We’ve known that it was only a matter of time until the second season of Netflix’s Squid Game. Besides creator Hwang Dong-hyuk openly saying he was working on another season, Squid Game became Netflix’s number-one show of all time following its debut. We didn’t need an admittedly clever twist on the creepy red light/green light girl to tell us a second season is coming. It’s certainly appreciated, though.
A lot has happened since Squid Game‘s first season aired in 2021. Namely, Netflix produced and released a reality show version with the largest jackpot in TV history, called Squid Game: The Challenge in late 2023. The show was criticized from the outset for completely missing the anti-capitalist critique so deeply baked into the original, then faced accusations from contestants that the show’s outcome was rigged, at least to some extent.
The bright side is that The Challenge has nothing to do with the actual Squid Game. The downside is that’s the case because Netflix owns all the property rights to Squid Game. But that brings us to why we are here today. Netflix confirmed a follow-up to the original viral show, the real deal, courtesy of creator Hwang Dong-hyuk. So what can we expect?
Squid Game season 2 cast and characters
Spoilers ahead for Squid Game season 1
The thing about Squid Game is that … you know … most of the characters from last season are dead—as in, almost everyone. One of the few characters remaining is protagonist Seong Gi-hun, who we last saw turning around and heading back to the terminal to board an airplane to visit his daughter. I was very literally screaming at him to turn back. Come on, Gi-hun! Don’t you know this will further hurt and possibly traumatize your daughter? F*** the Squid Game people, Gi-hun! Your daughter is more important!
Alas, he cannot hear me. The first-look, incredibly short teaser released by Netflix in February 2024 shows footage of Gi-hun receiving threats over the phone, walking away from his plane. This all means that he made the bad decision. But fortunately for us, Gi-hun is indeed confirmed for season 2 with actor Lee Jung-jae reprising the role.
The Front Man, the series antagonist who makes sure that the games are running smoothly (and is likely the voice on the phone), is also confirmed to return, played by Lee Byung-hun. One of the first-look images released by Netflix depicts the Front Man removing his mask, which promises the character will have a central role in the new season.
The Front Man turned out two be Hwang In-ho, a former Squid Game winner and the brother of detective and general Good Cop Hwang Jun-ho. Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk said previously that he wants to explore the brothers’ relationship in season 2. Jun-ho was shot by the Front Man at the end of the season, but appears to have lived, because actor Wi Ha-Jun is confirmed to return as the character. Game of Thrones rules apparently apply: We never saw a body.
In a press release, creator Hwang hinted at the return of “man in the suit with ddakji.” This is excellent news, especially because this mysterious man is played by Gong Yoo, one of the most famous actors in South Korea. Netflix has since confirmed Yoo’s return. You might recognize Yoo from Train to Busan. If you have not seen Train to Busan, I cannot recommend it enough—especially if you like Squid Game, which, since you’re reading this article, I assume that you do. Hwang also said we’ll meet the “boyfriend” of Young-hee, the terrifying red light/green light animatronic doll.
A casting teaser released by Netflix also introduced us to season 2’s new players: Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-Neul, Park Sung-hoon, and Yang Dong-geun.
Squid Game season 2 release date and plot
Netflix announced in February 2024 that Squid Game season 2 will be coming sometime later in the year. No plot has officially been announced, but we can make an educated guess that the second season will involve a new round of Squid Game contestants fighting for their lives for some big bucks. Gi-hun seems poised to re-enter himself into the competition, which would make me very upset, but Squid Game is quite adept at making that feeling very enthralling. In any case, we’ll almost certainly learn more about the Front Man.
Hwang said in the press release for the season 2 announcement, “It took 12 years to bring the first season of Squid Game to life last year but it took 12 days for Squid Game to become the most popular Netflix series ever. As the writer, director and producer of Squid Game, a huge shout out to the fans around the world. Thank you for watching and loving our show.” Hear that?! Don’t give up on your dreams, kids! Even if they’re dystopian reflections of our dark, dark reality which will eventually come to be reflected right back at you in the real world!
(featured image: Netflix)
