitive after losing a fortune in a cryptocurrency scam that also devastated his subscribers. Among the participants in the deadly games are victims of the same financial ruin due to his influence, including his ex-girlfriend, Kim Jun-hee (Player 222), portrayed by Jo Yu-ri.
Im Si-wan’s portrayal of Myung-gi has been lauded for its depth and nuance. Their shared history with his series ex-girlfriend and the unfolding drama within the game contribute significantly to the season’s exploration of themes such as guilt, redemption.
Music Career
Im Siwan’s entertainment journey began in the K-Pop industry as a vocalist of ZE:A (Children of Empire), which made their debut in 2010. As part of this nine-member group, he helped establish their reputation through dynamic performances and versatile musical offerings.
Beyond his group activities, Im Siwan has maintained connections to the music industry through various solo ventures. He has particularly distinguished himself through his contributions to drama soundtracks, lending his voice to the original soundtracks (OSTs), including “Misaeng: Incomplete Life” and “The King in Love.”
Jo Yuri (Kim Jun-hee, Player 222)
When Netflix announced that Jo Yuri would be joining the cast of Squid Game Season 2, fans were intrigued to see how the former IZ*ONE vocalist would handle such a dramatic role.
The answer? She knocked it out of the park. The 23-year-old artist, who first captured hearts through her journey on Produce 48, has proven herself to be more than just a talented singer.
Role in Squid Game Season 2
In the latest season of Squid Game, Jo Yuri acts as Kim Jun-hee, Player 222. Her character’s story is perhaps one of the most emotionally charged in the series—a pregnant woman who enters the deadly games out of sheer desperation to provide for her unborn child. Adding salt to the wound is Jun-hee’s complicated relationship with her ex-boyfriend Lee Myung-gi (Player 333, portrayed by Im Siwan).
Yuri’s portrayal of a mother-to-be fighting against impossible odds has earned widespread acclaim, with critics particularly praising her ability to convey both vulnerability and fierce determination.
Music Career
Before stepping into the acting scene, Jo Yuri was a K-Pop idol. After ranking 15th on Idol School in 2017, she jumped right back into competition in Produce 48 the following year. She won third place and debuted as a member of IZ*ONE on October 29, 2018.
As IZ*ONE’s main vocalist, Yuri’s distinctive voice became one of the group’s defining features. When the group disbanded in April 2021, she debuted as a solo artist with “Glassy” which dropped on October 7, 2021.
Choi Seunghyun or T.O.P (Thanos, Player 230)
Choi Seung-hyun, known by his stage name T.O.P, is globally known as the ex-lead rapper of legendary K-Pop group BigBang.
Born on November 4, 1987, in Seoul, South Korea, he initially gained recognition as an underground rapper before ascending to international fame as the lead rapper of the iconic K-pop group BigBang, which debuted in 2006.
Role in Squid Game Season 2
Choi Seung-hyun’s foray into “Squid Game” Season 2 was a remarkable return to the entertainment spotlight after his long hiatus following the Marijuana scandal. In fact, the role in itself was highly controversial considering the artist’s history and the fact that the character was a drug addict.
Choi Seung-hyun plays Thanos (Player 230), a flamboyant rapper and drug addict with vibrant purple hair and an unpredictable demeanor. Thanos is a central antagonist within the deadly games and exhibits reckless behavior and a disturbing enjoyment of the lethal challenges. He was one of the victims of cryptocurrency scam Myung-gi was also in. Thus, he’s relentlessly shown hate for the player.
True fans will know that T.O.P has and will always be a fan of glasses. T.O.P’s eyeglasses and sunglasses look different for every shoot and it says a lot about how adventurous his style is.
When it comes to glasses, you can never go wrong with getting a pair from Classic Specs. A similar brown, caramel pair we have is Gilmore in havana tortoise, which is sure to elevate even the most basic outfit.
Music Career
Although he has been on a long hiatus, nobody can deny T.O.P’s massive influence in both the K-Hiphop and K-Pop scene. He is the former lead rapper of BigBang, one of Asia’s best-selling and most influential music groups. The group is renowned for chart-topping hits such as “Lies,” “Fantastic Baby,” and “Bang Bang Bang,” and he was known for his deep-toned rapping and dynamic stage presence.
Beyond that, T.O.P has pursued solo projects like his solo track “Doom Dada.” He also collaborated with fellow BigBang member G-Dragon on the album “GD & T.O.P”and produced hits like “High High” and “Knock Out.”
What’s Next For Squid Game?
As Squid Game 2 enthralls audiences with its gripping story and the star power of its cast, excitement is already building for Season 3, set to release in 2025. Season 3 promises to deliver the high-stakes drama that has made Squid Game a global sensation. Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has confirmed this will be the final chapter, so fans can expect new, intense challenges and deeper character arcs.
We’ve highlighted sunglasses inspired by the characters, and it’s clear their classic styles are here to stay. Whether you’re channeling a Squid Game character or finding a look that’s uniquely yours, Classic Specs guarantees that you’re always ahead of the curve.
