The Unstoppable Rise Of The Gi-hun Actor: 5 Shocking New Projects And Updates For Lee Jung-jae In 2024-2025

The Gi-hun actor, Lee Jung-jae, has cemented his status as a global superstar, transcending the massive success of *Squid Game* with an unstoppable slate of new projects in 2024 and 2025. The South Korean legend, who captivated the world as the debt-ridden, morally complex protagonist Seong Gi-hun (Player 456), is no longer just a figure of the K-drama phenomenon. His career has exploded into the Hollywood mainstream, marked by a historic role in the *Star Wars* universe and the highly anticipated return to the deadly games that made him famous. As of December 2025, Lee Jung-jae is one of the busiest and most influential figures in international cinema, balancing his duties as an actor, a director, and a producer. His recent work offers a fresh look at an artist in his prime, showcasing a versatility that ranges from gritty survival thrillers to epic space operas and complex spy films. The coming years promise even more groundbreaking work from the actor behind the iconic green tracksuit.

Lee Jung-jae: A Legendary Career Profile and Biography

Lee Jung-jae is a South Korean actor, filmmaker, and businessman widely regarded as one of the most successful and critically acclaimed actors in the country's history. His career spans over three decades, marked by a consistent string of box-office hits and critically lauded performances in Korean cinema.

• Full Name: Lee Jung-jae (이정재)
• Born: December 15, 1972
• Place of Birth: Seoul, South Korea
• Debut: 1993, in the television drama *Dinosaur Teacher*
• Breakthrough Role: *An Affair* (1998), *City of the Rising Sun* (1999)
• International Fame: Seong Gi-hun (Player 456) in *Squid Game* (2021)
• Directorial Debut: *Hunt* (2022)
• Awards: Emmy Award (Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for *Squid Game*), Blue Dragon Film Awards, Grand Bell Awards, and more.
• Key Films: *The Housemaid* (2010), *New World* (2013), *The Face Reader* (2013), *Deliver Us from Evil* (2020), *Hunt* (2022).

Lee Jung-jae began his career as a fashion model before transitioning to acting in the early 1990s. His early work established him as a major heartthrob, but he quickly moved into more challenging roles, earning him the reputation of a serious, versatile dramatic actor within the Korean film industry.

His performance in *Squid Game* earned him global acclaim and an Emmy Award, making him the first Asian actor to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

1. The Return of Gi-hun: Squid Game Season 2 & The Final Season 3

The most immediate and highly anticipated project is the return of Seong Gi-hun in the next installments of the global phenomenon. Lee Jung-jae will reprise his Emmy-winning role, continuing the story of the sole survivor of the deadly games.

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The journey of Player 456 is far from over. In a massive update for fans worldwide, Netflix has officially announced the release schedule for the next two seasons.

Squid Game Season 2 Release Date

The second season of *Squid Game* is officially set to premiere on Netflix on December 26, 2024. This season will reportedly have seven episodes and is expected to follow Gi-hun’s decision to abandon his flight to the US and instead seek revenge against the organizers of the game.

The Final Season 3 Announcement

In an unprecedented move, Netflix confirmed that Season 3 will immediately follow, slated for release in 2025. The third installment is being described as the "final season," suggesting a clear, two-part conclusion to the saga that began with director Hwang Dong-hyuk's original vision.

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Lee Jung-jae has spoken about the immense pressure and commitment required for the role, noting that he endured a "strict diet" for over a year to physically and mentally prepare for the character's intense final scenes. The actor has expressed that he’s happy to give Gi-hun a "pat on the back" for surviving the ordeal.

2. Historic Hollywood Debut as Jedi Master Sol in Star Wars: The Acolyte

In a groundbreaking move that solidified his global star power, Lee Jung-jae made his major Hollywood debut in the *Star Wars* universe.

He stars as Jedi Master Sol in the 2024 Disney+ series, *Star Wars: The Acolyte*. The role is historically significant, as Lee Jung-jae is the first Asian actor to play a live-action Jedi Master in a major *Star Wars* production.

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The transition required the veteran Korean actor to fully immerse himself in the English language, a challenge he undertook specifically for the role of the wise, powerful, and deeply compassionate Jedi Master. His performance has been widely praised, with many critics calling him the standout of the series.

This high-profile role has instantly placed Lee Jung-jae on the global map for a new generation of fans and has opened up the possibility of his character, Sol, appearing in future *Star Wars* films and series.

3. Preparing His Second Directorial Masterpiece After 'Hunt'

Beyond his acting commitments, Lee Jung-jae is an accomplished filmmaker. His directorial debut, the 2022 spy thriller *Hunt* (*Heon-teu*), was a critical and commercial success, premiering at the Cannes Film Festival.

Following the success of *Hunt*, the actor is now reportedly gearing up for his second directorial venture. While specific plot details remain under wraps, Lee Jung-jae has confirmed he is actively preparing for the project, which will likely showcase his keen eye for complex narratives and high-stakes action, a signature he established with his first film. This new film is tentatively scheduled to begin production around 2026.

4. Seeking a US Hollywood Directorial and Acting Project

The actor's sights are set firmly on the international stage. In addition to his role in *The Acolyte*, Lee Jung-jae has confirmed he is actively considering scripts for future Hollywood projects.

His ambition is not limited to acting; he is also looking to direct a film in the US. This move would be a major step for a Korean filmmaker, allowing him to bridge the gap between Korean cinema and the American studio system. His experience as both a leading man and a director positions him uniquely to take on this challenge, continuing the legacy of Korean artists influencing global entertainment.

5. The Enduring Legacy of Korean Cinema

While his focus is global, Lee Jung-jae remains a pillar of Korean cinema. His career is a roadmap of the industry's growth, from early romantic dramas to the New World of gritty, modern thrillers.

His work on classic films like *The Housemaid* (2010), *The Thieves* (2012), and *Deliver Us from Evil* (2020) continues to be influential. By returning to Korea for his directorial work and his ongoing commitment to *Squid Game*, he maintains a crucial connection to the industry that launched him. His success is now driving more global attention to his contemporaries and the high quality of Korean filmmaking.

The journey of the Gi-hun actor, Lee Jung-jae, is a masterclass in career evolution. From a national treasure to an international icon, his upcoming projects—from the intense drama of *Squid Game* Seasons 2 and 3 to the cosmic adventure of *Star Wars: The Acolyte*—ensure that his name will dominate global entertainment headlines for years to come. Fans can look forward to a thrilling 2024 and 2025 as he unleashes his full potential across multiple, massive platforms.