Squid Game star looks unrecognisable in real life as they detail major transformation

Netflix enthusiasts are on the edge of their seats as Squid Game season 3 approaches, keen to discover the fate of Seong Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) and other surviving characters.

During a press event hosted by Netflix, which Reach Screen Time and several outlets attended, Squid Game stars provided insights into the much-anticipated final season.

Park Gyu-young, known for her role as the formidable pink guard Kang No-eul in Season 2, appeared alongside the show's creator Hwang Dong-hyuk and fellow cast members including Seong Gi-hun's portrayalist Lee Byung-hun to discuss their experiences.

Amidst the discussion, Park Gyu-young shared her journey of stepping into the shoes of a pink guard, revealing her intense prep work which included undergoing a physical transformation.

Confessing her own physical limits, she said: "I'm actually not a very flexible or athletic person."

She then detailed the extensive training she undertook to nail the character's demanding stunts.

She enlightened the audience, saying: "We had lots of rehearsals so I could get ready for those stunt scenes. And in the universe of Squid Game, my character No-eul is the best sniper, she's the best soldier from the North."

To convincingly portray No-eul's sharpshooting prowess, Park embarked on a rigorous weight training regime, alongside dietary adjustments to achieve the soldier's toned appearance.

She added: "Because of this I did this training and I also went on a diet [...] and I had this chapped skin to fit my character.

"And I think that actually helped when I was trying to portray my emotions as well. Because when you have very dry, chapped skin, you also feel like more of a dry and emotionless person, so it helped me both ways."

In Squid Game, Kang No-eul portrays a North Korean defector who becomes a soldier in the game, with the ultimate goal of reuniting with her daughter, whom she was forced to leave behind during her escape.

The official synopsis for season 3 states: "A failed rebellion, the death of a friend, and a secret betrayal. Picking up in the aftermath of Season 2's bloody cliffhanger, the third and final season of Netflix's most popular series finds Gi-hun, a.k.a. Player 456, at his lowest point yet.

"But the Squid Game stops for no one, so Gi-hun will be forced to make some important choices in the face of overwhelming despair as he and the surviving players are thrust into deadlier games that test everyone's resolve. With each round, their choices lead to increasingly grave consequences.

"Meanwhile, In-ho resumes his role as Front Man to welcome the mysterious VIPs, and his brother Jun-ho continues his search for the elusive island, unaware there's a traitor in their midst. Will Gi-hun make the right decisions, or will Front Man finally break his spirit?"

Squid Game season 3 is coming to Netflix on Friday, June 27.