The mixed reception of Netflix's Squid Game Season 2 has sparked conversations and controversies, as fans navigate the new games and characters presented since its much-anticipated return. Released on December 26, 2024, the series quickly made headlines, but not all the chatter was positive.
This season brought back familiar faces like Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon, and Lee Byung-hun, along with new characters such as Jo Yu-ri, who portrays the pregnant Jun-hee. The unique structure of the games, highlighted by the Six-Legged Pentathlon, stirred excitement among viewers. Yet, behind the thrill, there have been criticisms and debates surrounding aspects like the English dubbing.
Many fans took to social media to voice their opinions on the show's English dub, describing it as inferior to the original. The debate about “sub vs. dub” isn’t new, but it reached new heights with Squid Game. Bong Joon-ho, known for his work on Parasite, once remarked, “Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.” Yet, viewers expressing their disdain for the dub have put this argument to the test.
A viral TikTok clip showcasing backlash against the English dub garnered over half a million likes. Clips showed Seong Gi-hun’s dramatic lines delivered flatly compared to the intense emotion of the original Korean performance, with one user commenting, “The emotion difference is crazy. The original just feels more real.” Such sentiments reflect the depth of feeling fans have developed for the show, and how subtleties can be lost across languages.
Simultaneously, the cast's off-screen controversies have also washed over the excitement of Season 2. Most prominently, O Yeong-su, who played Oh Il-nam, has faced serious allegations and was recently convicted of sexual misconduct. The 79-year-old actor received significant backlash, which some fans believe might have affected the show’s reception at the recent 82nd Golden Globe Awards.
Despite several nominations including Best Television Series – Drama and Best Actor for Lee Jung-jae, Squid Game left the ceremony empty-handed. Viewer comments followed the event, with one saying, “Y'all casted 2-3 sexual offenders and expected awards?? Karma exists.” This reveals the markedly different attitudes among fans — some frustrated with the show’s recognition, others noting logistical reasons for its lack of awards success.
Some netizens defended Squid Game, arguing it had not been out long enough to judge properly. Indeed, discussions on social media pointed out the show's eligibility issues considering it launched so near to the Awards: “It wasn’t eligible for nominations since it was just released lol,” stated one fan, emphasizing they believed time was needed to truly gauge the quality and impact of the season.
Within the heart of the new season, the Six-Legged Pentathlon game, starring Jun-hee, captivated audiences. Players had to navigate between challenges, tied together by their legs, making for heightened suspense and strain. Jo Yu-ri herself shared the struggles she faced filming the Ddakji game, saying, “Ever since the Red Light, Green Light shoot, I had been practicing non-stop on set. I was good during practice, but I couldn't do it during the shoot.” These candid revelations about filming added layers to the character portrayals, making the high stakes feel even more palpable for viewers.
New characters like Player 125, played by Lee David, generated speculation about his role. His introduction came during the Six-Legged Pentathlon, and fans began theorizing about his significance for the third season. Debate ignited when viewers noticed he shares his name with one of the VIP actors from the first season, fostering theories on hidden connections within the storyline. Such conjecture exemplifies the investment fans have made as they absorb every detail.
Despite the controversies surrounding both the cast and viewer reception, anticipation for Squid Game Season 3 looms large. Expected to drop on June 27, 2025, there are rumors swirling about possible new cast additions, including pop icon Kim Taehyung (V) from BTS. This possibility alone hints at the continual growth of the franchise and keeps fans eagerly awaiting what’s next.
While Squid Game Season 2 succeeded at sparking more conversations than some might have anticipated, it is clear the series is at the center of both praise and rejection—fueled by the body of work itself as well as the behind-the-scenes drama. This duality continues to intrigue, pushing fans to engage with the content, expressing their diverse opinions on platforms worldwide.