Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Squid Game’s Player 001 reveals how the Netflix show changed his life: ‘Being famous is tough, too’

*Contains major spoilers for Squid Game*

Peony Hirwani
Thursday 21 October 2021 10:38 BST
Comments
‘Squid Game’ is officially Netflix’s ‘biggest ever’ series launch

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Squid Game actor Yeong-su Oh, who rose to fame as Player 001, has spoken about how the hit Netflix show changed his life.

During an appearance on the South Korean TV show How Do I Play, the 77-year-old actor said he feels as though he’s “floating on air” after the success of the dystopian thriller series.

“It makes me think, ‘I need to calm down, organise my thoughts, and hold myself back right now’,” he said.

Yeong-su also revealed that his daughter has been helping him manage calls and messages as he doesn’t have a manager.

“So many people have been contacting me, and because I don’t have a manager to help me, it’s hard for me to handle the volume of calls and messages I’ve been receiving, so my daughter has been helping me.”

“Things have changed quite a bit. Even when I go out to a cafe or somewhere like that, I now have to be aware of [how I appear to others]. It’s made me think, ‘Being famous is tough, too,’” Yeong-su added.

Squid Game
Squid Game (Netflix)

Squid Game explores a dystopian reality, in which a mysterious organisation recruits people in debt to compete in a series of apparently childish games for the chance to win a life-changing amount of money.

The games are based on classic children’s games, some of which are specific to Korea, while others, such as “Red Light, Green Light”, are known worldwide.

Red Light, Green Light game in Squid Game
Red Light, Green Light game in Squid Game (Netflix/YouTube)

As one of the show’s most beloved characters, the unmasking of Player 001 as the mastermind behind the games both shocked and disappointed audiences around the world.

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free
Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

His real name is revealed to be Oh Il-nam, a wealthy man suffering from a terminal illness who created the games out of boredom.

In other news, after being officially declared as Netflix’s biggest ever launch, Squid Game is estimated to be worth almost $900 million (£654m) for the streaming service.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in