Netflix has been a dominant force in the streaming world for years, but its summer offerings this year have been something special. While the streaming service has had its ups and downs with some big-budget releases failing to leave a lasting impact, two of its latest projects have broken through the noise, becoming cultural phenomena.
Interestingly, these two projects don’t have any direct connection to each other, but they do share one major factor: a standout actor who has completely taken over Netflix this summer.
Lee Byung-hun: Netflix’s Biggest Star This Summer
The actor in question is Lee Byung-hun, and it’s safe to say he is absolutely dominating Netflix right now. Known for his intense and versatile performances, Lee Byung-hun is currently the face of two of the platform’s biggest hits: the final season of Squid Game and the supernatural movie KPop Demon Hunters.
Lee Byung-hun’s role as Hwang In-ho, or the Front Man, in Squid Game has already cemented his place in TV history. Though his character didn’t play a major role in the first season, his presence has grown throughout seasons 2 and 3, where he has become a central figure in the storyline.
The third season of Squid Game has just been released, and the series has once again topped Netflix’s TV charts, keeping the level of hype and popularity high.
On the movie side, Lee’s star power continues to shine with his role in KPop Demon Hunters. In this film, Lee voices Gwi Ma, the king of demons, who serves as the antagonist in the story. Although his screen time in the film is limited, his voice performance has been a major highlight.
The movie has been a hit on Netflix’s movie charts, especially thanks to its catchy soundtrack and supernatural themes. It’s clear that Lee’s role as a villain in both Squid Game and KPop Demon Hunters has contributed to his rising fame on the platform.
Lee Byung-hun’s Role in Squid Game and KPop Demon Hunters
Despite Squid Game and KPop Demon Hunters being two completely different projects in terms of genre and style, both have had remarkable success on Netflix, with Lee Byung-hun playing key villain roles in both.
The timing of their releases was almost perfect, as they debuted close to each other and have remained in Netflix’s top 3 rankings since their launch.
In Squid Game, Lee’s character has become one of the most iconic villains in recent TV history. His chilling performance as the Front Man has captivated audiences around the world. As the series concludes its third season, it’s clear that Lee’s role has contributed greatly to its continued success.
On the other hand, KPop Demon Hunters is a supernatural adventure movie that introduces Lee Byung-hun as the king of demons, Gwi Ma. The movie has taken the Netflix movie charts by storm, with its blend of K-pop culture and dark fantasy capturing the attention of a wide audience.
Although Lee’s screen time in KPop Demon Hunters isn’t as extensive as in Squid Game, his presence in both projects at the same time has undoubtedly boosted his profile.
Korean Media Rising in the West
It’s also worth noting that both Squid Game and KPop Demon Hunters highlight the increasing prominence of Korean media in Western entertainment. While KPop Demon Hunters wasn’t produced in Korea, its themes and style reflect the growing global popularity of Korean content.
Netflix has become a key platform for showcasing Korean projects, and Lee Byung-hun’s dual success on the platform is a testament to the rising influence of Korean media in the West.
