Park Jong Nam, a marketing team leader and master of the traditional Korean game gonggi, recently shared a remarkable story about his unexpected debut in Netflix’s blockbuster K-drama, Squid Game. The tale, hidden for over a year due to strict confidentiality agreements, has captivated fans worldwide.
A Surprising Phone Call Before the Wedding
Two days before his wedding, Park Jong Nam received an unexpected call. The production team of Squid Game had obtained his contact information from SBS’s A Master of Living, where Park showcased extraordinary gonggi skills, such as flipping ten pieces and performing tricks on a rotating platform. The request? To travel to Daejeon for a secret shoot involving a global streaming platform. Despite the timing, Park’s curiosity led him to accept the offer.
From Gonggi Master to Hand Double
Upon arriving at the set, Park was astonished to learn he would be the hand double for actor Kang Ha Neul in the gonggi scene of Squid Game Season 2. The sequence featured Player 388, Kang Dae Ho, effortlessly completing the game’s levels with precision.
Park signed multiple non-disclosure agreements and found himself dining with the series’ iconic cast, including Lee Byung Hun, Lee Jung Jae, Kang Ha Neul, and the director. The surreal experience left him starstruck. “I couldn’t believe I was sharing a table with such famous actors,” Park later wrote.
The Shoot and Kang Ha Neul’s Kindness
Though the shoot itself was straightforward—Park completed the gonggi flips in one take—he admitted feeling nervous, especially during a six-legged race with the actors. The team finished filming in just two takes, thanks to the supportive atmosphere on set.
Park reserved special praise for Kang Ha Neul, who went out of his way to make him feel comfortable. “He even asked me to teach him gonggi,” Park shared, adding that they bonded over games like jegi. Kang’s thoughtfulness extended beyond the set, as he gifted Park a box of Sung Sim Dang’s chive bread for his soon-to-be wife.
Finally Breaking the Silence
On December 26, 2024, with the premiere of Squid Game Season 2, Park revealed his secret role on Instagram. In his heartfelt post, he recounted the experience and expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “Now that I’m part of the show, I hope it becomes even more successful! Hwaiting, Squid Game!”
The story of Park Jong Nam’s journey from a gonggi enthusiast to a hand double in one of the world’s most popular series highlights the unexpected twists of life and the power of seizing opportunities—even on the eve of a life-changing event.
