In 2021, the South Korean dystopian horror thriller Squid game created on Netflix. A year later, it made Emmy history by becoming the first non-English series to score a win – six in total. But Lee Jung-jae, 52, who became the first South Korean (and first Asian actor and first person in a non-English speaking role) to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role as game winner Seong Gi-hun, has a simple explanation for Squid game success.

These are the “themes and messages of the show” that director Hwang Dong-hyuk, 53 (also Squid game Emmy Award) came to life, Lee says. “(Viewers) thought we had these social problems in our global community. That’s why I think a lot of people connected with Squid Game, and that’s why they gave us a lot of love and support.

And so season 2, which debuts December 26 on Netflix, and the final third season, scheduled for later in 2025, began to take shape. Lee, an iconic South Korean model turned actor, recently spoke with AARP about his newfound international fame; the challenges of learning English for its role on the Star Wars: The Sidekick series; and the American television show he watched and loved as a child.

This interview was conducted on video with an interpreter. It has been edited for length and clarity.

Fans have been waiting for a new season for three years. What can we expect?

In season 1 of Squid gamethere were a lot of entertainment factors, including the narrative and everything, but there was also a common concern for our society and deep themes. You’ll see him again in season 2, so I hope fans enjoy it.

Lee Jung-jae in season 1 of “Squid Game” on Netflix.

Noh Juhan/Netflix

Why do you think people relate to your character (Gi-hun aka Player 456)?

I think the main reason is that my character is just an ordinary man. He’s just plain Joe, and he’s no different than any of us. That’s why people like to support him.

How has your life changed since becoming a world-famous star after season 1?

Not such a big star. Just that people sometimes recognize me in the street. It’s a joy to see people come up to me and recognize me and I’m very grateful that people love the show.

Did your parents encourage you to become an actor?

At first my father wasn’t very supportive of me choosing this path, but then I was pretty quick to gain recognition. So I think he thought it was a good career path for me.