Wi Ha-jun Reveals He Couldn’t Enjoy Squid Game Fame Due to Pressure and Stress
In the June 27 episode of KBS2’s variety show Heart on Wheels, Actor Wi Ha Joon appeared alongside co-stars Park Gyu-young and Yang Dong-geun for a special episode dedicated to the hit Netflix series.
Viewers and hosts alike praised Wi Ha Joon’s striking visuals, noting that he had been named one of the “25 Sexiest Actors Recognized by the World” in international media. When asked about maintaining his physique, Wi explained that he had stopped weight training for the first time in 1.5 years. “My arms were too bulky for certain roles,” he said. “Now I focus on martial arts and cardio depending on the role.”
Wi also shared a surprising story behind his casting as Jun-ho in Squid Game. Unlike Park Gyu-young, who sent in a video audition through her agency, Wi simply visited the production company to pay a courtesy call. “The role of Jun-ho hadn’t been cast yet,” he explained. “They heard my tone of voice and asked me on the spot if I could audition.”
Though his casting seemed serendipitous, Wi confessed he struggled emotionally during production and the show’s breakout success. “I couldn’t enjoy it at all,” he admitted. “It was incredibly stressful. I hate the idea of disappointing others, so I try not to have expectations.”
It wasn’t until the production presentation for Season 2 that he finally relaxed. “That was the moment I truly enjoyed myself,” he said, smiling. “I even blew a hand kiss.”
Wi’s honest reflections offer a rare look into the emotional cost of sudden global fame—even when it comes from one of the most popular series in Netflix history.
