A familiar face from 'Squid Game' starred in one of the best zombie films of all time

The actor in question is one of the most sought-after stars in the South Korean industry, celebrated for a zombie movie.
PUBLISHED JAN 14, 2025
A still from the 'Squid Game'. (Cover Image Source: Netflix | Photo by Noh Juhan )
A still from the 'Squid Game'. (Cover Image Source: Netflix | Photo by Noh Juhan )

While 'Squid Game' Season 2 introduced fans to a slew of new and intriguing characters, there is still one actor who is hogging maximum limelight despite having a very short screen time. The actor in question is one of the most sought-after stars in the South Korean industry. His acting chops in a highly celebrated zombie movie not only shot him to international fame but also cemented his position as a force to be reckoned with. So, who is he?

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - FEBRUARY 22: South Korean actor Gong Yoo is seen at the Tom Ford Beauty 'cherry collection' asia pacific opening on February 22, 2023 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/WireImage)
South Korean actor Gong Yoo is seen at the Tom Ford Beauty 'Cherry Collection' Asia Pacific opening on February 22, 2023, in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/ Getty Images)

It's none other than Gong Yoo, who plays the character of the charismatic yet psychotic salesman in 'Squid Game.' His zombie movie, 'Train to Busan', garnered immense praise given its relentless energy and emotional depth. The film follows Seok-woo, a workaholic father trying to escape a zombie outbreak with his young daughter, Su-an, as per Slashfilm.



 

Unlike typical zombie films, 'Train to Busan' combines intense apocalyptic tension with emotional moments, which highlights the devastation of loved ones transforming into zombies. The movie has fast-paced editing and handheld shots, which adds to its cinematic brilliance. The zombies are portrayed as fast and bloodthirsty, which heightens the tension as the characters fight for survival in the claustrophobic speeding train. The film's emotional core, especially in its moving finale, is a true jerker, which will leave you with a tear or two.


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by 공유 gongyoo official (@gongyoo_official)


 

Coming back to 'Squid Game,' Gong-yoo, played the character of the unnerving salesman in the show. The actor's stellar acting has to be one of the highlights of the much-anticipated Season 2. One of the most heart-thumping scenes has Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) facing off against the Salesman in a tense game of Russian roulette, as per reports.



 

The salesman, who shares his grim backstory of working in the games since a young age, loads the gun and takes turns with the protagonist, but Gi-hun's luck from Season 1 prevails, and he survives all the rounds. With one round left, a shocking twist occurs as the salesman, refusing to back down or kill Gi-hun to win, accepts his fate and shoots himself. His skilled acting not only sends shivers down the spine but also sets the tone for the season to unfold.


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by 공유 gongyoo official (@gongyoo_official)


 

On the work front, Gong-yoo is all set to appear in a new drama titled 'Slowly, Intensely,' as per CNA Lifestyle. The filming for the highly anticipated show has already begun, which will also star Song Hye-kyo. Set against the backdrop of the 1960s and 70s broadcasting industry, the series is written by acclaimed screenwriter Noh Hee-kyung, who previously collaborated with Hye-kyo on 'The World That They Live In' and 'That Winter, The Wind Blows.' Directed by Lee Yoon-jung, 'Slowly, Intensely' will have 22 episodes and will be made against a whopping production budget of $47.8 million. 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

After disappearing from Ashford, Tanselle’s story feels unfinished and 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' Season 2 will reveal whether Dunk will see her again.
9 minutes ago
Peter Sutherland goes on several globe-trotting missions to protect American interests, we've combined a list of top locations from 'The Night Manager'
1 hour ago
While speaking about the success of 'Industry', HBO CEO Casey Bloys deliberately dropped an ambiguous message about a potential Season 5.
2 hours ago
The post-credits scene differs from how 'The Hedge Knight' novella by George R. R. Martin ended
3 hours ago
The upcoming instalment will feature the infamous Battle of the Gullet, a violent sea battle that changes the course of the war
4 hours ago
Egg went on the road with Ser Dunk as his squire, not knowing whether the latter is an official knight of the realm or not
5 hours ago
The second season will move beyond the bunker and explore the lives of the survivors
8 hours ago
From Peter personal life to addressing the fate of 'The Father', we look at some key storylines that needs explaining in 'The Night Agent' Season 4
1 day ago
Four episodes in, 'Love Story' continues to generate the buzz, with the anticipation for episode 5 growing by the day
1 day ago
A renewal for he fourth season purely depends on the ratings for the recently released season 3
2 days ago