In the brutal, blood-soaked world of Netflix’s “Squid Game” 3″, two actors have risen above the chaos to deliver truly unforgettable performances: Si-wan and Roh Jae-won. Both stars, previously known for diverse and complex roles, now stand at the center of global attention for their portrayals in what may be the most emotionally charged season yet.
Si-wan as Myung-gi (Player 333)
Returning as “Myung-gi”, Si-wan breathes new life into a character previously written off as irresponsible and self-centered. Introduced in Season 2 as a crypto-influencer whose reckless advice led to massive financial ruin, including for his pregnant girlfriend, Jun-hee (played by Jo Yuri), Myung-gi initially vanished under the weight of guilt.
However, in Season 3, the tables turn. After learning that Jun-hee’s baby is his, Myung-gi re-enters the game with a sense of paternal duty, though not one that exceeds the sin of gred. Si-wan masterfully charts the character’s evolution from a morally ambiguous figure into a man grappling with guilt, redemption, and sacrifice.
Critics are calling this Si-wan’s career-defining performance, even surpassing his acclaimed role as Jang Geu-rae in “Misaeng” (2014). His intense showdown with Lee Jung-jae’s Gi-hun in the final stage is described as “possessed acting,” marking a new high point in his already decorated acting career.
Roh Jae-won as Nam-gyu (Player 124)
While Myung-gi grapples in his moral battle, Nam-gyu (played by Roh Jae-won) plunges deeper into darkness. Lacking empathy and driven by a drug-induced detachment from morality, Nam-gyu murders fellow players with a chilling lack of remorse.
Taking the torch from Thanos (Choi Seung-hyun), who previously met his end, Nam-gyu becomes the main antagonist, embodying the show’s rawest brutality. Roh’s portrayal is marked by unnerving detail, from his predatory gaze as he stalks victims in alleyways to his detached musings on death, with his lines “You can see the light vanish from people’s eyes right before they die” staying on viewers’ minds.
The contrast between Myung-gi’s horror and Nam-gyu’s thrill over the same bloodstained moments underscores the psychological depth of the series, with Roh delivering what many are calling the most sadistic and memorable villain of the franchise.
