Park Gyu-young Talks ‘Squid Game 3,’ Action Scenes, and Her Intense Physical Transformation

Park Gyu-young: Courtesy of Instagram

Park Gyu-young, star of the upcoming Netflix original series ‘Squid Game’ Season 3, is making headlines for her intense physical transformation and emotional depth in her latest role. In a recent interview held at a quiet café in Seoul’s Samcheong-ro, the actress spoke candidly about the challenges and growth she experienced during filming, including the sacrifices she made to embody her character, ‘No-eul’.

As fans eagerly await the release of ‘Squid Game’ Season 3, interest is rising around the expanded storyline that follows Ki-hoon’s return to the deadly games, the mysterious Frontman, and the heartbreaking destinies of the surviving participants. Among the new faces, Park Gyu-young’s portrayal of No-eul—a former soldier desperately searching for her daughter—has captured audience attention.

“No-eul’s journey is emotionally complex,” Park shared. “It wasn’t just about helping Kyung-seok (played by Lee Jin-wook); it was about mutual empathy. They both had something precious to lose. I hope viewers understand that emotional synchronization between them.”

Despite not participating in the official games, Park revealed a longing to join the intense scenes. “Most of my scenes were shot alone. I didn’t get much time to develop chemistry with other cast members,” she explained. “If No-eul had entered the game, she would have survived a long time. She’s cool-headed and physically capable.”

Known for her background as a soldier in the drama, No-eul exhibits exceptional marksmanship and discipline. Park emphasized the physical demands of the role. “Holding the prop gun hurt my shoulders,” she said. “There were moments when we used a real, weighted replica, especially during the elevator scene. It was tough, but I wanted it to be authentic.”

One of the most intense scenes involved a confrontation with the unit commander, portrayed by Park Hee-soon. “That moment was pivotal. I did countless takes because I wanted it to be perfect,” Park recalled. “Action scenes are difficult, but watching the final cut, I felt proud. It was worth every bruise and sweat drop.”

Her commitment extended far beyond acting. Park Gyu-young trained rigorously for the role and completely overhauled her diet and workout routine. “I’ve been working out nonstop. I may not look it, but my back muscles are strong, my body fat is low, and my muscle mass is high,” she said with a smile. “I didn’t track my exact InBody stats, but I believe my body fat is in the low 10% range.”

Sticking to a strict diet of brown rice, chicken breast, and sweet potatoes, the actress also trained at an action school to prepare for the role’s demanding physicality. “My skin even tanned from all the outdoor workouts,” she laughed. “It was all for the role. I can say with confidence—it paid off.”

With Park Gyu-young’s powerful performance and physical dedication, ‘Squid Game’ Season 3 promises more than just psychological thrills—it offers an emotionally grounded story told through fierce, committed acting. As anticipation builds, fans can look forward to a season that combines raw human emotion with cinematic action at its finest.