The highly anticipated return of the Netflix original series 'Squid Game' is finally here, with Season 2 dropping three years after the global phenomenon of the first season.
With expanded scale and new characters, excitement is at an all-time high. Directed once again by Hwang Dong-hyuk, the mastermind behind Season 1, the new season aims to build on its predecessor's legacy.
Season 2 centers on the intense rivalry between Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) and the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun). As Gi-hun returns with a vow for revenge, the confrontation with the Front Man takes center stage. In addition to returning cast members, the new season introduces fresh faces, including Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Wi Ha-jun, Park Gyu-young, and Choi Seung-hyun(T.O.P), promising a richer and more dynamic storyline.
Director Hwang teased a few key differences for this season: new games and a younger pool of participants, reflecting the societal obsession with cryptocurrency and the modern pursuit of quick wealth.
Season 1, released in 2021, became a global sensation, setting a record with 1.65 billion hours of watch time in its first 28 days. It has since surpassed 2.2 billion hours, far outpacing popular English-language series like Stranger Things 4 (1.8 billion hours) and Wednesday Season 1 (1.7 billion hours).
Squid Game broke barriers as the first Korean series to spark a global cultural phenomenon, elevating the status of Korean content worldwide. From the iconic green tracksuits and dalgona candy to traditional Korean games like “Red Light, Green Light” and ddakji, the show introduced elements of Korean culture to an international audience. The city of Los Angeles even declared September 17 as "Squid Game Day," commemorating the date of Season 1’s release.
The series also made history at the 2022 Emmy Awards, becoming the first non-English language show to win Outstanding Drama Series, among six total awards. Lee Jung-jae and Jung Ho-yeon both took home lead acting honors, while the cast also earned recognition from the Screen Actors Guild Awards, marking the first wins for Korean actors.
Season 2 is set to premiere exclusively on Netflix on December 26 at 5 PM KST(December 26 at 3 AM EST). The season will consist of seven episodes, all released simultaneously on launch day.
Even before its release, the new season has generated immense interest. The trailer, released earlier this year, became Netflix’s most-watched teaser of 2024, reflecting the anticipation among fans. Additionally, it has been nominated for Best Television Series at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards, further cementing its critical acclaim.
Boasting a production budget of 100 billion KRW (approximately $68 million), Squid Game Season 2 promises more stunning visuals and an expanded storyline. While the central conflict between Gi-hun and the Front Man takes the spotlight, the roles and backstories of the newly introduced characters are expected to add depth and intrigue. Psychological changes and complex relationships among the characters will unfold in a dramatic fashion.
Netflix has amplified the hype with world premiere events held in major countries, including South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. With such a strong foundation and global attention, all eyes are on Squid Game Season 2 to see if it can surpass the massive success of its predecessor and create an even bigger cultural phenomenon.