Actress Jo Yu-ri (23) has made a significant impression on global viewers with ‘Squid Game’.
The Netflix series ‘Squid Game Season 2’ depicts the intense rivalry between Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae), who returns to participate in the game seeking revenge, and the Frontman (played by Lee Byung-hun). Within just 11 days of its release, it recorded 126.2 million views (the number of views divided by the total running time of the work), ranking second in Netflix's all-time most popular non-English series.
Jo Yu-ri debuted as a member of the girl group IZ*ONE after participating in the 2018 Mnet survival program ‘Produce 48’. After IZ*ONE disbanded on April 29, 2021, she continued her career as a solo artist. The following year, she began her acting career with the web drama ‘Mimicus’ in July.
In ‘Squid Game Season 2’, Jo Yu-ri played the role of Jun-hee, who participates in the game after losing a large sum of money due to believing in false investment information. Currently, Jo Yu-ri has approximately 3.76 million followers on social media (as of the 9th), which has more than doubled from 1.68 million around the time ‘Squid Game’ Season 2 started, leading to reactions calling her the second Jung Ho-yeon.
In an interview held on the 9th in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Jo Yu-ri expressed, “I’m really happy that this work, which we filmed with great effort, is loved by many. I’m looking forward to Season 3 as well,” adding, “I’m just grateful that many people view it positively, and I feel thankful and happy just to be compared to such a beloved character. It hasn’t been long since it was released, but I’ve received a lot of messages from acquaintances. I’ve never received this many messages in my life, so I thought the response must be good.”
When asked if she feels the popularity, she replied, “I don’t feel a dramatic change,” but added, “I’m grateful to know that many people are interested and that I’m in contact with my friends.”
After passing the fourth audition, Jo Yu-ri joined ‘Squid Game Season 2’. She said, “I didn’t ask the director why I was chosen, but I was desperate since I had failed auditions before, and I think my desire to secure this role matched Jun-hee’s determination to escape the game with her child, which is why I was selected.” She continued, “When I heard I passed, I couldn’t believe it. I got the news over the phone, and it felt like a dream. I couldn’t believe I was joining such a big project, and I called my mom right away.”
Regarding her first role as a pregnant woman, she said, “I wore a cushion on my belly and tried to make my skin and hair look dull. Since Jun-hee isn’t in a good state to eat well, I actually lost a bit of weight while filming.” She added, “I’ve never been pregnant, so I was worried that viewers might find my acting awkward. So, I detailed Jun-hee’s character and asked those who have experienced pregnancy various questions. I also asked my mom about her physical state and emotional changes during pregnancy. I prepared for habits of pregnant women, like touching or lifting the belly. However, I focused on not making it feel too familiar.”
Since Season 1 was a global hit, the pressure of joining as a new member must have been significant.
In response, Jo Yu-ri said, “Since Season 1 was a huge success, I felt pressure about whether I could do well, but my seniors took good care of me on set.” She added, “It was hard to believe I was working with seniors I had seen on TV. I thought this opportunity is rare and might not come again. I wanted to remember this feeling and moment, and I reflected on the fact that this moment is not something to take for granted.”
She continued, “Watching my seniors act and even their preparation off-camera was a continuous learning experience for me.” She mentioned, “My chemistry with Im Si-wan was very good. He took care of me a lot on set. Since I had no experience, I stuck close to him for guidance. We rehearsed very thoroughly. While waiting, we prepared for the next scene and often visited the director’s room to discuss the project and show the prepared performance. I learned a lot by watching Im Si-wan prepare for his scenes. Seeing how he treated me made me think that when I become a senior, I want to be like him.”
The Frontman, Lee Byung-hun, previously praised Jo Yu-ri as one of the most impressive cast members.
Jo Yu-ri said, “It’s thrilling. Even on set, Lee Byung-hun praised me. I was happy when he mentioned it in an interview. Being praised by a senior I respect is an exhilarating experience. I captured the article and saved it in my gallery. While touching my belly, I asked to be included in the game, which was almost my first scene with the seniors. At that time, Lee Byung-hun said my gaze was good, and Lee Jung-jae also praised me for my recent scene. I was nervous since it was almost my first scene, but I felt good with the seniors’ compliments.”
What was the reaction of the IZ*ONE members, who are still showcasing their friendship?
Jo Yu-ri said, “Almost all the members contacted me from the time the news about my appearance in ‘Squid Game Season 2’ came out. They sent me pictures saying they were binge-watching. Their support was reassuring. The encouragement and messages from the members were a great source of strength for me. In the future, I should also reach out to the members when they have good news,” she laughed.
Regarding the rumor that her salary for ‘Squid Game Season 2’ is 4.2 billion won, she stated, “I’ve never seen that kind of money, and I can definitely say that’s not true,” adding, “I don’t know when I’ll ever get to touch that kind of money, but I will work hard to be Jo Yu-ri who does her best.”
She expressed her desire to be active as both a singer and an actress, saying, “Acting is fun because I can live as someone I’ve never been. Sometimes I get to experience being in a juvenile detention center, being pregnant, and risking my life in a game.” She continued, “The pressure and pride of expressing something and showing it to the public seem to be similar. I think my experiences standing in front of the camera during my idol activities helped me when acting in front of many staff and actors.”
Finally, she said, “Singing and acting are just so enjoyable for me, regardless of the reason. I have a high level of job satisfaction,” adding, “This moment feels unbelievable, and the enthusiastic response feels like a dream. I plan to continue both singing and acting activities. A new album is also set to be released this year. I want to work hard on both. Please look forward to ‘Squid Game Season 3’. The story will be much more intense, and it will flow in a stimulating and entertaining way. You won’t be disappointed,” she urged for interest.
[Yang So-young, Star Today Reporter]
