"The focus was on fun and unexpected twists," said director Hwang Dong-hyuk.
Squid Game is back. Familiar yet new, it invites viewers worldwide to experience fresh games. The series retains its Korean sentiment and realistic storytelling, adding new characters, games, and devices.
Director Hwang emphasized, "I aimed to create something immensely entertaining. I wanted it to be so fun that people would say, 'If this isn't fun, what is?' I also wanted to leave room for discussion."
New participant Im Si-wan shared, "When I encountered the Younghee doll on the 'Red Light, Green Light' set, I still remember the overwhelming emotion. It sent shivers down my spine."
Netflix held a press conference for Squid Game Season 2 on December 9 at Dongdaemun DDP Art Hall in Seoul. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk was joined by cast members including Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Wi Ha-jun, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-uk, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Lee Seo-hwan, and Jo Yu-ri.
◆ Season 2: A Global Sensation
The event was packed with numerous domestic and international journalists. Over 160 members of foreign media and influencers from 22 countries participated, enjoying various experience zones, including games like ddakji and escape rooms.
The press conference venue resembled a game set. A life-sized model of Younghee was installed, creating a striking atmosphere. MC Park Kyung-lim joked, "It feels like Younghee will turn her head. I'll proceed as if my life depends on it," further heating up the mood.
Netflix's Chief Marketing Officer Marian Lee and APAC Content VP Kim Min-young also addressed the press, highlighting the unprecedented records set by the first season of Squid Game and emphasizing the power of K-content.
Marian Lee opened by saying, "The biggest story in Netflix history, Squid Game, is returning. The love this series has received worldwide is unparalleled."
Kim Min-young added, "It has become more than just a hit show; it's a socio-cultural phenomenon. It didn't stop at breaking records but showcased the power of storytelling with universal themes like human nature, social dynamics, and survival."
She continued, "Over 80% of Netflix viewers are watching Korean content. This proves that Korea has established itself as a global hub of imagination and creativity. I feel incredibly proud."
◆"Let the Games Begin Again"
After three years, Squid Game makes its highly anticipated return. The series first took the world by storm in 2021, becoming Netflix's biggest hit and setting a record for the most viewing hours in history, surpassing 300 million views.
The show also swept international awards. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk became the first Korean to win the Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing. Other accolades included SAG Awards (Best Male and Female Lead, TV Series Stunt Ensemble), and Critics' Choice Awards (Best Foreign Language Series, Best Actor).
Reflecting on the success of Season 1, Director Hwang remarked, "It's still a mystery to me. I often ask myself, 'Why did it resonate like that?' I think it was the fun of watching a crazy story unfold in these absurd games."
He added, "It wasn't just about the fun. The story resonated because it connected with the reality of our society. It left viewers with something to talk about, which I think created its massive impact."
Season 2 also focuses on entertainment value. Hwang explained, "I aimed to create something incredibly enjoyable. I wanted people to say, 'If this isn't fun, what is?' I also wanted to leave room for discussion."
The traditional Korean games will remain a core element. Hwang teased, "All the games are based on the ones we used to play in the alleys during the 1970s and 80s. But viewers will be surprised at how these old games can be transformed into something entirely different."
◆A Distinctive Game Setting
Season 2 focuses on the intense rivalry between Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae), who returns seeking revenge and answers, and the Front Man (played by Lee Byung-hun), who confronts him. The story delves deeper into the games and their true purpose.
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk summarized, "Gi-hun is determined to uncover who orchestrates the games and stop them. The conflict between Gi-hun and the Front Man, who opposes him, forms the central narrative and tension."
Season 2 introduces unique elements, such as the OX voting system. Hwang explained, "In Season 1, there was a brief introduction of a voting system for continuing the game. In Season 2, every game will feature OX votes."
This reflects real-world themes. Hwang noted, "These days, voting is a prominent topic, such as in the U.S. presidential elections. Connecting the game's voting system with real-world contexts seemed intriguing."
The sets have also undergone changes. Hwang shared, "While the dormitory looks similar, we added large lines and OX marks on the floor. Even the green tracksuits now have marks. The music has been rearranged as well."
The theme of division takes center stage in Season 2. "This theme runs through Seasons 2 and 3," Hwang stated. "The world is increasingly divided and polarized, with people drawing lines and antagonizing each other."
He emphasized, "From internal conflicts within nations to wars between countries, the human tendency to divide and antagonize mirrors reality. I hope the series prompts viewers to reflect on our world."
◆Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, and Eight New Faces
Familiar faces return in Squid Game Season 2. Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun reprise their roles as Gi-hun, a game participant, and the Front Man, a game organizer.
The actors hinted at evolved character narratives and emotions. Lee Jung-jae shared, "Gi-hun's perspective on his emotions and circumstances has completely changed. He's become a person with a clear goal."
"Driven by the determination to stop the games, he spends years searching for the ddakji man and eventually reenters the game. It's been a surreal year portraying these unbelievable situations."
Lee Byung-hun, whose masked character was revealed at the end of Season 1, plays a larger role in Season 2. "In Season 1, the Front Man was functional, overseeing and executing the games. In Season 2, his backstory will be unveiled," he explained.
Eight new faces join the cast, representing 456 participants. Present at the event were Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Lee Jin-uk, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Lee Seo-hwan, and Jo Yu-ri. They unanimously expressed their honor to be part of the show.
Kang Ha-neul shared, "When I was first approached, I thought, 'Why me?' I was captivated by the director's vision and joined immediately." Lee Jin-uk added, "It was an unconditional 'yes' for me."
◆ Young Generation & Minorities: New Narratives
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk has crafted new characters and storylines for Squid Game Season 2, introducing a diverse cast that includes a cryptocurrency YouTuber, a transgender participant, a gambling addict, a mother and son duo, Gi-hun's close friend, and returning players.
Reflecting on the challenges, Hwang said, "The characters from the previous season were loved by many. For Season 2, I focused on how to bring these new characters to life in a way that viewers can emotionally connect with."
The average age of the participants has decreased compared to the first season. This shift was intentional, aiming to highlight the struggles of younger generations. "When I wrote Season 1, I imagined older individuals with substantial debts participating in the game," he explained.
However, he noted the global changes brought by the pandemic. "Between Seasons 1 and 2, COVID-19 hit, and the cryptocurrency craze swept the world. As upward mobility became increasingly unattainable, many people abandoned traditional labor and pursued quick fortunes," he said.
The inclusion of LGBTQ+ narratives is also notable. Park Sung-hoon portrays Hyun-joo, Player 120, a transgender character. Hwang shared, "I wanted to represent minorities. In Season 1, we had a North Korean defector and a foreign laborer."
"With Hyun-joo, I wanted to depict a sexual minority. Like Ali in Season 1, Hyun-joo represents someone deeply marginalized and oppressed in the chaos of the games, yet she holds on to her humanity."
◆The Momentum of the Games
With the massive success of Season 1, is there pressure for Squid Game Season 2? Director Hwang Dong-hyuk expressed confidence, stating, "I aimed to deliver fun that feels familiar yet new. There are twists in expected moments, focusing on overturning expectations."
Lee Byung-hun shared his thoughts: "Since viewers already know the potential outcomes of the games, the shock factor may be reduced. However, there's a universal emotional core that everyone can relate to. Season 2 is driven by richer stories and deeper drama."
Squid Game Season 2 premieres on the 26th of next month, followed closely by Season 3 in early next year. The release coincides with a politically turbulent period marked by the president's declaration of martial law and the rejection of an impeachment bill. Director Hwang described the timing as "weighing heavily on my heart."
He added, "Whatever the outcome—whether impeachment happens quickly or the person responsible resigns voluntarily—I hope accountability is taken. I wish for a blessed end of the year to be returned to the people as a citizen."
Hwang also highlighted the parallels between the show's narrative and current events. "The conflicts, divisions, and upheavals portrayed in the games are not separate from the absurd clashes and turmoil happening in our country and globally," he said.
In closing, Lee Byung-hun promised, "Season 2 will showcase even more dramatic stories through its various characters." Director Hwang concluded, "I hope, in some way, this can offer comfort to the people."
