‘Squid Game 2’ takes off the veil one by one… As expectations grow, worries deepen.

《Kim Seo-yoon’s Noonatutene》
Ten Asia reporter Kim Seo-yoon delves into the current state of the entertainment industry, including notable dramas, entertainment shows, and noteworthy rising stars.

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Season 2 of Netflix's 'Squid Game' is being unveiled little by little, raising expectations. Due to the global success of Season 1, expectations and concerns about Season 2 are rising at the same time. This is because there have been many cases where OTT sequels that were confidently released following the previous film were criticized one after another. It's like a sequel complex. Will Season 2 of ‘Squid Game’ be able to dispel concerns? There are predictions that the continued success of Squid Game will determine the competitiveness of K-drama.

Information about Season 2 of ‘Squid Game’, which had been kept hidden, is being revealed one by one. 'Squid Game 2' has nothing officially known, from the filming location to the exact release schedule. As there wasn't much information, my curiosity grew.

The story of 'Squid Game 2' begins when Ki-hoon (Lee Jeong-jae), who gave up on going to the United States, returns with his own purpose. It is scheduled to be released in 2024. Currently filming is in full swing.

On the 24th, Netflix released the first stills of Season 2 of ‘Squid Game’. Not only the characters that appeared in season 1, such as Lee Jung-jae, who plays Ki-hoon, and 'frontman' Lee Byung-hun and Gong Yoo, but also the new appearance of Park Gyu-young, who appears in season 2, catches the eye.

Previously, Netflix's 'Squid Game' showed part of the set to domestic and foreign reporters. On December 7th last year, reporters visited the set of ‘Squid Game’ Season 2. On this day, director Dok-hyuk Hwang, CEO Ji-yeon Kim of First Man Studio Co., Ltd., and art director Kyeong-seon Chae introduced the site.

Some people reacted harshly because the actor lineup for 'Squid Game 2' was not properly answered and all information was kept secret. The long-held information about ‘Squid Game 2’ is slowly being released.

The interest in Season 2 is such that it is called Netflix's most anticipated film of 2024. Season 1 ranked first, recording 265.2 million views in the first 13 weeks of its release. At the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards, director Hwang Dong-hyuk became the first Asian to win Best Director. Following this, Lee Jeong-jae and Lee Yu-mi also won trophies, achieving the feat of winning 6 awards.

There was even a survival entertainment show called 'Squid Game: The Challenge', a live-action version of 'Squid Game'. British reality show production company ‘Studio Lambert’ and ‘The Garden’ produced ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’, which took first place after its release.

Not only in Korea but also in foreign countries, attention is being paid to Season 2 of ‘Squid Game’. However, if expectations are high, disappointment can also be high. Recently, Season 2 of Netflix's 'DP' and 'Sweet Home' received lower-than-expected reviews. Season 1 of both works was a great shock and novelty to viewers, but in Season 2, likes and dislikes were sharply divided.

Accordingly, there were concerns about whether Season 2 of ‘Squid Game’ would be able to meet expectations. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk said, "I have been filming season 2 diligently since last July with the interest and support of many people. Although my shoulders are heavy, I will repay you with a good work as long as you have waited." He added, "Please look forward to a deeper story and message that will unfold with a new game and new characters. “It’s good,” he said confidently.

Art director Chae Kyung-seon also said, “I feel a great sense of responsibility for the great love we received for Season 1 and the expectations many people have for Season 2. “The entire art team is working hard to better embody director Hwang Dong-hyuk’s creative vision and theme.”

Will season 2 create another global star, or will it be as entertaining as season 1? The hearts of global fans are pounding.

Ten Asia Reporter Kim Seo-yoon seogugu@tenasia.co.kr