'Squid Game' Returns With New Character Dynamics and Deeper Storytelling
Netflix's acclaimed South Korean thriller 'Squid Game' has made its anticipated return with Season 2, premiering on December 26, 2024. This season picks up immediately after the jaw-dropping conclusion of its first season, following the path of protagonist Seong Gi-hun, portrayed by Lee Jung-jae. The narrative sees Gi-hun obsessively using his enormous prize money from the games to try and dismantle the deadly competition, only to re-enter the fray himself.
Fans and critics alike have been eagerly discussing the new season, which promises not only to heighten stakes but also to introduce new characters with complex backgrounds. One standout is Choi Su-bong, aka Player 230, also known as 'Thanos', who is played by Choi Seung-hyun, famously known as T.O.P from the boy band BigBang. This character brings a unique twist to the game with his boisterous personality and extreme debt stemming from cryptocurrency investments gone wrong.
'That was the only game where participants root for each other,' said Hwang Dong-hyuk, reflecting on one of the season's pivotal scenes—a six-legged race set on a dusty mini track. The scene proved grueling for the cast, as both Hwang and Lee Byung-hun, who reprises his role as the enigmatic Front Man, reported enduring significant discomfort during filming. 'Everyone got really sick. It took more than two weeks to shoot the scene,' Hwang shared with The Wrap, indicating the lengthy and exhausting process of bringing their intense story to life.
With various new players added to the mix, Gi-hun faces not just the physical challenges of the games but also the moral dilemmas posed by the characters around him. Critics have highlighted the interesting dynamic between Gi-hun and Thanos—whose character transitions from sympathetic to increasingly irritating as the season progresses. Viewers love to hate Thanos, who is portrayed as unapologetically self-centered, falsely buoyant, and reckless. His relationship with his sidekick, Nam-gyu, amplifies these traits, making the audience root for the other players instead.
Thanos’s character, alongside the other new entrants, introduces commentary on fame and consequences, paralleled with the socio-economic themes prevalent throughout 'Squid Game.' Hwang mentioned how the inclusion of characters like Thanos serves as reflections of society at large, showcasing both heroism and the darker sides of humanity. 'I wanted to create opportunities for people to support and root for each other,' Hwang said, morphing the theme of collective struggle against harsh societal norms.
Despite mixed reviews, 'Squid Game' Season 2 has garnered popularity, even securing nominations at prestigious award shows like the Golden Globes. Yet, with success has come controversy. The season's depiction of historical events has drawn criticism, particularly from Vietnamese audiences who took offense at a line referencing the Vietnam War. A dialogue exchange where Dae-ho, played by Gang Ha-neul, mentions his father being part of the war ignited backlash, with viewers calling for boycotts and prompting discussions about appropriateness and respect for historical nuances.
Vietnam's Ministry of Film is currently reviewing whether 'Squid Game' Season 2 violated any film laws following these complaints, demonstrating the show’s broad impact beyond entertainment and highlighting the sensitivities surrounding its thematic elements.
Looking to the future, Hwang Dong-hyuk is contemplating the end of the original 'Squid Game' saga, which he envisions wrapping up with its third season, set for release sometime later this year. The creator hinted at potential spinoffs involving character backstories, including those of the Front Man and the Recruiter. 'What was the Front Man doing during those three years?' he mused, hinting at untold stories awaiting exploration.
'Squid Game' stands as not just entertainment but also as stark societal commentary—a series illustrating the lengths to which individuals will go for survival, and the moral deterioration of humanity under extreme circumstances. The show continues to resonate, prompting viewers to seek both closure and continuity as stories migrate from screen to societal discussions.