Squid Game Season 2: A Twisted New Game with Desire and Conflict…Introducing New Dorms and a Majority Vote System

Netflix's Squid Game, which opened a new horizon for Korean dramas, is returning soon with season 2. On December 26th, season 2, consisting of 7 episodes, will be released, raising expectations among global fans with even more intense game rules and a deeper exploration of human nature. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, who satirized unequal capitalism in season 1, has designed even more provocative storylines and games in season 2, reflecting the political realities of division and conflict within the game itself.

Changed Game Rules, the Symbol of Division and Conflict: 'O' and 'X'

There are many noticeable changes in the new season. A key change is that the game rules are determined by a "majority vote" of the participants in each round. After each game, the participants vote on whether to continue or stop the game, maximizing psychological pressure and internal division within the group. Director Hwang explained that this majority system is a metaphor for elections, conflicts, and factionalism in modern society. This reflects the current reality of the deepening social conflicts and divisions spreading globally.

In this season, accommodations with 'O' and 'X' symbols marked on the floor appear, visually representing the conflict and discord. These markings, composed of red and blue, intuitively symbolize the division among the participants and provide a trigger for conflicts among the characters.

Photo: Provided by Netflix

Pink-Painted Maze Staircase, Evoking Overwhelming Fear

Squid Game season 2 has amplified the sense of fear by further emphasizing the pink color that was impressive in the previous season. Art director Chae Kyung-seon, drawing inspiration from the woodcuts of "M.C. Escher," painted the maze-like stairs and corridors pink to highlight the characters' anxiety. While the color pink can evoke a somewhat cheerful and bright feeling, in season 2, it is used as a symbol of oppression and fear, maximizing the tension of their situation. The pink-painted maze staircase is expected to convey overwhelming fear to viewers, along with the anxiety of seemingly having no escape.

Complex Interpersonal Relationships with New Characters

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk has added a large number of characters of various ages and genders to this season. He stated, "Since I killed off almost all of the popular characters in season 1, new characters will appear en masse in the new season," foreshadowing the complex interpersonal relationships and conflicts among the new participants. As the participants enter the game with different goals and objectives, even more diverse dramas of internal conflict, alliances, and betrayals will unfold.

Seong Gi-hun's Revenge and Cry, the Repeating Fate

In this season, protagonist Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) appears and continues his journey of revenge. A scene in the season 2 trailer captures Gi-hun screaming, "We're all going to die!" This resonates with the warning shouted by the "ddakji" (a type of Korean paper game) old man in season 1. However, unlike season 1, the participants, instead of accepting this warning, react hostilely, suspecting Gi-hun. This scene once again shows how strong desires for the prize money changes them, foreshadowing even more extreme psychological conflicts in season 2.

Photo: Provided by Netflix

Season 2 That Will Not Disappoint, Enhanced Production and Scale

Director Hwang showed confidence in season 2, stating, "There are concerns that sequels fail, but Squid Game season 2 will not disappoint." With over 100 billion won invested in production, this season boasts a larger scale and detail, with the script and directing handled by Director Hwang himself to enhance the quality. It is expected to continue to season 3, which is currently in post-production, and is projected to become Netflix's largest series.

Squid Game season 2 will thoroughly depict the flaws of the majority rule system and the resulting conflicts, sharply illuminating human nature trapped in fear and desire. In the coming December, expectations are high for how Squid Game season 2, which will once again captivate fans worldwide, will serve as a mirror reflecting our society.

Actor Lee Jung-jae?

Lee Jung-jae is a representative actor of South Korea, receiving high praise both domestically and internationally for his deep acting skills and unique presence. He debuted in 1993 with the drama " 《How's Your Husband?》" After that, he appeared in films such as " 《No Sun》", " 《New World》", and the globally hit Netflix series " 《Squid Game》", building his reputation. In particular, he won the 2022 Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor for " 《Squid Game》", becoming the first Korean actor to win this award. His acting leaves a deep impression on viewers through a wide range of emotional expression and delicate character interpretation, and he continues to actively work on various projects.

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk?

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk is a leading South Korean film director and screenwriter, receiving attention for his original storytelling and works containing deep social messages. After his directorial debut with the film " 《My Father》" (2007), he showcased his excellent directing skills in various genres with " 《The Crucible》" (2011), " 《Miss Granny》" (2014), " 《The Fortress》" (2017), etc. In particular, the Netflix series " 《Squid Game》" released in 2021, became a global hit, establishing him as a world-renowned director. This work resonated with viewers worldwide through its original setting and social satire, and Director Hwang won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for this work, raising the status of Korean content.