Gong Yoo's special appearance in Squid Game season 1 left fans intrigued about his character, with many asking for more screentime. But little did we know that Gong Yoo had initially declined the part. As the 45-year-old actor gears up for the release of its second season, he revealed more about taking up the role of the Recruiter in a recent interview.

Gong Yoo told fashion magazine Elle Korea, that his character started "as a joke" with director Hwang Dong-Hyuk. Little did he know that it would grab audience attention at global level. "My appearance started as a joke that I and the director made when we were privately meeting.

I was just supposed to make a special cameo, so Squid Game was actually a rather light project for me," Gong Yoo said. ALSO READ: Squid Game 2 Actor Lee Jung-Jae Wanted Gong Yoo To Slap Him Hard In Ddakji Scene: Director Wasn't Satisfied About Gong Yoo's role in Squid Game Gong Yoo plays a "gatekeeper" in the survival drama, a salesman who woos people into the deadly game by enchanting them with money through a game of ddakji. He traps people daily walks of life facing money trouble or loan, and catches hold of Seong Gi-Hun aka Player 456 (played by Lee Jung-Jae) at a train station luring him with his signature red and blue envelopes.

He is ruthless in the calmest way. Though Gong Yoo made a small appearance in the first part, fans demanded to see more of the Korean heartthrob. It looks like the makers have given him added screentime this new season.

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