Jo Yuri, once celebrated as a member of the girl group IZ*ONE, has fully stepped into her new identity as an actress—and her breakout role in Squid Game has catapulted her into an entirely new realm of fame. During a candid and refreshingly honest appearance on MBC’s variety show Point of Omniscient Interfere, she opened up about the whirlwind transformation her life has undergone since starring in one of Netflix’s most successful global franchises.
In Squid Game Seasons 2 and 3, Yuri portrayed Kim Jun Hee—a character marked by quiet strength, emotional vulnerability, and fierce resilience. Her performance not only silenced skeptics who questioned the transition from K-pop idol to serious actress but also earned her a wave of international admiration. On the show, the hosts couldn’t help but highlight that Squid Game 3 had topped Netflix’s charts in 93 countries. When asked how her life had changed, Yuri responded with modesty but acknowledged the shift. She shared that her Instagram followers had skyrocketed from 1.68 million to over 7.6 million. More than the numbers, though, it was the tone of her interactions that struck her—messages now arrive in a variety of languages, reflecting the truly global nature of her new fanbase.
The conversation took a turn toward the more sensational when comedian Yang Se Hyung brought up a viral rumor: that Jo Yuri had earned a whopping 4.2 billion KRW (about 3.05 million USD) for her role in Squid Game. The claim had been circulating heavily on online forums and fan discussions. Laughing in disbelief, Yuri immediately shut down the speculation. “That’s ridiculous… It’s much lower,” she clarified, without disclosing the actual amount. Her reaction, light-hearted but firm, suggested that while the experience had undoubtedly been a career-defining moment, the public’s imagination had run a bit wild regarding the financial details.
Beyond the fame and fortune rumors, Yuri offered a rare and touching insight into her personal life, particularly her relationship with her mother. When asked whether she gives her mom an allowance, Yuri revealed that she actually shared something far more significant: her bank account password. The studio erupted in surprised reactions, but Yuri explained it in a simple, sincere way. “My mother hardly ever uses the money,” she said, making it clear that the gesture was rooted in deep trust rather than financial need. It wasn’t about lavish generosity, but about honoring the person who had likely been her quiet anchor through the chaos of fame.
Altogether, the interview painted a portrait of Jo Yuri not just as an emerging global star, but as someone who’s navigating her meteoric rise with grounded grace, humor, and heart. Whether it’s gracefully brushing off exaggerated headlines or remaining firmly connected to her roots, Yuri is proving that she’s more than just a passing name in pop culture—she’s a force still unfolding.
