Squid Game 3: Jo Yu Ri reveals finals message of her character Player 222, wants to act in a Bollywood musical

One of the show’s most emotionally intense scenes, involving childbirth and breastfeeding, was made easier thanks to the support of her senior co-star Kang Ae Sim, who plays Geum Ja—a mother protecting her son’s future in the game. “She was so generous and encouraging,” Yu Ri says. “I leaned on her guidance during those moments.” Interestingly, what began as a role she felt detached from soon mirrored parts of herself.
“In the beginning, I thought Jun Hee and I were complete opposites,” she reflects. “But as I immersed myself in her world, I realized we share a kind of cynicism. I have a slightly cynical side too, and bringing that into the character made it more fun and meaningful.”The role ended up transforming her, both on and off screen. “It was a huge learning curve, working with such a skilled director and talented actors,” she says. “Personally, I matured. I also found myself expressing more love to my own mother—it opened something in me.”

While Squid Game has brought her international attention, Yu Ri is no stranger to fame. She first rose to stardom by placing third on the hit survival show Produce 48, earning her a spot in the now-disbanded girl group IZ*One. Since launching her solo career in 2021, she’s also contributed soundtracks to popular K-dramas like See You in My 19th Life, My Lovely Liar, and Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born. Her acting debut came in 2022 in the web series Mimicus, where she played a young teen chasing her dreams. Post-Squid Game, she’s felt a shift in the kind of recognition she receives.

“Earlier, my fanbase was mostly younger,” she notes. “But after Squid Game, people across different generations started noticing me. That felt incredibly rewarding.” When asked about future aspirations, including work beyond Korea, Yu Ri is enthusiastic. “If I ever get the chance to visit India, I’d love to be part of a musical film,” she says. “I know how popular musicals are there, and it would be a dream to take part in one.”
As Jun Hee faces devastating choices in the final installment of Squid Game Season 3, what message would she want to leave behind for Myung Gi? Yu Ri pauses for a moment. “She’s not someone who says much. But I think she would have told him, ‘Please protect our baby.’ She says that line to Gi Hun (Lee Jung Jae) in the show, but I feel like that message was truly meant for Myung Gi.”
Squid Game Season 3 premieres June 27 on Netflix.