Who Plays Gi-hun in Squid Game
Gi-hun is portrayed by South Korean actor Lee Jung-jae. He is the lead protagonist in the Netflix series Squid Game, where he plays a debt-ridden single father who enters a deadly children's game tournament. Lee Jung-jae was born on December 15, 1972, in Seoul, South Korea, and trained at Chung-Ang University before building a career in film and television.
Lee Jung-jae's portrayal of Gi-hun became a global phenomenon after the first season of Squid Game premiered on Netflix in September 2021. The series quickly became Netflix's most-watched show within its first month, and Gi-hun's character arc, from desperate gambler to reluctant survivor, drove much of its international viewership and cultural impact.
Gi-hun Actor Salary and Net Worth
Reports indicate that Lee Jung-jae earned a reported 50 billion KRW for his role in Squid Game Season 1, which translates to roughly 37 million USD at the time of filming, making him one of the highest-paid Korean actors for a single project. His earnings were linked to the show's record-breaking global performance and his status as the lead actor carrying the narrative as Gi-hun.
As of the latest available public estimates, Lee Jung-jae's net worth is reported to be in the range of 50 to 70 million USD, reflecting his decades-long career in Korean cinema, television dramas, and international projects. His financial standing has been bolstered by brand endorsements, film roles, and the ongoing popularity of Squid Game across multiple markets.
Recent Projects and Career Milestones
Major Film and Television Roles
Beyond Squid Game, Lee Jung-jae has starred in high-profile Korean films such as The Battleship Island, Hunt, and Deliver Us from Evil, and he has received multiple Best Actor nominations and wins at the Blue Dragon Film Awards and Baeksang Arts Awards. His performance as Gi-hun earned him international recognition, including an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
Ongoing Influence and Industry Standing
Lee Jung-jae remains one of the most in-demand actors in the Korean entertainment industry, with his role as Gi-hun frequently cited in discussions of global streaming hits and cross-cultural storytelling. He continues to take on new projects in film and television, and his casting choices are closely watched by studios and audiences worldwide.