Jo Yuri, who played Kim Jun-hee in Squid Game Season 3, recently opened up about the challenges of filming the controversial childbirth scene. The scene, which sparked backlash for being unrealistic, was one of her biggest concerns. She sought advice from multiple sources, including her mother and medical experts, to make the moment as authentic as possible.
Jo Yuri’s Biggest Fear Was Making Viewers Uncomfortable
The birth scene in Squid Game 3 became a major talking point, with many viewers criticizing its lack of realism. Jo Yuri admitted she was worried about how audiences would react.
“I was most worried that viewers would find the performance awkward,” she said in an interview. “It was important to strike a balance between dramatic effect and realism.”
She worked closely with director Hwang Dong-hyuk to decide which parts of the scene needed more authenticity and which could be heightened for impact. Despite the backlash, she stood by the creative choices, acknowledging that some aspects were simplified for storytelling purposes.
She Sought Advice From Mothers and Medical Experts
Since Jo Yuri had never experienced childbirth herself, she turned to others for guidance. She consulted her mother, a friend who recently gave birth, and even an obstetrician. Actress Kang Ae-sim, who played her helper in the scene, also provided valuable input.
“People told me, ‘Don’t overthink the birth scene. In real life, your mind goes completely blank during labor. If you try to act it out deliberately, it’ll look unnatural.’ That helped me approach it more instinctively.”
She focused on portraying Jun-hee as someone unprepared for motherhood, which influenced how she held the baby and reacted during the birth.
The Birth Scene Sparked Major Backlash
Fans criticized the scene for being medically inaccurate. Jun-hee gives birth in under five minutes during a deadly game, with no visible pain or complications. Many viewers found it hard to believe.
“Her water breaks, she gives birth, and then she’s walking around like nothing happened?! Even the baby knew when to cry and when not to. It’s laughable,” one viewer tweeted.
Others pointed out missing details like the delivery of the placenta and postpartum recovery. Some accused the male director of not understanding childbirth.
Jo Yuri’s Emotional and Physical Preparation
Filming the scene was physically and emotionally demanding. Jo Yuri described scratching walls and losing herself in the moment to make it feel real. Co-star Kang Ae-sim compared childbirth to a “battlefield,” adding that they had to stay quiet to avoid attracting enemies in the game.
“We had to redo it so many times because we kept yelling by accident!” Kang Ae-sim revealed.
Despite the challenges, Jo Yuri said the experience brought the cast closer. Park Sung-hoon, who played Hyun-joo, shared that the scene created a strong bond among the actors.
Mixed Reactions to the Final Outcome
While some fans defended the scene as symbolic, others felt it was poorly executed. The controversy didn’t stop Squid Game 3 from being a hit, but it remains a divisive moment in the series.
Jo Yuri, who started as a K-pop idol in IZ*ONE, has now gained recognition as an actress. Despite the criticism, she remains proud of her work and is focused on growing as a performer.
Credits: Sports Chosun.
