“I’m Not the Villain, I’m Just Your Dad!” Lee Byung-hun Breaks Down in Tears as He Reveals His Son Refused to Hug Him After Watching Squid Game—Final Season Spoiler Shocks Entire Cast on Set

Lee Byung-hun on “Squid Game,” Fatherhood, Fame, and That Final Season Tease

In a rare and heartfelt appearance on The Tonight Show, legendary Korean actor Lee Byung-hun sat down for a warm, witty, and revealing conversation that gave fans everything they wanted — from behind-the-scenes secrets of Squid Game to unexpected moments with his children and a possible spin-off in the works.


“Thank You for Having Me Here”

The interview began with a burst of energy and respect. Jimmy Fallon welcomed Lee Byung-hun with admiration: “You’ve been making movies for over 30 years… starred in Hollywood blockbusters… and the first Korean actor to present at the Oscars. Not too shabby.” The audience erupted in applause. And it was well-earned. Lee, humble and gracious, simply smiled and thanked everyone.

But the conversation quickly turned to what made him a global phenomenon: Netflix’s Squid Game.


Squid Game: A Global Shockwave

Despite a long, decorated career in Korea and Hollywood (with roles in Terminator Genisys and G.I. Joe), nothing could have prepared Lee for what Squid Game would become.

“It’s a Korean story,” he said proudly. “Made by a Korean director, with Korean actors, in the Korean language. And when I came to L.A. and New York for promotion, I was shocked by the fans’ reactions.”

He recalled reading the script and thinking it was either going to be “a huge hit or a complete flop.” Its experimental nature, he said, made it impossible to predict the outcome. But it ended up becoming Netflix’s most-watched show of all time, and Lee’s mysterious role as the masked Front Man left a chilling mark on audiences worldwide.


The Front Man: Secrets, Masks, and… Mom?

Lee’s appearance in Squid Game Season 1 was brief but unforgettable. Cloaked in a mask, his identity as the Front Man was the season’s most shocking reveal. Keeping that secret, however, wasn’t easy.

“Netflix asked me not to tell anyone. I didn’t even tell my mom,” he admitted, laughing. “And after the show came out, my mom called me and yelled at me! She said, ‘How could you not tell me?’”

Even his closest friends were left in the dark. His commitment to secrecy was complete.


Acting in a Mask: Ninja Mode Activated

Acting behind a mask isn’t easy — especially one with limited vision. “It’s like pigeonhole view,” Lee joked. “You can barely see. Going up or down stairs was very hard.”

So how did he manage? “I had to use other senses — like a ninja. Like Storm Shadow in G.I. Joe.” The crowd laughed. Even masked and limited, he managed to move with a regal calm that made the Front Man unforgettable.


A Dad’s Dual Life: From Killer to Cuddly

Lee Byung-hun is not just a global star — he’s also a dad to two young kids: a 10-year-old son and an 18-month-old daughter. But keeping his Squid Game character separate from real life was trickier than expected.

One day, his son came home from school looking heartbroken. “He was so sad and asked me, ‘Why are you so mean?’” Lee recounted.

He was stunned. “I said, ‘What? I’m a good dad. I love you.’ But he said, ‘You killed a lot of people.’”

Lee tried to explain it was acting — a role — but his son wasn’t fully convinced. Especially because he loved the character T.O.P. (a nickname for one of the show’s players) and didn’t understand why Dad “hit him so bad.”

The heartbreak was real — and deeply relatable for any parent trying to separate on-screen work from off-screen parenting.


G.I. Joe and Secret Weapons

Lee’s son’s fascination with his roles started young. At just three years old, Lee showed him a G.I. Joe clip, and the toddler was amazed.

“Are you really?” his son whispered.

Then came the hard-hitting question: “Where’s your weapon?”

Lee answered with a quick save: “It’s in America… at a storage.” And in full spy-dad mode, he added: “If I see a strong enemy, I’ll bring it back.”

His son nodded in solemn agreement. “Okay.”

Years later, he understood it was just a movie — but the magic of that moment lingered.


Fallon’s Game Time: “O” or “X”?

To the delight of fans, Jimmy Fallon brought out the iconic red and blue buttons from Squid Game for a playful Q&A. No spoilers, of course… unless?

Will more players learn your identity in Season 3?
👉 Lee hit “O.” Yes! The mystery deepens.

Will the Front Man play a game in Season 3?
👉 Another “O.” The masked mastermind may be stepping into the arena.

Is someone else in charge of Squid Game besides the Front Man?
👉 “O.” A bigger boss? A new puppet master? Fans gasped.

Will old games return in Season 3?
👉 Lee played coy, laughing — no clear answer.

Could we get a Front Man spin-off?
👉 “Yes… maybe,” he said. “There’s a possibility.”

Are you happy with the ending of Season 3?
👉 “Of course,” he smiled. No hesitation.


Final Season Premieres June 27

Lee ended the segment with a powerful teaser clip from the final season. Emotion, tension, and mystery flooded the screen. As the camera zoomed in on his tear-filled eyes, the phone rang. A moment of silence, then darkness. The audience sat breathless.

The final season of Squid Game drops June 27 on Netflix — and based on Lee’s words, it promises intensity, revelations, and emotional depth unlike anything we’ve seen before.


A Legacy Beyond the Mask

Lee Byung-hun isn’t just the Front Man. He’s a cinematic icon, a loving father, and a trailblazer who’s carried Korean storytelling to the center of global pop culture. His story — of secrecy, family, fear, and fame — is as gripping as any thriller.

And whether or not we get that Front Man spin-off, one thing is clear: Lee Byung-hun’s best performances still lie ahead.

As Fallon put it, “That might be the most beautiful watch I’ve ever seen.”
But Lee’s real brilliance? It’s the timing of his talent — always hitting at just the right moment.