More Squid Game casting news surfaced recently, and this time we’re finally getting actresses in the mix!
Korean outlets reported that Jo Yuri of K-pop group IZ*ONE and It’s Okay to Not Be Okay star Park Gyu Young might be joining the hit global show’s second installment.
The news began circulating just days after netizens online criticized Netflix for initially announcing an all-male cast, unveiled during the Tudum fan event last June 17. There, it was revealed that Lee Jung Jae, Lee Byung Hun, Wi Ha Jun, and Gong Yoo are set to reprise their roles, while tagging along for the new season are Im Si Wan, Kang Ha Neul, Park Sung Hoon, and Yang Dong Geun.
Korean and international fans alike raised complaints at the lack of female cast members despite the massive popularity of Jung Ho Yeon and Lee Yoo Mi’s characters last season; both unfortunately lost to the deadly games.
In response to the backlash, Netflix reportedly released a statement via The Hankyoreh newspaper: "We cannot disclose at this time whether female actors will appear in Season 2 of Squid Game. Further casting details will be revealed soon."
Netflix has also since commented on Gyu Young and Yuri’s participation in the show, stating that they can’t confirm just yet whether the news is true or not. Both of the actresses’ agencies gave similar responses, leaving fans in anticipation.
Park Gyu Young was nominated for Best New TV Actress at the 2021 Baeksang Arts Awards for her role on Sweet Home. She’s also appeared on Romance Is A Bonus Book, Nokdu Flower, The Devil Judge, and Dali & the Cocky Prince. Her upcoming Netflix thriller, Celebrity, is set for release this June 30.
Meanwhile, Jo Yuri rose to fame as a member of the K-pop girl group IZ*ONE. Since they were only meant to be a project group from the reality show Produce 48, the twelve-piece disbanded in 2021 after achieving great success in the music industry. Yuri has continued on as a soloist and is also venturing into acting. Her most recent appearance was for a guest stint on the web series Work Later, Drink Now.
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