The recent December 26th, 2024 release of Squid Game 2 excited the world, considering how successful the first season was. It was number one in 94 countries, including the United States, and was the first Korean drama to top Netflix’s top ten weekly most-watched TV show charts. With the second season added to Squid Game, many fans, including myself, would watch the whole season in one sitting.
Going into the newly added season, my expectations were set high. I had predicted that it would almost be the same plot but with more excitement, action, and drama between the players. Although slightly different, the delivery was flawless, from the storyline to the games and players.
Like in the first season, each player’s personalities are slowly revealed, but our returning protagonist, Seong Gi-hun, Player 456, has taken on a more vengeful approach to the games. He was optimistic and hopeful at the beginning of Season 1, but after winning all 6 games, and realizing how corrupted the games itself are, his personality completely changed. In the time spent between Season 1 and 2, a couple of years have passed and Gi-hun focuses on figuring out a plan to stop the Front Man’s games.
In Season 2, new games were added to the series, sparking curiosity about the show and raising questions like, “How does the game work? What are you supposed to do?” And more importantly, “Will I survive playing this game?” The game “Gong-gi,” the Korean version of jacks, is being recognized locally and internationally due to the rising number of viewers of Squid Game Season 2, with many people trying out the game on social media. Although Ppopgi did not return in Season 2, (the game involving removing a stamped shape from a piece of dalgona, or honeycomb candy) hardcore fans are trying it out, making it trending on TikTok and Instagram.
To me, the only downside of this season was how it ended. It left a lot of questions unanswered, making fans like myself slightly disappointed and already hungry for Season 3. I will refrain from spoiling the ending, but on the bright side, season 3 will be released in the summer of 2025, so I’ll enjoy it once it’s released!
I give Squid Game Season 2 four out of five stars, recommending that if you haven’t watched the series yet, watch the whole series AFTER season 3 is released.
