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Note: Spoilers about the first episode ofSquid Gameare ahead.
If they make any false move, they get shot by snipers.
But who is therealgiant robot doll behind the one inSquid Game?
First off, its great to meet you.
Whats your name?Oh my God, Im so nervous!
Ive never been interviewed before.
Funnily enough, Im named after the flower, Mugunghwa, or the Rose of Sharon in English.
you’ve got the option to call me Chantal.
Well, Chantal, congratulations on the show!
How are you feeling about the success?Its been a whirlwind.
Now Im in [Seoul] doing press and promotional work.
You are absolutely serving doll in your episode.
So my look was channeling a classic Korean everygirl.
How did you get into acting?Ive wanted to be an actor ever since I was young.
Being a ten-foot robot doll was really hard for me, especially in grade school.
Kids can be really cruel.
I just never fit in sometimes literally!
So I was an introvert, and books and TV were a huge escape for me.
I sort of felt like we were kindred spirits in that way.
Im guessing its not easy getting cast for roles when youre a ten-foot robot doll.
Was the part written with you in mind?Actually, no!
When my agent called me about the role, I couldnt believe it.
As soon as I read the script, I immediately connected with the character.
The whole experience was surreal.
And it was easy to memorize the lines.
How do you walk the line between light-heartedness and menace?
Director Hwang would have me try it so many different ways until we found the right tone.
But the hardest part was all of the dust and keeping my eyes open for the close-ups!
You mentioned you connected with the character.
I dont know, cathartic?
It just took me back to my grade-school days.
Maybe its wish fulfillment!
As an actor, you have to find compassion for your character.
I was inspired by her her focus, the way she takes up space.
At the same time, shes just as trapped as the contestants, so its complicated.
Its a rich role.
I mean, before this, I often got typecast as a cute, dumb doll.
What was it like on set?
You were there with so many extras that day.It was a really incredible experience.
I had a dance session with some of the background actors, which really loosened me up.
So dancing really helped connect me to my body.
I dont know if its the job of art to critique as much as it is to depict.
Yes, this is entertainment, but its also a mirror to our society.
What you choose to do with that image is up to you.
Oh my God, both!
They can take turns.
Im so bummed that I didnt get to meet them.
We didnt share any scenes that day, but who knows?
Maybe there will be another opportunity.
Id love to do a romantic drama with either of them.
I sawrumorsthat youre dating Jigsaw from theSawfranchise.
Is that true?Maybe so.
But then I met Director Hwang and I really felt seen.
What Im trying to say is dont give up.
