With the roaring success of Netflix's Squid Game, the excitement for the upcoming third season is palpable after the release of the second season on December 26, 2023. This thrilling series not only captivated audiences but also broke boundaries, becoming the first non-English Asian series to win major awards like the Emmys and Golden Globes, with over 2.2 billion hours viewed worldwide.
Season 2 sees protagonist Seong Gi-hun, portrayed by Lee Jung-jae, embedded deep within the brutal survival game’s mechanics, now involving new characters and even deadlier games. The stakes are raised, and the narrative expands significantly, introducing intense psychological dynamics through the twist of the new OX voting system. This installment, which comprises seven episodes—a tighter and more intense format than its predecessor—continues to explore the dark narrative familiar to fans of the series.
Squid Game’s creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, hinted back during interviews prior to Season 2’s launch about a potential third season. “We are definitely moving forward. I hope to make the audience feel it will be more engaging than the last,” he noted. Now, with confirmation, he encourages viewers to get ready for even more suspense and intrigue as he has revealed plans for significant time jumps and character developments.
Hwang revealed the third season is set to take place 10 to 20 years later, lending itself to darker and more emotional themes, paired with touches of humor. “Expect it to be darker, sadder, but also quite humorous,” he said. Currently, the third season is already under post-production and is anticipated to premiere in the first half of 2025.
While the audience waits anxiously for Season 3, they are not alone as various streaming platforms are set to introduce other gripping series hailing from Asia. For example, Netflix is also poised to release Season 3 of Alice in Borderland, another survival game thriller originating from Japan, which will feature its protagonist, Arisu (played by Kento Yamazaki), embroiled once again in life-threatening challenges.
Meanwhile, there are other productions also on the horizon like 'The World Between Us 2' from Taiwan, which continues the poignant narratives intertwining the impacts of tragedy on several families, and Vidio's top-performing title, 'Santri Pilihan Bunda' Season 2 coming from Indonesia, exploring the dynamics of arranged marriage through the prism of cultural evolution.
Disney+ is welcoming the groundbreaking narrative of 'Made in Korea', starring Hyun Bin and Jung Woo-sung, portraying the turbulent 1970s and the societal upheavals of wealth and integrity. Mixed Asian cast productions such as Netflix's remake of the French-Belgian rom-com 'Romantics Anonymous' are also indicative of the rich and varied narratives set to engage viewers.
Despite varying themes from thrilling murder games to romantic escapades, there’s no denying the cinematic quality and emotional depth these Asian dramas bring to the table. With high production values, engaging visual elements, and strong storytelling, they continue to resonate with global audiences.
Fans of Squid Game are particularly encouraged to keep their eyes peeled for news on Season 3, which is poised to deliver yet another astonishment. Following the success of the second season, there’s clear evidence of the high expectations set for the upcoming endeavor.
For now, viewers can bask in Season 2, which features not only returning favorites like Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun but adds fresh faces to the mix, crafting more compelling and layered character dynamics. The strategic inclusion of art direction, carefully thought-out cinematography by Kim Ji-yong, and innovative music scoring by Jung Jae-il contribute heavily to the immersive experience encompassing the franchise.
This coming year appears to be equally promising as the industry continues to expand and evolve, presenting stories from Asia to the global stage, increasingly filled with diverse narratives and innovative storytelling.
