Director Hwang DongHyuk, who helmed the globally acclaimed ‘Squid Game’ Season 2, shared his thoughts during a press conference held at the Seoul Four Seasons Hotel on August 1. The much-anticipated second season is set to focus more on group games, contrasting with the individual-centric games like “Red Light, Green Light” and “Dalgona Candy” from Season 1.
Director Hwang, speaking at the Seoul press event, explained, “Season 2 will include not only traditional Korean games that we all played as children but also games familiar worldwide. There will be more opportunities for players to interact with each other, making the story even more dramatic.”
He elaborated on the increased emphasis on teamwork, stating, “The games are designed to make us question whether we have the power to change our deteriorating world together.”
The storyline of Season 2 follows Seong GiHun (played by Lee JungJae), the winner of the Squid Game from Season 1, as he returns to the arena seeking revenge and faces off against the Front Man (played by Lee ByungHun). While Season 1 painted a stark picture of class society, Season 2 aims to delve deeper into themes of hope.
Director Hwang commented, “When asked what made ‘Squid Game’ so popular, I used to say it was because the world is as tough as the game itself. But now, three years later, the world seems to have gotten even worse. With Season 2 and 3, I want to explore whether there is hope left for us.”
Adding to the excitement, Season 2 introduces a stellar new cast. Returning actors Lee JungJae, Lee ByungHun, Gong Yoo, and Wi HaJun are joined by newcomers Yim SiWan, Kang HaNeul, Park SungHoon, Yang DongGeun, Jo YuRi, Lee JinWook, Noh JaeWon, Choi SeungHyun (TOP), Park GyuYoung, and Won JiAn.
Regarding Choi SeungHyun’s casting, who previously received a suspended prison sentence for marijuana use, Director Hwang expressed, “Considering the time that has passed and his completion of the probation period, I thought it was the right time for him to resume work. However, I underestimated the public concern, making me question my judgment. Choi’s role requires immense courage, and I believe the final result will justify why he was chosen.”
The first season of ‘Squid Game,’ released in 2021, became a global sensation, recording the most viewing hours in Netflix’s history. Director Hwang made history as the first Korean to win the Emmy Award for Best Director, with the show earning six awards in total, including Best Actor.
Reflecting on the series’ success, Hwang shared, “Although ‘Squid Game’ is deeply rooted in my experiences growing up in Korea, the love from international fans is undeniable. I’ve crafted Season 2 to be an intuitive piece that doesn’t require much explanation, catering to diverse global tastes.”
As anticipation builds for the new season, fans worldwide are eager to see how these fresh elements and themes unfold, adding another layer to the ‘Squid Game’ narrative.
