Squid Game Season 2 continues to make headlines not only for its remarkable viewership but also for the controversies surrounding its production and cast. Released on December 26, 2023, the series shattered records by garnering 68 million views within the first week, surpassing the previous record set by Wednesday with 50 million completions.
Before its premiere, Squid Game 2 received a Golden Globe nomination for “Best Television Series – Drama.” Director Hwang Dong Hyuk expressed mixed feelings about the recognition. "I didn’t have any expectations for awards... I thought it would be difficult to win an award... I'm happy and grateful to have the opportunity to attend," he said. This moment marks a significant comeback for Hwang, who boycotted the Golden Globes during Season 1's awards season due to diversity issues. Hwang noted, “This time, I’m happy and grateful to have the opportunity to attend.”
Controversy quickly followed the initial excitement surrounding the show. One significant debate arose over the casting of T.O.P, formerly of the K-pop group Big Bang, who plays Thanos, a drug-addicted rapper. Critics raised eyebrows at his casting, particularly due to his history with drugs, which had resulted in legal troubles. Hwang defended the choice, stating, "I needed a light-hearted character to balance the mood... I had a feeling he would be seen as unfavorable." Despite this explanation, many viewers were not convinced about T.O.P’s fit for the role.
Perhaps the most shocking controversy involved actor Park Sung Hoon, who plays the trans character Huyn-Ju. He faced backlash after posting what appeared to be an adult parody of Squid Game on his Instagram account. The post, which quickly went viral before being deleted, sparked outrage especially as the country was observing a period of national mourning due to the tragic crash of an airplane. His agency, BH Entertainment, issued a statement clarifying, "It was accidentally uploaded... He was deeply shocked and embarrassed. He sincerely apologizes for this error." Nevertheless, many fans remained unconvinced, leading to calls for boycotts against him.
Adding to the drama, viewers also noticed production flaws within the season itself. A notable error was spotted by eagle-eyed fans, where a cameraman could be seen inadvertently appearing on camera during the seventh episode, leading to memes and jokes flooding social media. “Someone is getting fired from the Squid Games team after one of the cameramen was spotted...” one user wrote, highlighting the slip-up. The observation shook the online community, with many fans expressing disbelief at the oversight.
Despite these controversies, the show has remained popular, continuing to spark global conversations about its themes and cultural impact. Looking to the future, Hwang expressed hope for Squid Game 3, which promises to tie together the series' narrative and possibly warrant greater recognition during award seasons. He hinted, “When the story’s conclusion is revealed, it might be time to aim for awards.” Netflix Korea even accidentally leaked the anticipated release date for the third season, claiming it would drop on June 27, 2025, which only added to the mounting excitement and changing perceptions as fans brace themselves for more twists and turns.
Overall, Squid Game Season 2 has captivated its audience, illustrating both the enormity of the show's legacy and the difficulties faced by its creators. From accolades to controversies, it remains clear the series has firmly embedded itself within the pop culture narrative, continuously engaging viewers worldwide.