Squid Game’s Doll Voice Actor Has an Unexpected Connection to DWTS

The hit Netflix series Squid Game shares a surprising connection to Dancing With the Stars through actress Reagan To.

While fans may recognize To, 13, as the voice of the villainous Red Light, Green Light doll, Young-hee, she’s also an accomplished ballroom dancer who’s worked with DWTS alum Mark Ballas. The pro dancer, 38, recently choreographed a ballroom competition dance inspired by Squid Game for To and her partner, Daniil Babenko.

“I am one of the biggest fans of Dancing With the Stars, and Mark Ballas choreographed the dance for me,” To exclusively told Us Weekly at the Squid Game season 2 premiere in Los Angeles on Thursday, December 12. “I mean, it was so special because it’s honestly a once in a lifetime opportunity. Also, his mom is my teacher, Shirley Ballas. I’ve been with her for a couple of years now and she’s just the best. I love them so much.”

Mark has become one of DWTS‘ most accomplished pros over the years, having competed on 20 seasons of the ABC series and taken home the mirrorball trophy three times. A ballroom champion in her own right, Shirley, 64, currently serves as the head judge on the U.K. version of DWTS, Strictly Come Dancing.

To gave fans a glimpse at her Squid Game competition dance via Instagram last month. She sported a bedazzled version of her terrifying Netflix character’s orange dress and yellow shirt, while her partner rocked the character Seong Gi-hun’s (Lee Jung-jae) Player 456 uniform. Not to mention, she was carried onto the ballroom floor by one of Squid Games’ pink guards.

“Master piece created by @markballas! And Unbelievable that I was using my own voice for the @fordneyfoundation best of the best show at @ohiostarball,” she captioned a November 22 Instagram clip of the routine. She went on to thank Shirley, writing, “Best choreography ever and thank you everyone for cheering for us!.”

As for the biggest lesson she’s learned from the Ballas mother-son duo, To told Us: “Always be humble. Just because you do something really big, always stay grounded and humble.”

To is feeling humble and grateful ahead of Squid Game’s return to Netflix. As teased in the trailers for season 2, which hits the streamer later this month, the second round of the competition will commence with another deadly game of Red Light, Green Light.

“Honestly, I had no idea that it would blow up this big,” she told Us of being a part of the hit South Korean series. “It’s always been my dream to be a part of such a huge show, and I’m so grateful to be a part of Squid Game. I can’t believe I got to be a part of one of the most iconic figures ever.”

Since Squid Game debuted on Netflix in 2021, To has pranked people with her character’s voice “a few times in public just for fun.” She added: “When you think of Squid Game, you think of the doll and you don’t think of who would voice behind it. So, it’s definitely hard to get people to know that it was my voice, but it’s definitely growing, and I’m so grateful for that.”

When it comes to what fans can expect in the new episodes, To is just as anxious as viewers to find out what happens next. “I’ve seen a little bit of a sneak peek, but I can’t wait for fans to see it when it comes out. So, everyone watching it must go watch it.”

Season 2 of Squid Game premieres on Netflix Thursday, December 26.

With reporting by Sienna Leone