"I'm Satisfied with 'Squid Game' Season 2. I hope it resonates deeply within Korean society." - Director Hwang Dong-hyuk

Netflix's Squid Game returns with a new season nearly three years after its groundbreaking debut. Marking the first K-drama with a production budget exceeding 100 billion KRW, this season promises an even stronger storyline.

The new season delves into societal issues, weaving themes of division and polarization into thrilling games. The games are more diverse, and the cast has undergone significant changes.

"This is the project I've put the most effort into in my life. I believe that effort clearly shows in the work." - Director Hwang Dong-hyuk

On August 1, the Squid Game 2 team held a press conference at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul, with Director Hwang Dong-hyuk and Kim Ji-yeon, CEO of Siren Pictures, in attendance.

The production team openly addressed the pressure following Season 1's success, casting controversies involving T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun) from BIGBANG, new games introduced in Season 2, and the potential for a Season 3.

◆ "The Pressure to Do Even Better"

Squid Game Season 1 (2021) became a global sensation, setting a record for the highest viewership hours in Netflix history. Director Hwang made history as the first Korean to win an Emmy for directing.

He remarked, "Creating Season 2 hasn't been easy. The success of Season 1 made a sequel possible, but expectations are now even higher."

"I'm well aware of viewers' expectations, which has intensified the pressure to exceed them," he added.

Reflecting on the scriptwriting process, he shared, "I wrote it alone. It would have been helpful to work with a co-writer, but with the need to start filming soon, finding one was challenging."

He revealed the toll on his health: "I had to replace eight teeth during Season 1. Even now (in August), I'm filming while taking painkillers and may need additional extractions."

Hwang emphasized, "The hard work of not just myself but also many staff and cast members went into this. Personally, I believe we've created a satisfying Season 2," urging viewers to anticipate the new season.

◆ "Season 2 Continues the Game"

Squid Game revolves around participants risking their lives for a prize of 45.6 billion KRW. Season 2 picks up after Seong Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) decides not to go to the U.S. and returns.

Director Hwang outlined two key differences from Season 1. First, there's Lee Jung-jae's character. "In Season 1, Gi-hun was a naive character entering the game without understanding it."

He continued, "In Season 2, he has a clear purpose. He's seeking revenge and aims to end the game by finding those responsible. His re-entry into the game marks a major shift."

The second difference is the new characters. "Since we killed off many popular characters in Season 1, new characters and new games have been introduced."

He added, "The initial 'continue the game' vote from Season 1 returns in a more active form, dividing participants into OX groups based on votes."

Hwang emphasized the theme: "I wanted to portray the growing global issue of division, labeling, and conflict as people draw lines, define, and attack one another."

◆ "This Time, It's a Team Game"

In the new season, teamwork takes center stage, with more emphasis on group-based games. While Season 1 featured individual-focused games like "Red Light, Green Light," "Dalgona," and "Marbles," Season 2 introduces a larger focus on collaboration.

Director Hwang explained, "I wanted to explore questions like, 'Do we have the power to change a deteriorating world?' and 'Are we capable of being that force?'"

This shift is why there are more team games. "I wanted to discuss hope. Compared to Season 1, there are more games where players can help one another, adding a dramatic layer to the story," he hinted.

He also noted, "There are traditional Korean games and games played worldwide. Some needed adjustments to fit the show, so we adapted them into playable forms."

Regarding the casting of T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun), who previously faced legal issues, Hwang acknowledged the controversy: "We considered that his probation period had ended, and he was able to resume work."

Reflecting on the decision, he added, "I also wondered if it was a misjudgment. However, it's a role that requires great courage. In the end, I believe the results will show why T.O.P was right for this part."

◆ "Ending the Game with Season 3"

Squid Game will conclude with its third season, with Season 2 premiering on December 26, 2024, followed by Season 3 early next year. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk shared, "I've said everything I wanted to say."

He explained, "Season 3 will be the finale. There's a turning point in the middle, and I felt it was right to show it in separate parts for distinct evaluations."

Hwang also announced this as his final word on the series, noting, "After filming 200 days over 11 months, I realized it shouldn't go on forever. Success is great, but life comes first," he laughed.

The series aims to deliver a profound message. Hwang reflected, "We now have preschool entrance prep classes for kids as young as five or six in Korea. This approach to raising children feels wrong. Shouldn't we change?"

He continued, "It feels like a never-ending 'Squid Game'. If we don't create a valuable world regardless of university entrance, what future do we have? I hope viewers ponder these questions through the series."

Producer Kim Ji-yeon added, "Releasing this near Christmas is worrisome, but more than beating Season 1, I hope people find value in the message we've worked hard to deliver."

Squid Game 2 will be released worldwide on December 26.