Why “Squid Game” Player 007 Almost Turned Down His Role In Season 2
Actor and rapper Yang Dong Geun (also known as YDG) became one of the most unforgettable characters in the second season of Netflix‘s mega-hit K-Drama Squid Game. But in a recent interview, he revealed that he considered turning down the “Player 007” role for one reason.
In a Netflix “Reaction” video, Yang Dong Geun explained that the emotional scene in which he reunites with his mother after having left her behind during a game of “Mingle” was difficult for him to handle.
That scene is actually the reason I almost turned down the role. I think it’s a scene that I personally didn’t really wish to confront… So, from weeks before, I was almost feeling sick, thinking about acting the scene.
— Yang Dong Geun
When asked about what he said in the video at an interview held on January 6, 2025 (KST), the actor shared more about his personal struggle with emotional scenes. He claimed “emotional acting…is really tough” for him because of past “trauma.”
I was happy just to hear that I had been cast, but when I saw the role I had to play, it started to feel torturous. To be honest, because I started acting at such a young age, having to cry on set has become somewhat of a trauma for me. Emotional acting, especially crying scenes, is really tough for me. I’ve had to cry on the spot with many people watching. I’ve done a lot of projects set in particularly difficult times… and while some child actors can cry well, I couldn’t and that seems to have developed into a sort of trauma.
— Yang Dong Geun
Looking over the script and realizing how “distressing” the scene was going to be, Yang Dong Geun considered turning down the role—because he didn’t want to put himself through yet another traumatic experience at 45 years of age—but he eventually pushed through, given the size of the project that is Squid Game.
I read the script and saw that there was a very emotional scene involved. It was really distressing. Now that I’m over 45, I kind of just want to enjoy work as I go through life. The process of evoking such emotions was something I really didn’t want to face. So, I was on the verge of turning down the role… but since it was the Squid Game, I decided to push forward.
— Yang Dong Geun
Viewers shared undivided appreciation for how the scene turned out and voiced love and support for the mother-son duo navigating the brutal games together.
On the other hand, one popular actor did indeed turn down Squid Game—not once, but twice. Read more about his decision here:
