Hollywood villains may send shivers down our spines, but for their real-life children, those performances can lead to some pretty emotional questions. Just ask Lee Byung-hun, the actor behind the cold and calculating Front Man in Squid Game.
While promoting Squid Game Season 3 on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Lee shared a touching and somewhat hilarious story that revealed the unexpected toll his dark role had on his young son.
And honestly, it melted our hearts.
“Why Are You So Mean?”
Lee Byung-hun’s son is only 10 years old — a far cry from the ideal audience for the violent world of Squid Game. But as kids often do, he got curious. A schoolmate gave him a peek at the show, and what he saw shocked him… not just because of the games, but because his dad was one of the bad guys.
One evening, Lee’s son approached him and asked,
“Why are you so mean? You killed a lot of people.”
The room fell silent, and even Fallon looked surprised.
“He also asked, ‘Why did you hit him so bad?’ talking about my fight with T.O.P.” Lee explained, referencing a dramatic and violent scene from Season 2.
Despite Lee’s explanation, “It’s acting! I’m not really hurting anyone!” The damage was done. In his son’s eyes, Dad was the villain, and that hurt.
When Fiction Gets Too Real
Most of us can separate on-screen characters from the actors who play them. But for kids, that line is a lot blurrier. Lee admitted he never meant for his children to see the show but curiosity had other plans.
“They’re not supposed to watch it, but you know kids… They talk at school, they sneak a look,” Lee said with a laugh.
Still, when your child questions your morality based on your acting, it hits different.
From Villain to Hero Dad
Lee didn’t leave the conversation there. In an attempt to lighten things up, he shared another memory, one from when his son was much younger, and asked him about his G.I. Joe role.
“He asked where my weapon was, and I told him, ‘Oh, it’s stored in America. I’ll bring it back someday.’”
It’s a playful, sweet reminder that in his son’s eyes, Lee wasn’t just a villain; he was still a superhero.
The Internet Reacts: “Protect That Kid at All Costs!”
After the clip went viral, fans flooded social media with reactions:
@KDramaFanGirl: “His son saying that broke me. 🥺 Lee Byung-hun is SUCH a good dad.”
Reddit comment: “You know the acting is powerful when even your kid thinks you’re evil.”
@NetflixJunkie: “Give this boy an Oscar for emotionally wrecking the Front Man.”
Many fans praised Lee for sharing such a vulnerable moment, especially one that reminds us how deeply children feel — and how strongly they connect with what they see on screen.
A Reminder for Parents, Actors, and Fans
Lee Byung-hun’s story is more than just cute. It’s a reminder that:
Children are deeply empathetic; they feel before they think.
Media matters. Even a glimpse can leave a lasting impression.
Parents in the spotlight have to wear two masks: one for the role and one for home.
Despite his terrifying presence on screen, Lee’s real-life vulnerability proves that behind the black mask of the Front Man is just a loving father trying to explain the difference between real life and fantasy to his curious son.
conclusion
As Squid Game Season 3 wraps up one of the most iconic Netflix series of all time, fans have even more reason to admire Lee Byung-hun not just for his performance, but for the man he is behind the scenes.
He might be the villain on TV, but at home? He’s just “Dad.”
What do you think of Lee Byung-hun’s story? Can you imagine your child mistaking your job for your real personality? Let’s talk in the comments! 👇
