‘Squid Game’ returns with season 2

Season Two of “Squid Game” Takes the World by Storm

Returning to the set of “Squid Game” season two, Lee Jong-jae felt a sense of familiarity as he slipped back into his character of Gi-hun. The popular Netflix series, which debuted in 2021, follows a group of people in debt who are recruited to play deadly games with life-changing consequences.

The success of the first season propelled the show to international fame, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards. Lead actor Lee Jung-jae’s career skyrocketed, leading him to prestigious events like the Cannes Film Festival and landing him a role in the upcoming “Star Wars” series “The Acolyte” for Disney+.

When Netflix greenlit a second season, there were doubts about the timeline, considering the lengthy process it took to create the first season. However, creator Hwang Dong-hyuk surprised everyone by completing the scripts for both season two and a third season in just six months.

While introducing new characters and storylines came naturally, the biggest challenge was deciding the fate of Gi-hun. The cast and crew were impressed by Hwang’s genius storytelling and quick turnaround time.

Despite the rarity of Korean TV shows having multiple seasons, the anticipation for season two is high, with early award nominations and positive buzz surrounding the new episodes.

For actors like Lee Byung-hun, who plays a villain in the series, the global success of “Squid Game” has opened doors to new opportunities and expanded audiences for their work.

The casting process for season two was emotional and lengthy, with actors like Jo Yu-ri recalling tears of joy upon landing their roles. The growth of the “Squid Game” universe also includes a reality competition show based on the series and an English adaptation in the works.

However, season two is not without controversy, as it features a transgender character portrayed by Park Sung-hoon. Hwang addressed concerns about representation, acknowledging the challenges of casting authentic roles for LGBTQ characters in Korea.

Despite the hurdles, Hwang believes that Park’s talent and dedication to the character made him the perfect fit for the role.

As the “Squid Game” phenomenon continues to captivate audiences worldwide, the future looks bright for the series and its expanding universe.

Leslie Ambriz in Los Angeles contributed to this report.