Actress and former IZ*ONE member Jo Yu-ri has responded to ongoing criticism surrounding her controversial childbirth scene in Netflix's Squid Game Season 3, acknowledging viewers' concerns while shedding light on the challenges she faced in portraying the emotionally intense role.

In an interview held Monday at a café in Seoul, Jo opened up about playing Park Jun-hee, a pregnant woman who competes in the deadly survival game at the heart of the hit series' final season.

The show, directed by Emmy-winning creator Hwang Dong-hyuk, debuted globally on June 27 and quickly sparked conversation around several key scenes, including the one depicting Jo's character giving birth amidst the violent game.

"I was most worried that viewers would find the performance awkward," Jo admitted. "I asked many people for advice—senior actress Kang Ae-shim, my mother, a friend who recently gave birth, and even an obstetrician."

The 22-year-old said one piece of guidance resonated with her most. "People told me, 'Don't overthink the birth scene.

In real life, your mind goes completely blank during labor. If you try to act it out deliberately, it'll look unnatural.' That helped me approach it more instinctively."

Some viewers took to social media and online forums to criticize the brief duration of the childbirth scene, claiming it lacked realism.

Jo addressed the criticism with maturity, saying, "I completely understand that kind of feedback. It was essential to strike a balance between dramatic effect and realism.

I discussed that balance a lot with the director, deciding which parts should lean more toward authenticity and which could be heightened for impact."

Jo also emphasized the importance of the post-birth moment in shaping her character's arc. "I paid special attention to the breastfeeding scene.

I wanted to show that Jun-hee wasn't fully ready to be a mother yet, and I tried to reflect that in how she held the baby."

While the portrayal has drawn mixed responses, Jo's performance has been praised by others for its emotional depth and commitment to an unconventional role for a former idol.

Squid Game Season 3 marks the conclusion of one of Netflix's most successful franchises, continuing the journey of Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), the Frontman (Lee Byung-hun), and a new cast of desperate participants.

Jo concluded the interview by expressing gratitude for the experience. "It was a role that pushed me to grow as an actress. I'll never forget it."