Squid Game is here and AllHipHop’s D-Nellz caught up with two of the show’s breakout stars—Park Sung-hoon (Player 120) and Kang Ae-sim (Player 149). This exclusive conversation touched on acting, strategy and the cultural impact of Hip-Hop in Korea. The wildly popular Netflix series continues to push boundaries and these two Korean actors bring both emotional depth and cultural insight.
Park Sung-hoon shares how Hip-Hop influenced his personal style growing up and how it still motivates him on set. He recalls bumping tracks by Korean rap legends like YDG (Yang Dong-geun, Squid Games Season 2) and TANOS during his Squid Game shoot days. Kang Ae-sim, a veteran of Korean theater and screen, offers her thoughtful take on the show’s evolution and the surreal experience of joining the internationally beloved Netflix show.
The duo even discusses whether they’d survive in the real Squid Game and who was the class clown on set.
AllHipHop (D-Nellz): Hip-Hop has become huge across Asia. How has it impacted you personally or creatively?
Park Sung-hoon: A few years ago, Hip-Hop exploded in Korea—thanks in part to shows like Show Me The Money. That show gave Hip-Hop a serious spotlight. And it’s wild—two of our Squid Game castmates, TANOS and Yong-sik, are legit Hip-Hop figures. Growing up, I was heavily influenced by Hip-Hop—if you look at old photos of me, I’m rocking oversized gear, big pendants, towels around my neck—just fully in that world. I’ve also worked with a lot of actors who started out as musicians, so I listen to their music while filming. I used to play a lot of YDG and TANOS on my way to set.
AllHipHop: Kang Ae-sim, do you feel a connection between music—Hip-Hop or otherwise—and acting?
Kang Ae-sim: Absolutely. Music helps unlock emotional energy, and it influences the rhythm of how I approach a role. Even if I’m not immersed in Hip-Hop like Park is, I respect the genre deeply.
AllHipHop: When you first read the script for Season 3, what was your reaction?
Park Sung-hoon: Honestly? I was shocked. I didn’t expect a third season, but the script was incredibly tight. It felt like Seasons 2 and 3 were always meant to follow the original. It was that well put together.
Kang Ae-sim: I felt the same way. Season 1 was meant to be the end, but it got so much love, the world expanded. The writing surprised me—it was complex, emotional, and thrilling.
AllHipHop: Did you feel any pressure knowing the entire world was watching?
Park Sung-hoon: Not pressure—more like disbelief. It was surreal to realize I was part of something this big. I just focused on doing my best and enjoying the process.
AllHipHop: If you were in the real Squid Game, would you go solo or build an alliance?
Park Sung-hoon: [Laughs] One, two, three—build an alliance. I definitely want help. This isn’t a game you want to go through alone!
AllHipHop: Last question—who’s more serious on set, and who’s more playful?
Park Sung-hoon: [Laughs] I’ll admit it—I’m the playful one. I love keeping the mood light between scenes.
Kang Ae-sim: And I’m probably the more serious one. But we balance each other out well.
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