'Squid Game': Reporter’s ‘Ignorant’ Question To Lee Jung-Jae Draws Mixed Reactions From Netizens

A reporter has received mixed reactions from netizens after asking "Squid Game” lead actor Lee Jung-Jae a seemingly awkward question during the red carpet event of a special screening of the smash hit series at NeueHouse in Los Angeles.

During the Monday event, the American reporter asked Lee, “I’m sure you can’t leave the house anymore without people recognizing you. What has been the biggest life change for you since the series came out?”

While the question seemed innocent and straightforward, netizens and longtime Korean drama fans reacted to the TV interviewer’s question with many of them reminding her to research before heading out to events.

At an online forum dedicated to stars, The Qoo, the interview garnered mixed responses from fans.

“Lee Jung Jae has been a top star ever since I was born. What the f**k is she saying,” one commenter said.

“What kind of question is this to a person who’s always been a top star,” another one said.

“There’s no one in South Korea who doesn’t know who Lee Jung Jae is!!! Isn’t it common courtesy to research a little bit before interviewing someone? Wow, that country truly is ignorant,” another one chimed in.

With the help of an interpreter, the 48-year-old actor replied to the question with an amused reaction saying, “ Yes you are right, indeed. The biggest change has to be how I am so recognized by everybody everywhere, even in the United States at that. So when I would go to restaurants or out in the streets, I get recognized by so many people and sometimes, when they are staring at me, I get startled and think to myself ‘wait, why are they looking at me like that.’ But then when I lock eyes with them, they would instantly talk about ‘Squid Game.’ So those are the moments when I realized we really did make it big.”

Here is a clip of the Extra TV interview with Lee that drew varied reactions from fans.

"OH THE CRINGE," Twitter user @Fel_Space said in his tweet.

While the interview mostly drew flak on The Qoo, there were a few netizens who quickly forgave the clueless interviewer.

“I believe she means in America. I've done many red-carpet interviews before and it's not easy. You have a VERY short time to make the talent comfortable enough to want to talk to you. Lee Jung Jae looks comfortable and gives a good answer. It means she did a good job,” a Twitter user said.

“Perhaps it was a question of whether he realized his popularity in the United States. I hope everyone is not too sensitive. I don't think it was a disrespectful remark. That reporter is American, and I think she may not know how famous Lee Jung-jae is in Korea,” another user said.

Lee became one of South Korea's top stars following a breakthrough role in the movie, "An Affair," in 1998 where he was hailed Best Actor by the Chungryong Awards. Aside from appearing in TV and film productions, Lee owns a chain of upscale Italian Restaurants in South Korea.

Meanwhile, “Squid Game” creator Hwang Dong-Hyuk recently confirmed that the series will have a second season.