The first episode of Squid Game Season 2 captivates viewers with the commanding presence of Gong Yoo, reprising his role as the enigmatic recruiter. As Gi-hun’s relentless determination to uncover the recruiter’s secrets unfolds, the episode offers a deeper glimpse into the character’s mysterious background.
In Squid Game Season 1, Gong Yoo’s recruiter character briefly appeared as a salesman scouting participants for the deadly game. Despite his limited screen time, his polished suit, briefcase, and intense game of Ddakji on the subway left a lasting impression. Naturally, viewers were left wondering: How did the recruiter become the recruiter? This intriguing question is answered in the very first episode of Season 2.
Bread, Lottery Tickets, and Russian Roulette
The episode opens with the recruiter offering bread and lottery tickets to homeless individuals, exposing his cold and calculating nature. While bread provides temporary relief from hunger, the lottery ticket holds the promise of a life-changing fortune. Predictably, most choose the lottery ticket. Gong Yoo’s recruiter mocks their choices, tossing the leftover bread onto the street and crushing it underfoot, a stark display of his disdain for humanity.
In a tense confrontation with Gi-hun, the recruiter’s unshakable composure in a game of Russian Roulette reveals his detachment from mortality. However, as the game progresses and the 6th trigger looms, even he is forced to confront the inevitability of death. When Gi-hun hesitates at the 5th trigger, the recruiter mocks him with bravado, only to find himself holding the final shot.
Gi-hun delivers a chilling line:
“Admit it. You’re just a dog in a mask, running, barking, and wagging your tail on your master’s orders.”
As the recruiter pulls the trigger, his trembling hands betray a moment of vulnerability amidst his stoic façade. Gong Yoo’s impeccable acting shines through in this pivotal scene, blending fear, defiance, and resignation.
The first episode concludes with the recruiter accepting his fate, signaling that Gong Yoo’s character will likely not return in future episodes. While his character arc seems to have ended, fans of Gong Yoo can explore his impressive body of work to continue enjoying his stellar performances.
Gong Yoo’s Must-Watch Dramas and Movies
- Coffee Prince (2007, MBC) – Choi Han-gyeol
Gong Yoo stars as the charismatic owner of a coffee shop in this romantic comedy. His portrayal of a barista and businessman earned critical acclaim, cementing his position as a household name. - Goblin (2016, tvN) – Kim Shin
Gong Yoo takes on the role of an immortal goblin cursed to roam the earth. His portrayal of a tragic yet humorous character struck a chord with viewers worldwide. - Train to Busan (2016, Film) – Seok-woo
In this zombie apocalypse thriller, Gong Yoo delivers a heartfelt performance as a father determined to protect his daughter amidst chaos. - The Age of Shadows (2016, Film) – Kim Woo-jin
Gong Yoo showcases his versatility as a freedom fighter in this historical espionage drama, embodying resilience and patriotism.
Gong Yoo: The Actor Behind the Name
Born Gong Ji-cheol, the actor adopted the stage name “Gong Yoo” by combining his father’s surname (Gong) and his mother’s surname (Yoo). A testament to his talent, Gong Yoo has seamlessly transitioned across genres—from romantic comedies and historical dramas to action thrillers and fantasy epics.
2007 marked a turning point in his career with the success of Coffee Prince, which also led to a long-term partnership with a major coffee brand as its spokesperson.
2016 was undeniably Gong Yoo’s golden year, with all three of his major projects (Goblin, Train to Busan, and The Age of Shadows) becoming massive hits. His performances consistently receive praise for their depth and range, proving that Gong Yoo’s acting knows no bounds.
Whether playing a romantic lead, an action hero, or a morally ambiguous figure like the recruiter, Gong Yoo continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his unparalleled talent.
