Lee Byung-hun on “The Tonight Show”: Legacy, “Squid Game,” and the Power of Korean Storytelling

On a recent episode of The Tonight Show, Jimmy Fallon welcomed a true cinematic icon to the stage: Lee Byung-hun. For many Western audiences, his face became globally familiar thanks to Netflix’s megahit Squid Game, but Fallon made sure to honor the depth of his decades-spanning career long before the red jumpsuits and deadly children’s games. The result was an interview that celebrated not just a single performance, but an international legacy—and one actor’s extraordinary journey from Korean cinema to global stardom.

A Career Built on Craft

Fallon kicked off the interview with well-deserved praise. “You’ve been making movies for over 30 years,” he said, reminding the audience that Lee Byung-hun is far from an overnight success. With major Hollywood credits in G.I. Joe and Terminator Genisys, handprints at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, and the distinction of being the first Korean actor to present at the Oscars, Lee is a true trailblazer.

The applause was loud and long—but Lee, humble as ever, downplayed the praise with a simple “Thank you.” It’s a trait fans of his acting recognize: a quiet intensity that speaks volumes.

Squid Game: A Phenomenon Like No Other

Fallon wasted no time getting to the show that catapulted Lee into the living rooms of over 100 million people around the globe. “How does being in Squid Game compare to anything you’ve done in your career?” he asked.

Lee’s answer was thoughtful. “It’s a Korean story, made by a Korean director, with Korean actors, and Korean language,” he said, visibly proud. What struck him most was the overwhelming international response. When promoting Squid Game in the U.S., Lee recalled being “shocked” by the fan reaction.

“Grateful and proud”—his words summed up how it must feel to see a local story explode on a global scale.

The Masked Man: Keeping Secrets and Facing Stairs

In Squid Game, Lee portrays the mysterious and commanding Front Man—a masked figure whose identity remains hidden for much of the first season. Fallon brought up the show’s now-famous reveal: “People freaked out when it was revealed it was you under the mask.”

To protect the twist, Netflix had asked Lee to keep his involvement a secret. He told no one—not even his mother. When she found out through friends, she called him in frustration. “I was so embarrassed,” she told him, to which Lee could only respond, “Sorry, Mom.”

Beyond secrecy, there were practical challenges too. The mask limited his vision so severely that navigating stairs was a legitimate hazard. “It’s like a pigeonhole view,” he said, adding that he had to rely on his other senses “like a ninja.”

A Father On and Off the Screen

Lee also opened up about fatherhood, revealing that he has a 10-year-old son and an 18-month-old daughter. His son, predictably, has heard a lot about Squid Game at school—and he’s not thrilled about Dad’s villainous role.

“One day he asked me, ‘Why are you so mean?’” Lee recalled, laughing. “He said, ‘You killed a lot of people.’” It was a poignant and hilarious reminder of how children see fiction very differently.

In another story, Lee described how his son once asked, “Where’s your weapon?” after watching a G.I. Joe clip. Lee explained, with all the seriousness of a movie hero, “It’s in storage in America. If I see a strong enemy, I’ll bring it back.” His son nodded solemnly. “Okay.”

Fallon’s Game Time: “O” or “X”?

In true Tonight Show fashion, Fallon couldn’t resist some playful questioning. With an oversized “O” and “X” buzzer set, he quizzed Lee on Squid Game season three without asking for outright spoilers.

Lee answered with caution—and just enough intrigue to get fans excited. Among the revelations:

Will more players learn his true identity in season 3?
✅ Yes.

Will he play in a game this season?
❌ No…? Maybe…? (Lee hesitated, teasing the audience.)

Is someone else in charge besides the Front Man?
❌ No spoilers here either, but he played it close to the vest.

Could there be a Front Man spin-off?
✅ Yes… maybe. “There’s a possibility,” Lee said.

The highlight? Lee’s sincere “Of course” when Fallon asked if he was happy with how the show ends. For fans fearing a disappointing finale, it was a reassuring nod.

A New Clip, and a Hint of What’s to Come

To end the segment, Fallon debuted a new clip from season three. It was brief but packed with emotion—highlighting Lee’s mastery of silent intensity. The crowd erupted in cheers, clearly hungry for the next chapter.

Fallon summed up the moment perfectly: “Wo-o-o-o-o-ow! Lee Byung-hun, everybody!”

Beyond “Squid Game”: What Lee Byung-hun Represents

While the interview focused heavily on Squid Game, it also served as a celebration of what Lee Byung-hun represents: a bridge between East and West, tradition and innovation, stoic elegance and raw emotional power.

His career spans genres, languages, and continents. He’s been a romantic lead, a deadly ninja, a ruthless villain, and now—ironically—a masked icon of mystery and control. And yet, he speaks of his career with humility, giving credit to his directors, his co-stars, and even his childhood ninja senses.

Final Thoughts

Lee Byung-hun’s appearance on The Tonight Show was more than just a press stop for Squid Game season three. It was a moment that reflected how global entertainment has become. A Korean actor speaking Korean lines in a Korean show is now one of the most recognized faces on the planet. That’s not just a testament to Squid Game—that’s a testament to Lee’s talent, dedication, and legacy.

And whether or not a Front Man spin-off ever happens, one thing’s certain: we’ll be watching.

The third and final season of Squid Game premieres June 27 on Netflix.

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