Actress Park Gyu Young publicly apologized for unintentionally posting a major spoiler related to Squid Game 3, stating she takes full responsibility for her actions, but clarified that Netflix imposed no penalties.
In an interview with Sports Chosun published July 2, Park addressed the controversy for the first time in detail. "Over the past few months, I think I showed a disappointing side of myself.
Many of you may have been let down," she said. "But since I have this opportunity to speak to you directly, I want to address the questions I previously avoided out of concern they might harm the project."
The controversy stemmed from a social media post Park made during the promotional period for Squid Game 2, in which she uploaded a behind-the-scenes photo of actor Lee Jin Wook wearing a Pink Guard costume.
The image inadvertently confirmed key plot developments for Squid Game 3, including Jin Wook's character arc.
"I believe I caused a lot of disappointment by unintentionally spoiling something on social media," Park said. "Although I was asked about it at the press conference, I don't think I gave a proper response then, so I'd like to take this opportunity to explain."
According to Park, she contacted the production team, director Hwang Dong-hyuk, and Lee Jin-wook immediately after realizing the implications of her post.
"The director told me, 'Let's make sure this kind of mistake never happens again,'" she recalled.
"Although Jin Wook sunbae said he was totally fine, I still spent a long time reflecting on my lack of awareness and maturity, and how I failed to take full responsibility for the project."
Park added that Jin Wook tried to comfort her, joking that he appreciated the attention the post brought. "I felt even more sorry and grateful because of that," she said.
"During the press conference, too, he tried to comfort me, and I was deeply thankful but also felt I didn't deserve it."
She also addressed speculation about Netflix's rumored contract penalties.
"I can't go into the specifics of the contract," she said, "but rather than penalties, the response was more focused on ensuring that nothing like this happens again.There were pre-filming guidelines about being careful with leaks or exposure, but there was no mention of penalties."
Park concluded by offering a direct apology to viewers. "I know many of you had high expectations for Season 3 after Season 2 ended.
And I'm sure you began the season already guessing certain developments, like Lee Jin Wook's survival and character arc," she said. "I sincerely apologize for that, without offering any defense."
Squid Game 3, which premiered June 27 on Netflix, has already set records, reaching 60.1 million views within three days.
It topped Netflix's global Top 10 chart in all 93 countries tracked and entered the platform's all-time Top 10 list of most popular non-English series.
