Hyped as the Next Jung Ho-yeon, Jo Yuri’s Squid Game Performance Misses the Mark
With Netflix’s Squid Game returning for seasons 2 and 3, the spotlight turned to fresh talent who might follow in the footsteps of Jung Ho Yeon, whose portrayal of Sae-byeok in season 1 propelled her to global stardom.
Among the new cast, Jo Yuri stood out on paper cast as contestant 222, Junhee, a pregnant woman navigating the brutal survival game with one of the most emotionally intense storylines. From giving birth to sacrificing herself for her newborn, her arc had the potential to be unforgettable.
However, Jo Yuri’s performance quickly drew criticism. Viewers felt her expressions lacked nuance and emotional depth, particularly in high-stakes scenes like childbirth or a friend’s death. Her final moment choosing her own death to ensure her baby’s survival was described by fans as emotionally disconnected. Online comments ranged from “one expression the entire time” to “I felt nothing when she died.”
While her agency WakeOne praised her understated performance and screen presence, the public disagreed, especially when comparing her to other cast members. Im Siwan, playing the sinister Myung-gi, won praise for his intense, layered performance. Even Park Sung-hoon made a strong impression in a brief role as Hyun-joo, showing how limited screen time didn’t limit impact.
The disappointment surrounding Jo Yuri stems not just from her delivery, but from what the role could have meant. Following Jung Ho-yeon’s massive succes including a SAG Award and Hollywood projects Jo Yuri had a rare chance to break into the global spotlight. Instead, fans were left remembering Sae-byeok’s single iconic line from season 1 more than Junhee’s entire storyline.
In a global hit like Squid Game, where even a few compelling scenes can launch careers, Jo Yuri’s performance is now seen as a high-profile missed opportunity.
