Since its debut on Netflix on December 26, 2024, Squid Game Season 2 has stirred up more controversy than heartfelt moments. A big part of the fanbase has pointed out that the first season's strong writing made them genuinely care about the characters, even though the actors weren't super famous back then. This time, though, the sequel features a star-studded lineup of A-list actors and K-pop idols, which seems to overshadow the engaging storylines and character growth that the original series was known for.

The drama surrounding Season 2 has only intensified with Park Sung Hoon's recent "accidental" adult content post on Instagram.

Even with the various legal issues that many cast members have faced in the past, they still manage to captivate audiences around the globe. This season introduces two characters played by actors who have a romantic history together, bringing attention to the long-standing connection between Chae Gook Hee and Oh Dal Soo amidst the OTT success of Squid Game Season 2.

Some Squid Game 2 cast members were in a real-life relationship before the #MeToo movement

The former stepped into the hit drama’s sequel as #44, a shamanic character, while Soo took on the role of Captain Park. As reported by South Korean media outlet Isplus.com, the two were previously involved in a five-year romantic relationship. They first shared the stage in 2008 for a theatrical production. After that, Chae and Oh became good friends. Their paths crossed again in 2012 with the successful film The Thieves, which led to them transitioning from friends to a couple. They went public with their relationship in 2016, revealing they had been dating for three years. However, their love story didn’t last long, as they split in 2018 after five years together.

Oh Dal Soo's troubled history

Oh Dal Soo found himself in hot water during the #MeToo movement when allegations of sexual harassment and assault surfaced against him. This led to several projects he was involved in being affected, including his role in tvN’s My Ahjussi, which also featured IU and Lee Sun Kyun. As a result of the controversy, he was let go from the show, and many other films were either reshot or scrapped altogether. Despite the accusations, Oh firmly denied all claims and took a break from the entertainment scene.

Fast forward to 2019, his agency, CJ Entertainment, announced that he would be returning to acting in an independent film. This news coincided with authorities wrapping up their investigation into his case, declaring that the statute of limitations had expired, and he was found “not guilty.” Alongside his role in Squid Game 2, he also took on a supporting part in the Korean film I, the Execution (or Veteran 2), starring Jung Hae In.

However, when news broke about Oh Dal Soo being cast in the upcoming Netflix K-drama, it sparked a wave of backlash online. Fans of Hallyu took to social media, expressing their outrage with comments like, “What is this drama, are they trying to clean up the image of criminal actors?”

The male cast of Squid Game Season 2 and their never-ending controversies

Squid Game Season 2 is bringing back some familiar faces like Lee Jung Jae, Lee Byung Hyun, Wi Ha Joon, and Gong Yoo. New cast members include Yim Siwan, Kang Ha Neul, Park Sung Hoon, Jo Yuri, Kang Ae Sim, Lee Jin Wook, Park Gyu Young, and more. However, Lee Jung Jae, the main star, has had his share of controversies, facing multiple DUI and assault allegations, along with fraud claims in 2024. On the other hand, Lee Byung Hyun was sued by a former girlfriend in 2009 for misleading her into a sexual relationship, which she claimed caused her emotional and physical distress due to false marriage promises. He’s also been labeled a chronic gambler.

Lee Jin Wook, who plays Player 246, has faced accusations of sexual assault in the past. Former BIGBANG member T.O.P., known as Choi Seung Hyun, got into legal trouble for using marijuana while serving in the military back in 2017. Another new addition, Song Young Chang, who plays Player 100, was convicted for underage prostitution. Lastly, O Yeong Su, the elderly Player 001 from the first season, has been charged with sexual misconduct.

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