The highly anticipated second season of Squid Game debuted on December 26, 2024, and within hours, it was set apart from other series on Netflix by achieving historic viewership numbers. The gripping tale of Seong Gi-hun, played by Lee Jung-jae, has captivated audiences worldwide, drawing 68 million users who watched the new episodes within the first week. This monumental figure has shattered previous records, besting the 50.1 million views of the series Wednesday, directed by famed filmmaker Tim Burton, during its similar timeframe of release.
Securing its place as Netflix's flagship show, the original Squid Game remains the most streamed series of all time, amassing over 265.2 million views during its initial 91 days. Viewers are eager to see if Season 2 can maintain this momentum and set new records. While audiences settled down to binge-watch the season, others brought troubling news of scams inspired by the show.
A particularly sinister trend has emerged, one where unscrupulous con artists exploit the show's popularity to dupe vulnerable individuals. Reports from Qilu Wanbao reveal stories like Zhang's, who became ensnared by a scam promising exorbitant financial rewards for participating in prolonged isolation challenges mimicking the harrowing themes of Squid Game.
Zhang's story is both compelling and cautionary. Lured by the potential of earning up to 500,000 yuan (approximately €65,500), he invested 6,900 yuan (€905) to register for the scheme, believing he could secure unimaginable wealth. The scammers enticed Zhang and others with progressive rewards: from 6,800 yuan (€890) after the third day to almost double by the end of their 26-day ordeal. Yet, strict rules disqualifying participants for minor infractions ensured most would leave with considerably less than they started.
According to various sources including the Shanghai-based site Sixth Tone, these scams see perpetrators preying on the financially vulnerable, exploiting their desperation with promises of life-altering sums of money. Such deceptive tactics not only mirror the desperate stakes seen on screen but also highlight the dark socio-economic issues at hand.
Critically, the show was intended as social commentary on exploitation and the lengths to which people might go for financial stability. Ironically, it inadvertently inspired real-life deceptions reminiscent of its plotline. These practices, which could be classified as ‘unfair trading’ or ‘contract fraud’, operate within legal gray areas, allowing these scammers to evade prosecution.
Despite these troubling developments, the excitement for Squid Game continues to grow. Following the heart-stopping conclusion of the Season 2 finale, where the narrative spirals off leave audiences grasping for answers, anticipation for the next installment is at fever pitch. The episode, aptly named “Friends or Foes,” has sparked speculation about the series' future. Creators like Hwang Dong-hyuk express hope for the beloved narrative's continuation, hinting at potential thematic resolutions as early as summer or autumn of the next year.
One thing is clear: as Squid Game continues to engage millions, it wields significant cultural power. With the soaring success of the second season, the show remains not only a source of entertainment but also serves as a case study of how popular media can simultaneously inspire creativity, community, and unfortunately, criminality. The conversations surrounding this series will likely blend those highs and lows as viewers eagerly calculate where the story will lead next.