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Squid Game Gangster Actor Heo Sung Tae Reveals He Developed Phobia After Success of Netflix Series


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Credit: NETFLIX/YouTube Screenshot

Heo Sung Tae shared the most heartbreaking part of being part of Squid Game despite its success.

Squid Game successfully made more Korean series and movies known internationally after it first conquered Netflix. It proved that, despite the language barrier, Korean-made shows can offer different plotlines that no show has ever given before.

The flick tells the story of 456 players who are facing financial struggles. They are invited to play deadly children’s games, and only one player can bring home the cash prize worth $38 million.

The series went on to bring home different awards months after its release. Despite that, cast members have been open about the dark side of the fame.

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Heo Sung Tae Shares Phobia He Got After Starring in Squid Game

Heo Sung Tae is currently part of the new KBS 2TV’s Monday-Tuesday drama, Bloody Heart.

On Monday, the team held a production presentation online. At that time, the actor apologized to Choi Ri due to the phobia he developed after Squid Game.

"After 'Squid Game', I formed a phobia of people, so I had to cancel one filming with Choi Ri when we first started filming. That was a time of crisis for me but I was able to overcome it thanks to the detailed and considerate advice from the director,” he said.

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Aside from his mental health, he also sacrificed his physical aspect to fit in the role.

He once revealed that he had to gain weight within a short period of time to play the role of Jang Deok Su. Squid Game director Hwang Dong Hyuk reportedly told him to become scrawny since the gangster’s visual is vital.

With that, he gained 15 to 17 kgs before playing the role.

More Squid Game Stars Went Through The Same Struggles

Aside from Heo Sung Tae, more cast members previously opened up about their hardships after making the series.

Wi Ha Joon recently told Dazed Korea magazine that he felt anxious since he always wants to be consistent and be humble with his littlest attainment in his life.

“I also think it might just be my nature. Rather than love myself endlessly, I’m the type to scold myself, and I tend to be more nervous rather than overflowing with confidence,” he said.

Instead of enjoying the popularity, he reportedly felt down as he reminded himself that the audience tends to forget an actor if they fail to see them again.

Actress Jung Ho Yeon also faced the same fate, infamously losing weight due to the quick response they got from the public.

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