Actor Lee Byung-hun brought his star power to American late-night television, making a charismatic appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on June 17 to promote the upcoming Season 3 of Squid Game. The segment quickly went viral thanks to Lee’s fluent English and a charming behind-the-scenes story—he didn’t even tell his mother about his role in the global sensation.
Introduced by Fallon as an actor with a three-decade-long career in Korea and credits in Hollywood blockbusters like Terminator Genisys, Lee used the opportunity to underscore the cultural importance of Squid Game. “I’ve been acting for, like, more than 30 years, and I also participated in some Hollywood blockbuster projects. But “Squid Game” is a Korean story made by a Korean director with Korean actors and Korean language,” he said proudly.
Lee, who plays the enigmatic and masked “Front Man,” admitted he instantly recognized the project’s unique potential, “When I first read the script, it a was very, very interesting story with a very unique structure, but at the same time it was, uh, too experimental. So I thought, um, either it’s going to be a huge hit or a complete flop.”
His involvement in the show was kept so secretive that not even his family knew. “Netflix asked me to keep it as a secret, so I didn’t say it to anybody, even my close friends and mom,” Lee shared with a smile. “So, one day, after ‘Squid Game’ opened, my mom called me and she yelled at me.”
The interview also teased the show’s highly anticipated conclusion. With Season 3 of Squid Game premiering on June 27, fans are eager to see how the saga will wrap up. When asked about the possibility of a spin-off centered on his character, Lee responded, “I’m not certain—but I’d say it’s possible.”
Lee was joined by co-star Lee Jung-jae and series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk at the official Squid Game Season 3 premiere on June 18 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. As the world braces for the final chapter, Lee Byung-hun’s quiet strength and global appeal continue to resonate—on screen and off.
