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Squid Game's Jo Yu-ri Rises from K-Pop Idol to Netflix Sensation
8 Jul
Summary
- Jo Yu-ri's breakout role as Player 222 in Squid Game
- Her journey from reality show contestant to successful K-pop idol
- Upcoming solo music projects and acting roles

In the past year, Jo Yu-ri has risen to prominence as the breakout star of Netflix's hit Korean series Squid Game. As Player 222 (or Kim Jun-hee) in seasons 2 and 3, the 23-year-old actress has delivered a compelling and convincing performance, holding her own alongside experienced actors.
Yu-ri's journey to this point has been an impressive one. She first gained attention in 2017 as a contestant on the reality show Idol School, where she placed 15th but missed out on debuting with the K-pop girl group fromis_9. Undeterred, she went on to compete in Produce 48 in 2018, finishing in third place and subsequently debuting as a member of the successful group IZ*ONE.
During her time with IZ*ONE, Yu-ri showcased her singing and acting talents, contributing to the group's several Korean and Japanese album releases. However, the group's run came to an end in April 2021 when they officially disbanded.
Since then, Yu-ri has been actively pursuing her solo career, releasing her debut single album "GLASSY" in October 2021, which earned her Rookie of the Year nominations at various Korean award shows. She has also taken on acting roles, including a web series and a cameo in a K-drama.
With her newfound fame from Squid Game, Yu-ri is poised for even greater success. Her upcoming EP, "Episode 25," is set to be released on July 14, and fans can expect to see her in more high-profile acting projects in the future.