Squid Game‘s creator and star Lee Byung-hun have surprising reactions to fans shipping Gi-hun and The Front Man. Squid Game season 2 takes an unexpected turn when Byung-hun’s Hwang In-ho, joins the games as the seemingly innocuous Player 001. Although some viewers were stuck on why Gi-hun never suspected Player 001, particularly considering his special number and the season 1 twist involving The Old Man, others were generally quite taken by the chemistry between Gi-hun and his duplicitous enemy.
On the official Instagram account for Squid Game, series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk and lead star Lee Jung-jae can be seen reacting to dramatic fan edits that depict Gi-hun and In-ho as longing lovers. The series creator looks delighted by the edits, smiling and laughing as he’s watching, while remarking that the two enemies do have “slightly erotic vibes” and that the Front Man is a bit obsessed with Gi-hun. Hwang also notes that he sent the video to Byung-hun, who was “a bit shocked by it.” Check out the video reel below:
In comments to StarNews (with translation via Mashable Middle East), the Front Man actor shared his own response to the shipping of his character and Gi-hun. Byung-hun says that he’s seen some of the videos and explains why he was a bit confused at first. He later said that he was not uncomfortable with the shipping, adding: “I wouldn’t say I feel particularly good about it either.”
I also watch YouTube, and I saw Squid Game videos with ‘BL’ (Boy Love) written in large letters related to me. At first, I didn’t know what that meant, and I thought it was a mistake, like referring to BH (short for Byung Hun, the management company). Or maybe it was referring to Byung Hun Lee, I wasn’t sure. I just thought they were joking around, but I’m not really sure what that’s about.
No, I’m not uncomfortable, but I wouldn’t say I feel particularly good about it either.
What The Gi-Hun & Front Man Shipping Means For Squid Game
It’s A Classic Story
Shipping and fandom in general is about fostering a sense of community and cultivating a sort of shared enjoyment. In some ways, the specifics of what a fandom chooses to obsess over is secondary to the feeling of being part of a group that unites in having the same interest. That said, there is a lot about Gi-hun and In-ho that makes for a good story.
Although his bond with Gi-hun may be calculated, the inherent tension and lingering betrayal make for good content. It lends to dramatic TikTok edits, and presumably, angsty fanfiction in the same way that it makes the Netflix thriller more compelling.
Squid Game season 2 sees the steely Front Man getting genuinely excited over his fellow competitors winning the games and surviving in a way that seems genuinely enthusiastic and sincere. Although his bond with Gi-hun is calculated, the inherent tension and lingering betrayal make for good content. It has led to dramatic TikTok edits, and presumably, angsty fanfiction in the same way that it makes the Netflix thriller more compelling.
Related
Why Jun-ho Lies To Gi-hun About Not Knowing The Front Man’s Identity In Squid Game Season 2
Jun-ho lies in Squid Game season 2 by telling Gi-hun that he doesn’t know what the Front Man looks like, when he’s actually his brother.
Squid Game season 3, which will arrive before the end of the year, could reveal a lot more about In-Ho that would make his actions somewhat more sympathetic. On the other hand, it could double down, confirming that the villain is indeed as evil as he seems. Either way, helped by the chemistry of the two lead actors, angst and unrequited emotion are the basis for a lot of ships. It is expected that the final episodes will continue to break down the showdown between Gi-hun and the Front Man, especially in response to the failed rebellion at the end of season 2.
Our Take On Hwang Dong-hyuk’s Reaction To Gi-hun & The Front Man
It’s Fun To See
Hwang hasn’t always had the best time when talking about the hit thriller. Even though Squid Game is a massive hit for Netflix, the creator struggled with bringing back the show for season 2 because the first installment was so personal to him. Questions of shipping aside, it’s nice to see the writer and director so amused about that aspect of fan culture.
Source: Squid Game/Instagram, StarNews (via Mashable Middle East)
In Squid Game, a mysterious invitation to join a competition is sent to people at risk who are in dire need of money. Four hundred fifty-six participants from all walks of life are locked into a secret location where they play games to win 45.6 billion won. Games are selected from traditional Korean children’s games, such as Red Light and Green Light, but the consequence of losing is death. To survive, competitors must choose their alliances carefully – but the further they go in the competition, the more likely betrayal will rear its ugly head.
- Release Date
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September 17, 2021
- Finale Year
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November 30, 2024
- Cast
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Wi Ha-joon
, Anupam Tripathi
, Oh Yeong-su
, Heo Sung-tae
, Park Hae-soo
, Jung Ho-yeon
, Lee Jung-jae
, Kim Joo-ryoung - Seasons
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2
- Writers
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Hwang Dong-hyuk
- Directors
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Hwang Dong-hyuk
- Showrunner
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Hwang Dong-hyuk