But the most exciting news of all for fans is that four new Korean actors will starring in the forthcoming season. Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Sung-hoon and Yang Dong-geun are all confirmed to join the survival drama, although their roles – as well as the exact release date for season two – are still currently under wraps.

So, who are these four new players, and where do we already know them from?

7 Asian celebrities owning the quiet luxury trend – from Suga to Alia Bhatt

1. Im Si-wan

Im Si-wan – better known as Siwan – made his professional debut as a member and lead vocalist of the K-pop boy band ZE:A before changing his focus to acting. He went on to play a variety of roles in films and K-dramas, showcasing his versatility. But it wasn’t until 2014 that he emerged into the spotlight with his career-defining portrayal of Jang Geu-rae in the hit TVN drama Misaeng: Incomplete Life, which earned him praise from critics and fans alike.

Fans were thrilled when speculation first emerged that the actor might feature in the second season of Squid Game, particularly since they’ve most recently see him play a serial killer in Unlocked. As Koreaboo reports, the 34-year-old is better known for playing softer, more introverted characters, but his role in the murderous Netflix show surprised viewers. Could he be playing a bad guy in Squid Game after all?

2. Kang Ha-neul

Kang Ha-neul is best known for his roles in hit TV dramas such as The Heirs, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo and When the Camellia Blooms, for which he earned numerous accolades including the prestigious Baeksang Arts Award for best actor (television) in 2020.

Meet Shin Hye-sun, K-drama star of Netflix’s See You in My 19th Life

Kang has also starred in several successful films such as action comedy Midnight Runner alongside Itaewon Class actor Park Seo-joon who will be making his Marvel debut as Prince Yan later this year.

While the actor has achieved great success on screen, he originally began his career in musical theatre. The 33-year-old has also previously worked with Siwan in the hugely popular television series Misaeng: Incomplete Life.

3. Park Sung-hoon

Park previously worked in theatre. He scored his first acting gig on TV in 2011 with a supporting role in Bachelor’s Vegetable Store, and another role later in Jealousy Incarnate. But it wasn’t until his recent project The Glory that Park received critical acclaim. He’s since been cast in so many upcoming productions off the back of the show, his fans joke that he’s never been busier, per AllKpop.

Blackpink’s Jennie takes Hollywood in dazzling TV series debut

4. Yang Dong-geun

Forty-four-year-old Yang Dong-geun has a prolific career in South Korea’s entertainment industry that extends well beyond acting.

He has starred in numerous films and TV series over the years and earned several accolades for them too, from TV actor of the year at the MBC Drama Awards to the best supporting actor in a miniseries gong at last year’s SBS Drama Awards. The actor is also a frequent face on reality shows including The Return of Superman, which focuses on celebrity dads who are left alone to take care of their children without the help of their wives.

In addition to all this, Yang is also a songwriter, rapper, producer and dancer. There is very little that the actor hasn’t done in the entertainment industry. We’re looking forward to see which of his many talents he’ll bring to Squid Game.