Squid Game Season 2 has scored another significant triumph by winning the Critics Choice Award for Best Foreign Language Series at the 2025 ceremony held on February 8, 2025. This achievement not only highlights the show's continuing popularity but also solidifies its status as one of the most prominent global cultural phenomena of recent years. Facing formidable competitors such as Pachinko Season 2 and Citadel: Honey Bunny, the Korean survival thriller emerged victorious, marking another milestone for non-English language productions on major international platforms.
Directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, Squid Game 2 premiered on December 26, 2024, and quickly captured global attention with its gripping narrative and complex characters. Viewership statistics are staggering; within its debut week, the series amassed over 5.1 billion minutes viewed just in the United States (according to Nielsen). This figure dwarfed the initial viewership of Season 1, which had recorded 3.26 billion minutes upon its 2021 release. It also surpassed previously held records by other shows, positioning Squid Game 2 at the pinnacle of Netflix's streaming performance.
According to Joey Nolfi, Awards Editor at Entertainment Weekly, the series' win confirms the global shift toward unique storytelling. "Squid Game 2 masterfully balanced high-stakes drama with social commentary, which resonates universally. Its win emphasizes the changing tides of global entertainment preferences," he noted.
The 2025 Critics Choice Awards also highlighted the fierce competition faced by Squid Game 2. Alongside it were notable nominees like Apple TV+'s Pachinko Season 2—celebrated for its cross-generational narrative—and Prime Video's Citadel: Honey Bunny, featuring big-name stars like Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu. Despite this formidable lineup, Squid Game's immersive storytelling and innovative approach to character development allowed it to stand out.
Netflix's co-CEO, Ted Sarandos, applauded the show's enormous success, stating, "This isn’t just a win for Squid Game; it’s a powerful endorsement of localized storytelling with universal appeal." The show's cultural impact was evident, as it sparked discussions about themes of inequality and survival ethics across the globe. For example, fan theories surrounding the “Red Light, Green Light” game mechanism became viral content on platforms such as TikTok, and street artists outside Korea painted murals depicting the show's iconic imagery.
While the acclaim has been widespread, Squid Game 2 has not escaped criticism. Parents' groups from both the U.S. and U.K. have called for Netflix to implement stricter content warnings due to the show's graphic violence. On the other side of the debate, countless fans have rejoiced at its serious portrayal of survival morality, with online forums buzzing about character motivations and outcomes.
With Season 3 scheduled to debut on June 27, 2025, anticipation is at an all-time high. The series is set to conclude Gi-Hun’s saga, which has captivated viewers since its inception. Early teasers suggest a climactic showdown with those behind the deadly games and explorations of the organization’s dark origins. Notably, the production team has already hinted at developments on spin-offs, including Squid Game: Red Light, Green Light Challenge, which aims to engage audiences through interactive reality television. Casting calls for this venture have received overwhelming responses, totaling over 500,000 applicants worldwide.
Industry experts predict this victory could pave the way for more international productions to gain traction, especially as streaming platforms look to diversify their offerings. Media analyst Maria Fernandez from Variety forecasts, "By 2030, half of all streaming hits will originate outside Hollywood. Squid Game set the stage for this trend." It’s clear Squid Game’s influence extends beyond mere ratings, redefining what's possible for non-English theater.
Squid Game actors Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, and Wi Ha-jun have become household names, elevationally recognized for their roles within the beloved series. Lee Jung-jae's return as Seong Gi-hun and Lee Byung-hun's portrayal of the enigmatic Front Man continue to resonate with fans, alongside the introduction of exciting new cast members like Im Si-wan, who brings complexity as a tech genius, and Park Gyu-young as an activist survivor.
Squid Game's victory at the Critics Choice Awards signifies not just personal success for the show's creators and cast, but also ushers Korean dramas more firmly onto the global stage. Following its groundbreaking accolades and viewership records, the show's future installations are eagerly awaited, marking the next chapter of this enthralling narrative. With international attention firmly focused on Squid Game, the show is poised to leave its mark on the entertainment industry for years to come.