A scene featuring actor Kang Ha-neul playing a game of “gonggi” (a traditional Korean game) in Squid Game season 2 was actually filmed with a stunt double. The hand double for Kang was Park Jong-nam, a renowned expert in the game who demonstrated his skills on SBS’s Master of Living in 2021, successfully completing a challenging maneuver using 10 game pieces.
Park revealed in an Instagram post on Dec. 26 that he was approached to appear as the stunt double for Squid Game just days before his wedding in October 2023. The production team, having received his contact information from the Master of Living producer, asked him to assist with a hand scene involving the game. Despite preparing for his wedding, Park agreed and traveled to Daejeon the day after receiving the call.
He recalled, “When I arrived in Daejeon, I signed a series of strict confidentiality agreements. I was invited to lunch, where I ate with Lee Byung-hun, Lee Jung-jae, Kang Ha-neul, and the director.” Park was surprised to share a meal with such famous actors and added, “It was such a special moment, especially with the actors congratulating me on my wedding. But I regret not being able to take any photos due to security.”
Park described the filming process as straightforward, noting, “It wasn’t difficult since the entire sequence was shot in one take, but it was nerve-wracking to perform with the actors.” The scene wrapped up quickly after two takes. He fondly recalled Kang Ha-neul’s support, noting that the actor helped calm his nerves. After filming, Kang Ha-neul gave him a traditional pastry as a gift for his wife. “Now I understand why people praise Kang Ha-neul,” Park said.
Park also shared that he kept his involvement in the project a secret for a year. “Now that it’s out, I hope Squid Game continues to succeed. Fighting!”
In season 2 of Squid Game, Kang Ha-neul plays Kang Dae-ho, a former Marine with a charming personality. In the series, Kang Dae-ho successfully completes the gonggi game in a 5-on-6 match, earning the admiration of his teammates.
