Wi Ha-joon, the South Korean actor who gained worldwide recognition for his role as Hwang Jun-ho in Squid Game Season 2, continues to captivate audiences with his performances. Following the immense success of Squid Game Season 1, expectations for the second season were sky-high. In a recent appearance on the KRazee Talks podcast, Wi Ha-joon opened up about his favorite Indian movies, his love for dance, and the pressures of following up on the monumental success of Squid Game.
Wi Ha-joon’s Favorite Indian Movies
In his podcast appearance, Wi Ha-joon enthusiastically named three of his favorite Indian films. The actor, known for his love for global cinema, expressed his admiration for Indian films with the following picks:
- 3 Idiots: The iconic Bollywood film directed by Rajkumar Hirani, featuring Aamir Khan, has left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. Its combination of humor, emotion, and social commentary on India’s education system resonates with many, including Wi Ha-joon.
- Kill: While it’s unclear whether Wi Ha-joon meant Kill Bill or an Indian film by the same name, his inclusion of this film highlights his appreciation for the action-packed and intense storytelling present in Indian cinema.
- KGF: The epic action film KGF starring Yash has gained a massive fanbase not just in India but globally. Wi Ha-joon’s admiration for this film showcases his fondness for high-intensity dramas that explore themes of power, destiny, and rebellion.
Wi Ha-joon’s recognition of these films points to his diverse taste in cinema and his eagerness to appreciate different cultural narratives.
Fascination with Indian Dance
As the conversation shifted to Indian cinema’s cultural elements, Wi Ha-joon expressed his fascination with the ubiquitous dance numbers found in Indian films. He was particularly drawn to how these films often feature elaborate dance sequences, blending music, storytelling, and physical expression seamlessly.
When asked if he could perform any iconic dance steps, Wi Ha-joon humbly admitted that he wasn’t trained in Indian dance but would be willing to practice and give it a shot if the opportunity arose. This genuine and playful answer added a personal touch to the podcast, showing that Wi Ha-joon remains open to experimenting with new cultural elements as he grows in his career.
The Pressure of Squid Game Season 2
While Wi Ha-joon is basking in the glory of Squid Game’s continued success, the actor revealed that there was significant pressure on him while working on the second season. Following the immense global success of the first season, he knew that fans were eagerly awaiting his return as Hwang Jun-ho.
In an interview with PTI, Wi Ha-joon confessed that the weight of expectations made him feel the pressure to perform. “Because the first season of Squid Game became such a big success, I did feel a lot of pressure,” said the actor. He further explained that his character Jun-ho has a pivotal role in the opening episodes of Season 2, which added to his sense of responsibility.
Despite the pressure, Wi Ha-joon found solace in the fact that Jun-ho was a character he deeply loved. This personal connection to his role motivated him to give his best performance. He also acknowledged that as he becomes more recognized globally, his responsibility as both an actor and a public figure increases, which serves as a driving force for his career.
Upcoming Projects and Career Path
Apart from his role in Squid Game, Wi Ha-joon has made a mark in several other notable South Korean TV shows and films. Some of his other significant works include Goodbye Mr Black, Romance Is a Bonus Book, Bad and Crazy, The Worst of Evil, and Gyeongseong Creature. With a growing list of impressive credits, Wi Ha-joon is undoubtedly on a fast track to becoming one of the most sought-after actors in the Korean entertainment industry.
The Global Appeal of Korean and Indian Cinema
Wi Ha-joon’s admiration for Indian cinema exemplifies the growing global appreciation for films from different cultures. As the South Korean film industry continues to make waves with international hits like Squid Game and Parasite, Indian cinema, too, is gaining global recognition through films like KGF, RRR, and 3 Idiots. This cross-cultural admiration highlights the universal power of storytelling and how cinema transcends borders to unite audiences worldwide.
Wi Ha-joon’s Continued Global Impact
Wi Ha-joon’s rising fame, combined with his love for Indian films and dance, paints a picture of a globally-minded actor who embraces cultural diversity. His upcoming roles, combined with his past success in Squid Game, ensure that his fanbase will continue to expand. His humility, coupled with a willingness to learn from other cultures, shows that Wi Ha-joon is not just an actor but also an ambassador for cross-cultural collaboration in the global entertainment industry.
As he continues to grow as a global star, it’s clear that Wi Ha-joon’s love for different cultures and his dedication to his craft will only add more layers to his remarkable career.