7 Shocking Revelations About G.I. Hun Actor Lee Jung-jae: His $14M Net Worth And *Squid Game 2* Return

The name "G.I. Hun" immediately conjures images of the desperate, yet morally complex, protagonist of the global phenomenon *Squid Game*: Seong Gi-hun (Player 456). The actor who brought this iconic K-drama character to life is the veteran South Korean star, Lee Jung-jae. With the highly anticipated second season of *Squid Game* confirmed for a late 2024 release, and his recent massive pivot into Hollywood, Lee Jung-jae is currently one of the most talked-about figures in international cinema. This article, updated for December 2025, dives deep into the latest news surrounding his career, wealth, and the future of Seong Gi-hun. While some may confuse the search term "G.I. Hun" with Lee Byung-hun, the actor known for playing Storm Shadow in the *G.I. Joe* film series, the overwhelming global focus remains on the man who won the Emmy for playing Seong Gi-hun. Lee Jung-jae's career has seen a spectacular resurgence, transforming him from a celebrated fixture of Korean cinema into a global superstar and a multi-hyphenate talent—actor, director, and producer. His recent projects confirm his status as a powerhouse in both Asian and Western entertainment industries.

Lee Jung-jae: The Man Behind Seong Gi-hun (Player 456)

Lee Jung-jae is a South Korean actor, director, and former model whose career spans over three decades. His recent international recognition as Seong Gi-hun in *Squid Game* is the culmination of a long and successful career in Korean cinema.

• Full Name: Lee Jung-jae (이정재)
• Date of Birth: December 15, 1972
• Place of Birth: Seoul, South Korea
• Nationality: South Korean
• Occupation: Actor, Director, Producer, Former Model
• Debut: 1993, as a fashion model. Acting debut in the 1994 drama *Dinosaur Teacher*.
• Breakthrough Role: *Sandglass* (1995)
• Global Iconic Role: Seong Gi-hun (Player 456) in *Squid Game* (2021–)
• Directorial Debut: *Hunt* (2022)
• Major Awards: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (2022), Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award, Critics' Choice Television Award, and multiple Blue Dragon Film Awards.
• Estimated Net Worth (2025): Between $12 million and $14 million.

1. The Highly Anticipated *Squid Game* Season 2 Premiere Date

The most pressing question for millions of fans worldwide has finally been answered. *Squid Game* Season 2 is confirmed to premiere on Netflix on December 26, 2024. This release date places the show as a massive end-of-year event, promising to dominate the streaming charts once again. Lee Jung-jae, returning as the main protagonist Seong Gi-hun, has been heavily involved in the production and promotional lead-up. Gi-hun's return is driven by a quest for revenge and justice, following his decision at the end of Season 1 to abandon his flight to the U.S. and instead confront the organization running the deadly games. Lee Jung-jae has personally assured fans that the sequel is deep into post-production and will feature significant "surprises" and "twists and turns," suggesting the narrative will be even more unpredictable than the first season.

2. Lee Jung-jae’s Massive $14 Million Net Worth Surge

Lee Jung-jae's financial standing has seen a dramatic increase following the unprecedented success of *Squid Game*. His estimated net worth for 2025 is reported to be in the range of $12 million to $14 million. This wealth is a testament not only to his decades-long career but also to the enormous global paychecks that followed his Emmy-winning performance. While his earnings for the first season were estimated to be around $2.25 million, his salary for *Squid Game 2* is expected to be substantially higher, reflecting his global star status. Beyond acting, his financial portfolio includes his work as a director and producer, as well as his ownership in the management company Artist Company, which he co-founded with his long-time friend and collaborator, actor Jung Woo-sung.

3. His Major Hollywood Debut in *Star Wars: The Acolyte*

Lee Jung-jae’s transition to the global stage is not limited to Netflix. He made a significant entry into the Hollywood blockbuster landscape by starring in the Disney+ Star Wars series, *The Acolyte*. This role marks a pivotal moment, cementing his status as a truly international actor capable of leading major American franchises. In *The Acolyte*, Lee Jung-jae plays a Jedi Master, a role that required him to adapt to an entirely new production environment and language. This project, coupled with his ongoing role in *Squid Game*, positions him uniquely as one of the few actors successfully balancing lead roles in both the biggest American and Korean streaming properties simultaneously.

4. The Success of His Directorial Debut, *Hunt*

Proving he is more than just an actor, Lee Jung-jae made a highly successful leap to the director’s chair with the political espionage thriller, *Hunt* (2022). The film, which he also co-wrote and starred in alongside Jung Woo-sung, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and was a box office smash in South Korea, quickly surpassing two million admissions. *Hunt* is set during the tumultuous 1980s in South Korea and showcases his talent for crafting complex, high-stakes narratives. This directorial success has opened new doors, with Lee Jung-jae already planning his second feature film, which he aims to begin production on around 2026. He has also expressed interest in directing or starring in a future Hollywood project.

5. The Emmy-Winning Performance and Record-Breaking History

Lee Jung-jae’s portrayal of Seong Gi-hun earned him the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2022. This historic win made him the first-ever Asian actor to win the award in that category for a non-English language show. This achievement solidified *Squid Game*'s place in television history and elevated Lee Jung-jae to a level of prestige enjoyed by only a handful of international stars. His win was part of a major sweep for the series, which also saw him take home the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series. These accolades are a powerful affirmation of his ability to convey deep emotional turmoil and moral ambiguity, which is central to the character of Gi-hun.

6. Addressing the 'Americanised' Allegations for Season 2

In the lead-up to *Squid Game* Season 2, the production faced some scrutiny and allegations from fans suggesting the sequel might look "Americanised" due to the show's global success and the increased budget. Lee Jung-jae directly addressed these concerns, emphasizing that the core creative team, including director Hwang Dong-hyuk, remains committed to the show's original Korean identity and storytelling. He has consistently maintained that while the scale and production value have increased, the narrative focus remains true to the themes of social commentary and human nature that made the first season a phenomenon. The returning cast, alongside new Korean actors, ensures the cultural authenticity remains intact.

7. His Upcoming Role in the 2024 Film *Revolver*

Beyond his massive streaming projects, Lee Jung-jae continues to work in Korean cinema. He is set to star in the 2024 film *Revolver*, a crime thriller where he plays the character Im Seok-Yong. This project, which features him in a darker, more intense role, shows his commitment to diverse and challenging roles outside of the Seong Gi-hun persona. The film's release in 2024 further highlights his incredibly busy schedule, juggling a major Netflix series, a Star Wars project, a new Korean film, and the development of his own directorial work. Lee Jung-jae’s ability to move seamlessly between these high-profile projects is a testament to his versatility and enduring appeal as a leading man.