What you need to know about the second season of "The Squid Game"

Contents:

• What happened in the first season
• How the series was created
• Why "The Squid Game" became so popular
• What happens in the second season
• What games are played in the series
• Is it worth watching?

What happened in the first season

Since the release of the first season, the series "Squid Game" has become a true cultural phenomenon, and probably no one has remained indifferent to its plot. The story centers on a mysterious tournament that takes place in a secret location. It involves 456 people, mostly poor and debt-ridden people who have fallen into difficult financial situations. Participation in the game is voluntary, but it is possible to leave it only if the majority of players vote to end the tournament. The competition consists of various Korean children's games, but with high stakes: losers receive lethal punishment from masked guards in pink jumpsuits. The winner of the tournament can expect to receive a hefty sum of 45.6 billion won, which was equivalent to approximately 38.5 million US dollars at the time of the series' release, although the won's value has since fluctuated. As the plot progresses, it becomes clear that this tournament is organized for the entertainment of wealthy billionaires who enjoy watching brutal "gladiatorial" fights.

In the first season of the series, player 456, Son Ki-hoon, wins, An unemployed former driver who strives to pay off his debts and support his elderly mother and daughter. However, during the game, he loses his mother, and his daughter leaves for America with her ex-wife. Kihoon, who also lost his best friend, is unable to enjoy his wealth. As a result, he becomes obsessed with revenge on his tormentors and destroying the game. These events form the basis of the second season of the series, which develops the themes of revenge, loss, and the fight for justice.

How the series was created

Director and screenwriter Hwang Donghyuk created "The Squid Game" based on his personal experiences. Interestingly, he borrowed the names of the main characters - Song Kihoon, Cho Sangwoo, and Oh Ilnam - from his childhood friends. This approach adds depth and authenticity to the characters, making the plot more relatable and understandable to the viewer. "The Squid Game" has become not only a cultural phenomenon but also a reflection of the social issues facing many people in modern society.

The show's creator wasn't involved in the bloody game of survival, but he is well aware of the problem of financial hardship. Like the main character, Hwang, he grew up with a single mother in the disadvantaged neighborhood of Sangmun-dong. For him, like Kihoon, the only hope of escaping poverty was the opportunity to enroll in Seoul University. Studying became their chance to change their lives and overcome social barriers.

In 2008, 37-year-old Hwang Donghyuk continued to live with his mother and grandmother while simultaneously trying to realize his screenplay ideas. At the time, his family's financial situation was extremely difficult, and they were forced to take out loans to make ends meet. Despite all their efforts, life remained difficult. At one point, Hwang even sold his laptop for $675. He often spent time in manga cafes, immersed in Japanese survival comics like Battle Royale. Reading these stories, he couldn't help but compare them to his own life and wondered if he would have agreed to participate in a similar tournament to get rid of his debts. This eventually led him to the idea for the plot of The Squid Game. The director later noted, "I aimed to create a story that would serve as an allegory for modern capitalist society, depicting an extreme competition that reflects the fierce competition in our everyday lives. The characters needed to be relatable and familiar to the audience." The script failed to attract the attention of the producers, who unanimously noted its grotesqueness and unrealism. Hwang shelved it and, over the next ten years, built his career, becoming a renowned director. He directed the drama The Crucible, which deals with violence at a school for the hearing-impaired, the romantic comedy Miss Granny, which tells the story of a woman who finds a second youth, and the historical drama Fortress, which deals with the difficult political and moral choices during the war with China. These films became real box office hits in Korea, confirming Hwang’s talent as a director and screenwriter.

The director was lucky, because by this time the streaming service Netflix has significantly expanded its global presence and is investing heavily in content production outside of North America. Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos remarked, "I'd love for the next 'Stranger Things' to be made outside of the States." Hwang recognized the perfect opportunity and pitched the script to his Asian division. In 2019, production on a series based on his script was officially announced.

Hwang commented on his return to the original idea with sadness: “The world has changed in the past ten years so much that this story now seems quite realistic to people.” According to statistics, the level of economic inequality in South Korea continues to slowly increase, especially after the pandemic. Although South Korea is far from the poverty of its northern neighbor, the poor neighborhoods, desperate debtors, migrants, and other characters in the series are characters taken from real life by Hwang. This social issue makes the plot more relevant and resonant with modern viewers, highlighting the importance of discussing economic and social issues in society.

Why "The Squid Game" Became So Popular

The series received high praise from both audiences and critics, and also won awards at international competitions. It became the first South Korean television show to be nominated for a Golden Globe Award. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds an impressive 95% rating. According to Netflix, it holds the record for most hours watched among all series on the platform, ranking first in 94 countries.

Audiences were captivated by a number of factors. One key factor is the fact that contemporary Korean culture is currently at its peak, driven by the "hallyu" phenomenon, or Korean Wave, which continues to sweep the globe. The success of The Squid Game has been a major element in supporting this wave, drawing attention to Korean content and culture as a whole.

The Game has become a unique phenomenon for several reasons. Above all, its high meme-ability attracted viewers. The security guards' pink jumpsuits and geometric masks instantly became popular for Halloween after the COVID-19 lockdowns ended. Dalgona candy cookies and a giant doll with a rotating head became instantly recognizable symbols. The romantic soundtrack, featuring works by Haydn, Strauss, Beethoven, and a cover of Frank Sinatra's "Fly Me to the Moon," creates an ironic contrast to the violence unfolding to classical music. The series' entire setting, including backyard games from the director's childhood and a secret base reminiscent of a brightly colored playground, also heightens the sense of contrast and tension. The series' popularity is largely due to its expressive East Asian acting style, where emotions, intonations, and gestures are conveyed with vivid exaggeration. This creates an element of the grotesque and heightens the perception of the action. Despite its dark subject matter, the series features a significant amount of humor, making it even more appealing to viewers. The elements featured in "The Squid Game" are not unique. Bloody tournaments have already been featured in "Battle Royale," and Western counterparts like "The Hunger Games" and "Divergent" have also explored similar themes. Video games like "PUBG" have spawned an entire genre based on similar concepts. Extreme violence is also reflected in Korean dramas like "Oldboy," while criticism of capitalism and social inequality is present in "Parasite." Heartbreaking plots, absurd humor, and over-the-top acting are familiar to viewers from television dramas. However, it is the unique combination of these elements that has made "The Squid Game" globally popular. It is important to note that this project not only reveals the themes of cruelty and survival, but also makes viewers think about social problems, which attracts a wide audience.

The plot of "The Squid Game" is permeated with a simple but deep A metaphor reflecting the realities of capitalist society, in which people are forced to participate in a ruthless race for survival. Behind the bright facades of advertising, pop culture, and the ideology of success, the brutal nature of this competition is hidden, creating the illusion of optimism. Participants perceive the children's games of the tournament as simple tasks, and the promised prizes seem easily achievable. This allegory highlights the absurdity and tragedy of existence in the modern world, where true values ​​​​and human relationships often give way to material goods and competition.

A sequel to "The Squid Game" was not initially planned. Hwang Donghyuk doubted the need for a sequel, although he left the ending open in case such a need arose. He aspired to make an independent feature film and feared that he could only remain known thanks to "The Squid Game". Working on the series was difficult and almost led to a nervous breakdown. However, after the overwhelming success of the first season, which grossed almost a billion dollars, a continuation was decided in January 2022. Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos stated that "The Squid Game universe is just getting started." This announcement marked a new stage in the series' development and confirmed its significance in the world of entertainment.

What happens in season 2

Two years pass after Song Ki-hoon's victory in the tournament. He uses his significant winnings to track down the recruiter of new game participants in Seoul. To do this, he hires a group of henchmen to monitor all the Seoul subway stations. Ultimately, he manages to establish contact with the game's management through the recruiter. Ki-hoon tries to organize an ambush, but falls into a trap himself. Realizing he can't achieve his goal this way, Kihoon decides to become a player again, hoping to spark a rebellion from within. His request is granted: he awakens back at the base as player 456, among 455 other participants. Some games will be familiar to him, allowing him to help other participants, while others will be completely new. Kihoon's main task is to convince the participants to unite and leave the game.

In the first season, we watch policeman Hwang Jun-ho, who seeks to find out the location of deadly games in order to stop them. His brother, Hwang In-ho, who plays an important role in organizing the games, decides to give up his mask this season and becomes one of the participants in the competition. In-ho tries to win Ki-hoon's trust in order to ruin his plans and change the course of events.

What games are played in the series

The doll game, which has become popular since the first season, is an exciting game similar to the game "Sea Figure" or "Freeze in Place". During the game, the doll recites a counting rhyme while players try to get closer to it. It is important to remember that when the doll turns, the participants must freeze. Those who do not keep still in time are eliminated from the game under the targeted fire of a sniper. In English-speaking countries, this game is called "Red Light, Green Light", "Grandma's Steps" or "Statues". This simple yet addictive game requires concentration and cunning, making it appealing to players of all ages.

"Ppopgi," or "dalgona," is a caramel cookie with a molded shape that became a popular street treat in Korea in the 1970s and 1980s. The game requires carefully scraping the dalgona out of a mold without damaging the central shape within 10 minutes. In the second season, Kihoon experiences a nightmare where the central shape is a complex polygon, terrifying him and leading him to awaken. Dalgona not only attracts attention with its unique design but also evokes nostalgic memories of the past. This treat has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, thanks to its appearance on various shows and social media.

"Six-Legged Pentathlon" is a fun team game in which players are divided into teams of five. Participants have their feet tied together and, in this unusual position, must complete five different challenges. If a team loses any of the challenges, they must start over. This game develops team spirit, coordination, and the ability to work as a group, making it an excellent choice for sporting events and team building.

"Ttakchi" is a game similar to the popular Russian games of the 1990s, such as "hundreds," "chips," and "caps." The goal of the game is to throw a folded "ttakchi" in such a way as to flip over the opponent's piece. In the TV series "The Squid Game," this game is used to recruit participants: the winner receives money, and the loser faces punishment. Interestingly, "ttakchi" not only entertains, but also draws attention to the cultural aspects of the games of that time.

Bisoqchigi is a game that is similar in nature to traditional gorodki. During the game, players throw stones with the goal of knocking down their opponent's stones. This exciting game develops accuracy and coordination, and brings joy and excitement to all players. Biseokjigi can be a great outdoor activity for children and adults, promoting active recreation and interaction between participants.

In the game "gonggi", players perform sequential actions with five pebbles. First, a player must toss and catch one pebble, then two, and so on, increasing the number to five. The final stage is tossing all five pebbles simultaneously with the back of the hand and then catching them. This game develops coordination and dexterity, and is also a great way to have fun for children and adults.

In the game "jaegi-jagi", which is a traditional pastime for Korean New Year, children kick a special object resembling a badminton shuttlecock, known as a jaegi or jegi. This accessory consists of paper wrapped around a coin. The goal of the game is to throw the jigsaw as many times as possible, and the winner is the one with the best score. The game is not only fun, but also helps develop coordination and dexterity in children.

The final stage of the pentathlon is the top throw. The participant wraps the top with a cord and then throws it so that it starts spinning on the surface. This task requires both precision and throwing skill, which makes it an interesting and exciting element of the competition.

Mingle, known in Russian as "third wheel," is a fast-paced game in which participants ride a carousel located in the center of the hall. Around the carousel are many doors, behind which are hidden rooms. At some point, an announcement is made with a number, and players are given a limited time to enter one of the rooms with the indicated number of people. Those left outside or those who mistakenly chose the wrong group are at a disadvantage. This game requires quick reactions and teamwork, making it exciting and fun for everyone involved.

The new rule introduces mandatory voting after each round. Participants must decide whether to continue the game by pressing zero, or stop and split the prize money by selecting cross. In most cases, players, faced with the brutal conditions of the game, want to leave this terrible place. However, some are determined to continue, because the departure of the majority opens the opportunity for those who remain to increase their share of the winnings. With each round, the chances of winning decrease, but for some, this only fuels the desire to reach the final and take the main prize. Kihoon tries to convey to those who choose "zero" that their chances of success are getting smaller, but they are not so easy to convince. This is an obvious satire on democracy, which proves ineffective in the face of poverty and greed, leaving people captive to unrealistic illusions.

Is it worth watching?

The problem with "The Squid Game" is that the viewer and participants can only play it once. Despite its postmodern nature, "The Squid" attracts attention due to the unexpected combination of various elements. This work harmoniously intertwines comedy, thriller, drama sentimentality, and a relevant critique of modern society. This combination creates a powerful emotional impact that leaves a deep imprint on viewers.

The series' sequel explores new horizons in mythology, where, in addition to the game itself, we see events unfolding in the surrounding world. This creates the atmosphere of a crime thriller, with gripping chases through urban slums and stylized pseudo-documentary footage. However, the main plotline involving police officer Hwang Jun-ho remains virtually unchanged, which may leave viewers with a sense of ambiguity. Character development and interaction with the outside world could have significantly enriched the narrative and added new layers to the overall story, which would have made the series even more captivating and multifaceted.

The events in the game resemble a remake, not a continuation of the plot. We see familiar elements, such as the giant puppet and familiar settings, as well as the signature grisly deaths. While many of the games have changed, these are more technical improvements. It's becoming increasingly difficult to shock viewers with the juxtaposition of childish entertainment and brutality.

The plot twists in this production are highly predictable. Once again, someone fails to secure victory at the last moment. Players are once again divided between those who are against and those who strive to see the matter through to the end, leading to brutal clashes in the season finale. These elements create tension, but can also feel repetitive.

Song Ki-hoon will certainly survive until the finale, but his new friend is in real danger, adding an element of drama. As in the first season, the focus is on several characters to evoke sympathy or hatred. Notable are the rapper Thanos with his brightly colored hair and his girlfriend, as well as the Bitcoin vlogger with the pregnant girlfriend he left behind. Let's not forget the humble botanist caring for his elderly mother and the evil shaman with her eccentric behavior. However, all these characters appear too fleetingly, failing to evoke genuine empathy in the audience. They serve more as functional plot points, designed to evoke specific emotions. Sentimentality in this context loses its depth and becomes formal.

The main problem that ruins the impression of "The Squid Game" is that it has become just a commercial product. The irony is that popular culture critiques capitalism while being part of its mechanism. If the first season was a unique creative project, the result of the creator's personal experience, now "The Squid Game" has become a cynical corporate franchise that will be exploited to the bitter end. Nevertheless, the series continues to preach ideas of freedom, equality, and fraternity. A British reality show, "The Squid Game Challenge," has already launched, which, fortunately, is non-violent. A mobile game, Squid Game: Unleashed, has been launched, and an American adaptation starring David Fincher is also planned. These steps only confirm that commercialization and mass appeal are diminishing the original concept. A third season is expected, scheduled for release in 2025. Production of the new season was conducted simultaneously with filming of the second. Perhaps he will discover the secrets of peace and prosperity.

Director Hwang openly admitted that working on the series exhausted him, and he would gladly move far away from Netflix, to some remote island. He also noted that it shouldn't be the island from "The Squid Game," adding a joke about his desire to take a break from his busy schedule.