Lee Yoomi reveals she filmed for ‘Squid Game’ and ‘All of Us Are Dead’ at the same time

Imagine stealing hearts in Squid Game then pissing fans off at All of Us Are Dead? It sounds like a Lee Yoomi thing to do.

In an exclusive interview with Korean media outlet Hankook Ilbo, Squid Game and All of Us Are Dead actress Lee Yoomi revealed that she filmed both Netflix hit series at the same time.

Yoomi, who portrayed Jiyeong (Player 240) in Squid Game and Nayeon in All of Us Are Dead, said she had to commute back and forth during filming. “Both dramas were filmed outside of the city, so I had to commute back and forth a lot. Also, my two characters had completely different personalities,” she said, as per a translation by Soompi.

Yoomi also reflected on how she approached the roles of Jiyeong and Nayeon. “When I was filming All of Us Are Dead, I intentionally filled up my acting with intensity and emotion, and when I was filming Squid Game, I emptied myself before acting.”

Since Nayeon was responsible for Cheongsan’s best friend Gyeongsu (Ham Sungmin) turning into a zombie, Yoomi received hate comments for her portrayal. However, she admitted it was “fun to be insulted” since it showed that she did a good job. 

“I don’t get hurt from looking at negative comments. I even feel happy because it’s fun to be insulted. Because I think receiving hate means I’ve played [Nayeon] that well. It [also means] I did a good job of playing Nayeon and her emotions,” Yoomi told Hankook Ilbo. 

“It might sound like I’m a villain that I’m happy, but there’s a certain joy in how the [hate comments made me feel]. It’s like I can look back on my own acting and find peace,” Yoomi added. 

The 27-year-old actress said she’s “overwhelmed with joy” since she didn’t expect that both series would hit big. 

“I never thought that Squid Game and All of Us Are Dead was certain to be a hit. I feel overwhelmed with joy. I was very lucky,” Yoomi said.

Yoomi was recently cast as one of the leads for the upcoming K-drama Mental Coach Je Galgil that’s set to be aired in 2022.