When “Squid Game” premiered in 2021, it became a global sensation and redefined the potential of international television. Its mix of brutal games and social allegory struck a nerve, turning everyday viewers into analysts and contestants into symbols of class and morality. With its long-awaited second season, the show returned with higher stakes and new characters who added depth to its already visceral world.
One of the most memorable newcomers is Jang Geum-ja, a mother who enters the game alongside her son Seongho. She believes her presence might protect him as he tries to repay mounting gambling debts. Played with quiet force by veteran actress Kang Ae-sim, Geum-ja never shouts for attention. From the beginning, she votes to end the game while her son insists on staying, their values clashing until a devastating turn in the game called Mingle. When the two are separated, Seongho makes a split-second decision to save himself instead of going back for his mother. That moment leaves a lasting mark, not just on him, but on the viewers who have come to see their relationship as one of the show’s few steady connections.
Kang’s presence gives the series a sense of emotional stability. She never tries to compete with the larger spectacle around her. Instead, she offers something smaller and more lasting. Her character doesn’t dominate screen time, but her choices resonate across the season. Even when silent, she holds attention.
By the end of Season Two, both Geum-ja and Seongho remain alive. Their relationship is damaged but unresolved, leaving open the question of how their journey might evolve in Season Three. In a show that rarely offers second chances, their survival carries weight.
Kang’s career spans decades in Korean theater, film, and television. She is celebrated for her range and depth, often portraying women who anchor their stories through presence rather than force. That same approach defines her work in “Squid Game,” where her performance draws from both maternal instinct and personal experience.
Kang Ae-sim spoke to Awards Focus about channeling her real-life experiences into Jang Geum-ja, drawing on her theater background, and what it meant to join a series that has captured audiences around the world.
Awards Focus: Hi, my name is Ben with Awards Focus. It’s an honor to meet you today.
Kang Ae-sim: Nice to meet you as well.
AF: Your character is such a powerful presence, and you’ve been so prolific as an actor. I don’t know how you find the time for all the work you do. Was there a different kind of pressure coming into “Squid Game,” knowing how massive the first season was on a global scale?
Ae-sim: I wouldn’t say it was pressure exactly, but I constantly questioned myself—whether this role was truly meant for me. Before filming even began, I had this lingering fear that something would happen to take the opportunity away. I didn’t tell many people I had the role because I didn’t want to jinx it. Then, just a few days before we started principal photography, I slipped in the rain and injured my arm badly. But I took that as a sign that my bad luck had already happened, and only good luck would follow. From that moment on, I thought, let’s go and do this.
AF: There was also a real-life “Squid Game” game show, and in that version there was a mother and son competing together. As an audience, we knew only one could survive, and that maybe one would be forced to cause the other’s elimination. When you approached your role, which carries similar emotional stakes, how did you access that inner conflict—of wanting to survive but also wanting your son to live?
Ae-sim: I don’t know if I would call it inspiration exactly, but I am a mother to a son in real life. It came very naturally. If you imagine a group of people drowning, who do you save? Without hesitation, it’s your child. That instinct is something that’s just in you as a mother, and that’s what I drew from.
AF: Coming from theater and musical theater, did those experiences help when stepping onto a production of this scale, with such a large cast and high expectations?
Ae-sim: Absolutely. My time on stage helped me a great deal.
AF: Speaking of musical theater, the music in “Squid Game” is so memorable, and the sets are striking and colorful. Have you ever imagined it as a stage musical?
Ae-sim: I’ve actually thought about that before, and yes—I think it would make an amazing musical.
AF: If you were cast in a musical version of “Squid Game,” is there another character—male or female—you’d love to play?
Ae-sim: What do you think? Who do you think I’d want to be?
AF: Maybe Gi-hun? Though your own character is already so special.
Ae-sim: No, I’d want to be Hyun Joo. I think she’s pretty, right? And also, I’d love to do some intense action as a Special Forces sergeant.
AF: Your role features some of the most emotional scenes in the season, particularly the game where you’re separated from your son. How did you prepare for that moment?
Ae-sim: I always try to begin from a personal place. Being a mother to a son, that connection was easy to access. I thought about what it would feel like to be in that kind of extreme situation. I brought in memories from real life, like when my son was sick, and tried to blend those feelings with the reality of the character. It was about holding both in balance.
AF: Do you think, in real life, you would have reacted the same way your character did in that moment?
Ae-sim: Yes, I do. I think that was me. No matter what happens, you want your son to live.
AF: You’ve done so much work across theater, film, and television, but has your experience with “Squid Game” felt different? Have you been surprised by how people are responding to both the show and your character?
Ae-sim: Every single moment of this experience has felt new and filled with surprises. Even right now, sitting here speaking with you, it’s all still surprising to me. And despite being jet lagged and not sleeping at all last night, I feel so awake because I’m genuinely enjoying every part of it.
AF: I’m glad to hear that. I know you have a busy few days ahead—hopefully you’ll get some rest soon. Is there anything you’re allowed to share about where your character’s story might go in Season Three?
Ae-sim: All I can say is, keep your radar open. Use your imagination and think about the kinds of paths she might take. I can promise her journey will be worth watching.
Awards Focus: Lastly, I also run a podcast called United by Rice, where we ask every guest: after a long day, especially a tiring one like today, what’s your favorite rice dish to comfort yourself with?
Kang Ae-sim: Bibimbap. I love spicy food, so I’d go with a hearty bowl of bibimbap with lots of vegetables and a good amount of gochujang.
Awards Focus: Perfect choice. You really were the heart of this season, and I’m so grateful for your performance. Thank you for your time, and I hope you get some well-deserved sleep soon.
Kang Ae-sim: Thank you so much. Be healthy and be happy.