Netflix’s Squid Game made history as a global pop culture phenomenon, smashing records and redefining the K-drama landscape with its gritty story and star-studded cast. The series catapulted actors like Lee Jung Jae and Jung Ho Yeon to international stardom, but did know that another well-known K-drama star was supposed to play a key role in the famed survival drama?
READ: Son Suk Ku Reportedly Turned Down a Role in Netflix's "Squid Game"
According to reports, Son Suk Ku, one of Hallyu’s most versatile actors, passed on the opportunity to join the Squid Game roster—not just once but twice.
Initially, Son Suk Ku was supposed to star in Squid Game Season 1, with speculations that he was offered to portray the character of Cho Sang-woo, the morally complex financial professional who was ultimately played by Park Hae Soo. While Son Suk Ku and his team were intrigued by the script, they had no idea the series would go on to become a cultural juggernaut. Citing scheduling conflicts and uncertainty about the show’s potential, he declined the offer.
When Season 2 of the blockbuster series was announced, fans were buzzing about new cast additions, including Park Sung Hoon, Im Siwan, Kang Ha Neul, and more. Son Suk Ku’s name came up once again, but he reportedly declined for a second time. By this point, key roles had already been cast, and the actor was tied up with other projects, including his work on Disney+’s Big Bet. His team also weighed concerns about screen time and the character’s significance to the plot, leading to another polite “no.”
In a 2022 interview, Son Suk Ku talked about Squid Game during a variety show appearance and praised the series for its innovative concept and storytelling, describing it as “very fresh.”
While some might see this as a missed opportunity, Son Suk Ku’s career continues to thrive with upcoming projects in 2025, including Disney+'s Nine Puzzles and JTBC's More Beautiful Than Heaven.
Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!
