The highly anticipated second season of Netflix’s hit South Korean drama, Squid Game, is finally on the horizon. New cast members have been announced and Netflix has even released the first images from the upcoming season. For those who haven’t yet experienced the phenomenon, Squid Game, or 오징어 게임, took the world by storm after its global premiere in September 2021. The series quickly became one of Netflix’s biggest hits, racking up a record number of views and dominating social media conversations. While Squid Game isn’t Netflix’s first dark K-drama, its unique blend of suspense, social commentary, and a touch of nostalgia set it apart. It even spawned a controversial reality competition series, Squid Game: The Challenge.
Squid Game’s popularity was undeniable. According to The Guardian, it was the first Korean production to top Netflix’s popular list in the U.S. Deadline reported that Netflix co-chief executive officer and chief content officer Ted Sarandos predicted it could become Netflix’s biggest show ever. Shortly after the first season ended, series writer and director Hwang Donghyuk hinted that season two would be coming sooner than expected. This was officially confirmed in June 2022 with a brief teaser trailer from Netflix.
While most K-dramas tend to have only one season, Netflix productions often take a different approach. The open ending of Squid Game season one left fans eager for more. Fans have been waiting with bated breath for details about the upcoming season.
Who’s in the Cast of Squid Game Season 2?
Netflix unveiled the full cast for season two in June 2023, featuring a mix of familiar faces and new additions. Fans of the Netflix family will recognize actors like Park Gyuyoung and Lee Jinuk from Sweet Home, Kang Aesim from Move to Heaven, and Won Jian from D.P. Other actors joining the cast include Lee David, known for his role in Itaewon Class, and Roh Jaewon, who debuted in 2021. The cast also includes K-pop stars, such as former IZ*ONE member Jo Yuri and Big Bang’s T.O.P, who will be appearing under his real name, Choi Seunghyun.
At Netflix’s Tudum event in June 2023, the platform announced the first batch of cast members, including Yim Siwan from Run-On, Kang Haneul, Park Sunghoon from The Glory, and Yang Donggeun (YDG). While details about their roles are still under wraps, the Tudum teaser and a Netflix Korea tweet suggest they will likely be participants in the Squid Game.
Of course, the series’ leading man, Lee Jungjae, who plays Seong Gihun (player no. 456), will be making his return. Netflix confirmed his involvement in 2022. Fans will also get to see the return of Lee Byunghun as the Front Man and Wi Hajun as Hwang Junho. Given the events of season one, it’s unlikely that we will see most of the other main characters, although flashbacks are always a possibility.
Has Squid Game Season 2 Wrapped Filming?
Yes! In June 2024, South Korean publication OSEN reported that season two of Squid Game had completed filming after eleven months. Filming began in July 2023 and concluded in June 2024. The extended filming period is due to the fact that season two and season three were filmed back to back.
Is Squid Game Season 3 Confirmed?
Essentially, yes. While Netflix initially denied that season two and season three were being filmed simultaneously, representatives have since confirmed the news. According to OSEN, season two and season three will be released like The Glory or Bridgerton season three, with a continuous story broken into two parts and a shorter gap between releases. It’s unclear whether they will be officially referred to as Season 2 and Season 3 or Season 2 Part 1 and Season 2 Part 3, but OSEN confirmed that the total number of episodes is expected to be between twelve and thirteen. (Season one of Squid Game featured nine episodes.)
When is Squid Game Season 2 Coming Out?
Netflix has yet to announce a specific release date for Squid Game season two, but the streamer has confirmed that the highly anticipated series will premiere sometime in 2024, exclusively on Netflix.
Are There Any First-Look Pictures from Squid Game Season 2?
Yes! Netflix unveiled the first batch of pictures from Squid Game season two in February 2024. These images give fans a glimpse of Lee Jungjae as Gihun, who is notably without his red hair, interacting with the Recruiter, played by Gong Yoo. There’s also a shot of a distressed Gihun standing beside a game guard, and a new character, played by Park Gyuyoung, receiving her invitation to the games. Finally, the pictures include Lee Byunghun as the Front Man.
Beyond the images, Netflix also released a clip from season two in its “Next on Netflix” trailer. The clip features red-haired Gihun at the airport and a voice telling him over the phone, “You are going to regret the choice you made.” This sets the stage for what’s to come.
What Will Squid Game Season 2 Be About?
For those unfamiliar with Squid Game, the series follows a group of people grappling with financial struggles who are given the opportunity to participate in a series of games. The winner receives a large cash prize that would allow them to pay off their debts and live freely. However, these seemingly innocent childhood games turn deadly in the remote, private island enclave where the players are taken. Squid Game is a battle royale-style survival series with social commentary woven throughout.
Season one concluded with Lee Jungjae’s Gihun, the Squid Game winner, seemingly plotting to infiltrate the games and join the bloodshed once again. This sets the stage for the events of season two.
Is There a Squid Game Season 2 Trailer?
While there is no official trailer for Squid Game season two, the short teaser featuring Younghee confirmed the season’s existence. As fans await the next installment of this captivating series, speculation continues to build about what lies ahead for the players in season two.
