Kang Ae-sim returns as Jang Geum-ja in “Squid Game” Season 3, bringing depth, empathy, and powerful maternal energy to the brutal game.
🧠 Who Is Jang Geum-ja In ‘Squid Game‘?
First introduced in “Squid Game” Season 2, Jang Geum-ja—played by veteran actress Kang Ae-sim—quickly became a fan-favorite.
Geum-ja is Player 149, a fiery and deeply compassionate woman who joined the game to help her son, Yong-sik, escape his crippling gambling debt.
In Season 3, we see Geum-ja’s journey deepen as she continues to care not only for her son, but for the other players around her—offering comfort, empathy, and motherly strength in a world designed to strip people of their humanity.
🎙️ Kang Ae-sim On Geum-ja’s Role In Season 3
In our exclusive interview, Kang Ae-sim shared insight into her portrayal of Geum-ja and the cultural roots of her character:
“In Korea, we have three types of ‘surnames’ for women: man, woman, and ajumma,” she explained.
“This ajumma character has a very broad sense of responsibility. Of course, she can be nosy and meddlesome—but she also has this sense that she needs to take care of each person one by one.”
It’s that same sense of care and responsibility that fuels Geum-ja’s character.
Kang Ae-sim said she approached the role with the mindset of a mother—offering protection and empathy even when surrounded by chaos.
💬 A Message to Mothers Watching
When asked what she hopes other mothers take away from Geum-ja’s story, Kang Ae-sim said:
Rather than expecting them to feel something specific, I hope they can relate to it.
Empathy is very important for people, right?
When you feel empathy, you don’t feel so alone—you feel like someone understands you.
I hope other mothers can relate to Geum-ja’s role and say, ‘Yes, Geum-ja, you did well,’ and that it gives them courage.
Watch our convo below.
Related: ‘Squid Game’ Season 3 Trailer Teases Deadly Final Showdown On Netflix
🔍 Character Snapshot: Jang Geum-ja
Debut: Squid Game Season 2
Motivation: Joined to save her son, Yong-sik, from gambling debt
Personality: Honest, stubborn, nurturing, and fiercely protective
Player Number: 149
Backstory: Survivor of the Korean War, experienced betrayal from her late husband, and helped women deliver babies in her neighborhood
Relationships: Strong bond with her son, and becomes a mother figure to others, especially Jun-hee in Season 3
Legacy: Raises powerful questions about sacrifice, survival, and the emotional toll of the game
🌟 Catch More From ‘Squid Game’ Season 3
Stay tuned for more exclusive interviews, character breakdowns, and inside looks at the emotional journeys that define “Squid Game” Season 3.
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