ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Squid Game Season 2

by Jane Gao

In 2021, Squid Game came out on Netflix as a Korean thriller set in a dystopian world. Written and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, the show revolves around a secret contest comprised of children's games like “Red Light, Green Light” and “Tug of War”. The creators of the game distinctly select players who are in debt and face financial problems in their daily lives making it perfect to serve as a test of greed and human morality. The main character, Seong Gi-Hun is a gambler who joins in hopes of paying off his debts with the grand prize of 45.6 billion Korean won (approximately 31 million USD). At the time, Squid Game quickly became Netflix’s most successful and watched show ever. Season 1 ends on a cliffhanger when Gi-Hun leaves the audience wondering what will happen next. 

When Squid Game first came out, it went viral on TikTok and Instagram. It reached a wide audience and there were several theories about the games, characters, and plot. I watched the first season and it set the bar high for Season 2 considering Season 1 was done so well. I suspected Season 2 to be not as popular and like many other popular movies and shows, not as exciting as Season 1. Although it started slow, the action amps up episode after episode making fans curious about what will come next; however, after finishing Season 2, there is no doubt that Season 3 needs to come sooner. 

Gi-Hun’s acting skills made this season especially good. I think he portrayed exactly how money affects people, and how being rich doesn’t always equate to happiness. You can see the change in his view of the world as he struggles with paranoia and trauma from the first game. Not to spoil too much, I have left out a lot of details and while the season ends abruptly with unanswered questions, it’s still thrilling, chaotic, funny, and emotional leaving high expectations for next season. Season 3 was filmed in tandem with Season 2 and writer/director Dong-Hyuk noted that Season 3 is in final production and is set to release June 27, 2025.