Jo Yuri Passes “Squid Game” 4 Auditions While Failing All Others, Lee David Directly Casted?
In the latest episode of MBC’s “The Manager” (originally, “전지적 참견 시점” and also known as “Point of Omniscient Interfere”) aired on July 12, actor Lee David revealed the surprising story behind how he joined the global sensation Squid Game, without ever auditioning for the role.
In particular, the episode featured a warm reunion between “Squid Game” co-stars Jo Yuri and Lee David, where the two reminisced about their experiences on “Squid Game” Season 2 and the upcoming Season 3.
During their conversation, Lee David casually asked, “When did you audition?“, to which Jo Yuri, recalling her long casting process, replied, “It must’ve been two years ago. It was exactly this kind of weather.“
However, she then pointed out something viewers didn’t know, asking David, “But you didn’t even audition, right? You got cast directly—while you were in the military!” This revelation shocked many, as while Jo Yuri had to go through 4 intense rounds of auditions to earn her role, Lee David joined the production through a direct casting offer.
Explaining how it happened, Lee David said, “I had previously worked with director Hwang Dong-hyuk,”, referencing their collaboration on the film “The Fortress” (남한산성), and humbly adding, “I was lucky to be called. I’m just thankful.“
The Fortress” (남한산성)
Jo Yuri then shared just how intense her own process had been, stating that she had to go through four rounds and even cut her own hair at home.
According to Jo Yuri, she auditioned for many other projects around the same time, but failed all of them one after another, leading to intense self-doubt.
“After failing many auditions one after another, I started to doubt myself, thinking, ‘Maybe I acted for nothing? ‘”, the idol-actress confessed before adding, “In the end, I went into the audition like a crazy person with a strong desire to do ‘Squid Game. ‘”
She also shared , “I was worried because I didn’t shed any tears during the third audition despite my crying performance, but during the final fourth audition, all the sadness I had accumulated burst out and a single tear fell,” adding, “I heard that the director casted me after seeing the look in my eyes.”
Later on, when she heard the news of her casting, Jo Yuri burst into tears after receiving a phone call even though she was in the middle of recording.
Meanwhile, Lee David assumes the role of Park Min-su (player 125), while Jo Yuri brought to life Kim Jun-hee (player 222) in seasons 2 and 3 of Netflix’s “Squid Game”.