Netflix’s highly anticipated 'Squid Game' Season 2 is set to premiere today at 5 PM KST (Korea Standard Time), which corresponds to Midnight PST (Pacific Standard Time). This release timing aligns with Netflix’s global simultaneous release policy, making the series available worldwide at the same moment.
As one of Netflix’s flagship K-content series, 'Squid Game' follows the platform’s strategy of releasing original content at midnight PST, which translates to 5 PM in Korea due to the time difference.
Netflix, headquartered in California, adheres to this midnight PST release schedule exclusively for its original content, ensuring that audiences across the globe can watch simultaneously. Licensed content, however, follows the local release time of its country of origin.
An industry insider explained, “In many countries, the period immediately after Christmas marks the beginning of year-end holidays. This strategy aims to capture global viewers who are on vacation.” They added, “Previous Netflix originals like 'The Glory' and 'Culinary Class Wars' also followed this schedule, releasing precisely at midnight PST.”
Releasing content globally at the same time not only streamlines marketing efforts but also helps Netflix manage server loads efficiently, ensuring a smooth viewing experience for audiences worldwide.
Season 2, consisting of seven episodes, will be fully released today. The new season takes a significantly different narrative direction compared to Season 1. While the first season portrayed protagonist Seong Gi-hun participating in the deadly games for survival, Season 2 focuses on his transformation as he voluntarily re-enters the games, vowing revenge and aiming to uncover the truth behind their organization.
The intense rivalry between Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) and the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) promises to bring a heightened level of tension and suspense, setting it apart from Season 1. 'Squid Game' is slated to conclude with a third and final season, currently in post-production. Season 3, which was filmed concurrently with Season 2, is expected to premiere in the first half of 2025, though an exact release date has yet to be announced.
Season 3 will pick up where Season 2 leaves off, delving deeper into the high-stakes conflict between Gi-hun and the Front Man, and delivering a climactic conclusion to their story.
Netflix’s Squid Game continues to push boundaries in storytelling and global audience engagement, solidifying its place as a cultural phenomenon. Fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting to see how the saga unfolds.