Netflix’s groundbreaking series Squid Game returned with its highly anticipated second season on December 26, 2024. The new season continues the harrowing journey of Seong Gi-hun, portrayed by Lee Jung-jae, as he re-enters the deadly competition with a renewed mission to dismantle the sinister organization behind the games.
Within its first three days, Squid Game Season 2 amassed 68 million views, breaking previous premiere records on Netflix. The season quickly secured the number-one spot in 92 countries, demonstrating its global appeal.
Critical Reception
Reviews for the new season have been generally positive. Laura Martin of the BBC awarded the season four out of five stars, noting that it rivals the production quality of the first season. Annabel Nugent from The Independent echoed this sentiment, also giving it four stars and describing the season as captivating in its portrayal of violence. However, some critics, such as Rebecca Nicholson of The Guardian, pointed out issues with plot development and pacing, rating it three out of five stars. Kelly Lawler from USA Today was less favorable, offering two out of four stars and calling the plot outlandish with an unsatisfying conclusion.
Controversies and Backlash
Despite its acclaim, the season has not been without controversy. A noticeable filming error in the seventh episode, where a cameraman is visible during a shootout scene, drew criticism from viewers who speculated that the rush to release the season may have resulted in oversights during editing.
Additionally, the casting of cisgender actor Park Sung-hoon as a transgender character sparked discussions about representation. Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk addressed the criticism, citing difficulties in finding openly transgender actors in South Korea and expressing his desire to raise awareness of the societal challenges faced by gender minorities.
The season also faced backlash over a line referencing the Vietnam War, which some Vietnamese viewers interpreted as praising South Korean actions during the conflict. This led to calls for a boycott in Vietnam.
Financial Impact
The mixed reviews and controversies have had tangible effects on related businesses. Shares of South Korean companies linked to Squid Game experienced significant declines following the season’s release. Artist United, where lead actor Lee Jung-jae is a major shareholder, saw its stock drop by 30%. Meanwhile, Wysiwyg Studios and Dexter Studios reported declines of 25.3% and 24%, respectively.
Looking Ahead to the Final Season
As fans digest the events of Season 2, anticipation grows for the third and final season, set for release in 2025. Filmed back-to-back with the second season, it promises to bring the intense saga of Squid Game to a dramatic conclusion.
<Student Reporter Jayson Park>jaysonpark0809@gmail.com
Jayson Park is a 9th Grade student in Chadwick School
