‘Squid Game’ star Anupam Tripathi reveals love of Blackpink, tear-filled early days in Korea

Anupam Tripathi, fan favorite of the massively popular Netflix series “Squid Game,” revealed he is a fan of Blackpink in an episode of MBC’s “Home Alone.”

They are ONE: In the episode, which aired on Oct. 22, the 32-year-old Indian actor was seen on camera firing up his sound system and playing Blackpink’s “How You Like That,” according to Soompi.

This scene prompted comedian Park Na-rae to ask Tripathi if he’s a fan of the girl group, to which he answered, “Of course!” When asked who his favorite Blackpink member is, Tripathi said, “You can’t say that. Blackpink is one.”
Tripathi danced to the hit song as the show’s hosts laughed at his comedic antics on screen. He also struck a pose similar to the one Blackpink did during a live performance.

Formative years in South Korea: Earlier in the episode, Tripathi shared some of the struggles he overcame after he left home to study acting at the Korea National University of Arts.

The actor, who arrived in South Korea in 2010, explained that he lived in the university’s dorms for four years before moving to a rooftop house, where he stayed for three and a half years. He then returned to the dorms and stayed there for three years before moving into his current house.
During his early days in the country, he admitted he cried a lot. “In the first three months, I had food and everything around me was beautiful, but I cried all the time,” he said. “I cried while studying Korean. At the time, everything felt uncertain, and I was uneasy.”
“Everyone has a hard time, so I don’t know about that, but I tried to get through the hardships with at least some happiness and joy,” Tripathi said in his reply to Park Na-rae, who commented on the difficulties Tripathi must have experienced while living alone overseas for 11 years.
The actor also expressed his desire to play different roles in a series of other genres, including dramas and comedies. He also wants to “wear a suit like James Bond and do action scenes.”

Special guests: The “Home Alone” episode also featured Tripathi’s actor friends, Park Ju-yun and Park Pyung-o, who helped him during his time studying Korean.

“I immediately became comfortable with them because they always said that I could do it,” he said about his friends. “I don’t think I could have endured it if they weren’t there. I was able to hang on because I had friends like them with me. They looked up words in the dictionary and tried to explain to me in English. Even after 11 years, they’re a great source of support.”
“Meeting people is like receiving a gift each time,” he continued. “I learn about the stories they have. To me, they are like gifts.”

Featured Image via MBCentertainment

Share this Article