Actor Lee Byung-hun poses prior to an interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Netflix

Lee Byung-hun, one of the first Korean actors to venture into Hollywood, is writing a new chapter in his career with the Netflix series "Squid Game." Following the global sensation of Season 1, the Season 2 has captured worldwide attention, ranking No. 1 in 93 countries upon its release.

The 54-year-old veteran actor, who played the enigmatic Front Man in "Squid Game," described the series as reaching a "whole new level of" success, reflecting on his experience in filming "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" in 2009.

"Even though I've starred in Hollywood blockbusters, people didn't recognize me as much as I thought they would. But with this Korean original series 'Squid Game,' created by Korean directors, actors and colleagues, I feel much more loved and welcomed. It's quite ironic," he said during an interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul, Wednesday.

"When I visited the States (for 'Squid Game') and saw so many fans gathered, I was taken aback. It brought me a mix of emotions, reminding me of the times when I first came to Hollywood and was struggling."

Lee confessed that he never expected his role in "Squid Game" to become such a global hit. Initially, he thought director Hwang Dong-hyuk was making "a really experimental drama."

"It had a somewhat unfamiliar format. Almost the entire drama was set in a studio, in a very fairy tale-like space, and everyone was wearing the same green outfits. I thought, 'This is either going to be a huge hit or a complete flop,'" the actor said.

In the first season, Lee had a relatively brief role as the Front Man, a former Squid Game winner turned mastermind behind the deadly games. In Season 2, his involvement deepens as he disguises himself as Player 001, with his real name, Hwang In-ho. His character aims to thwart Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), who, after winning in Season 1, returns to the game to save the contestants and end the game for good.

Lee Byung-hun as the Front Man in "Squid Game" Season 2 / Courtesy of Netflix

Even with 34 years of acting experience and a reputation as one of Korea's most talented actors, Lee admitted that portraying the Front Man was no easy task.

"During the 11 months of filming, I pondered every day about how much I should enjoy myself as a participant and how much I should pretend to be tense and discussed it with the director. It was a challenge for me as an actor," Lee said. "My personal dilemma was how to distribute the proportions of the three aspects of this character: Player 001, Hwang In-ho before entering this game and the Front Man."

He describes his character as someone who has experienced so much hardship that he has become "desensitized to the idea of life and death." It is not the fear of the ruthless killing machine in the game, but rather "his fear of the outside world" that keeps him trapped in the game.

"Being wrongfully accused of fraud at work when trying to pay for his pregnant wife's medical expenses might have fueled the Front Man's hatred for the world. The countless deaths, betrayals and cruelty he witnessed in the game likely solidified his desire for revenge against humanity," Lee explained.

Discussing his approach to acting, Lee emphasized the importance of understanding and believing in the script, adding that he needs to be persuaded by its quality before committing to a project.

"Once I fully understand the script and it convinces me of its greatness, I decide to take it on. If I really like it but there are parts I don't understand or find unconvincing, I keep asking questions and trying to find alternatives until I reach a definite conclusion," he said.

"I try to make sure everyone, or at least the majority, is convinced so that I can faithfully express it. Because, if I feel I understand everything else about this work, but certain scenes do not resonate with me, then I think such scenes might look fake."