As a movie critic who has spent countless nights glued to my television screen and the occasional day lost in the labyrinth of cinemas, I must say that “Squid Game” is nothing short of a masterpiece. Hailing from South Korea, this series has taken the world by storm, becoming Netflix’s most-watched TV series ever.
As the highly anticipated second season of “Squid Game” brings Seong Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) back into the arena, determined to bring an end to the game from the inside, now is the perfect moment to reminisce about where this extraordinary South Korean series first took root.
Starting in September 2021, “Squid Game” was launched on Netflix and rapidly gained global popularity, breaking records as the platform’s most-viewed TV show of all time. Crafted by Hwang Dong-hyuk, the series then went on to win six Primetime Emmy awards, among them recognitions for actors Lee Jung-jae and Lee You-mi.
As a die-hard movie fan, let me catch you up on the gripping storyline unfolding in the initial season, the spin-off series that cashed in on its popularity, and the tantalizing hints about what’s to come in the upcoming second season, premiering December 26th, exclusively on Netflix.
What Transpired in That Fateful First Season
As a die-hard movie enthusiast, let me tell you about my recent binge-watching obsession: “Squid Game”. This chilling Korean series takes a sinister turn on our childhood pastimes, where 456 financially strapped individuals in South Korea are lured by an enigmatic invitation promising the life-changing sum of $31 million USD. Little do they know, these games are no ordinary playtime activities; they’re a lethal battle royale, and the first “Red Light, Green Light” round claims the lives of all who fail to make it across the playground before the light turns off.
Among the individuals who miraculously live through the initial contest, Gi-hun is one, sharing this experience with Cho Sang-woo (Park Hae-soo), Kang Sae-byeok (Jung Ho-yeon), Jang Deok-su (Heo Seong-tae), Abdul Ali (Anupam Tripathi) and Oh Il-nam (O Yeong-su). Throughout the series, he develops relationships with these characters, ultimately witnessing their demises as a result of their game-related encounters.
The games persist across every episode, varying from tug-of-war, high wire walks, dalgona to marbles. As viewers delve into the intricate secrets of the organization orchestrating the Squid Games and the VIPs who find amusement in the struggle for survival among the impoverished contestants desperate for money, it becomes clear that this deadly competition mirrors the excitement of horse racing bets among lower classes in Korea. For the elite, this fight to the death offers the same exhilaration.
Detective Wi Ha-joon as Hwang Jung-Ho investigates his missing brother’s case, uncovering the shocking truth that he had been a past victor of the games. During an encounter with The Front Man, Lee Byung-hun, Jung-Ho learns that his brother is no longer just a participant but has risen to become the head security for the entire operation. Refusing to align himself with his brother’s actions, Jung-Ho finds himself pushed off a cliff, seemingly meeting his end.
The initial season concludes with Gi-hun triumphing and receiving the prize money following a grueling battle to the finish against his last opponent, Sang-woo. However, he plunges into the depths of despair unparalleled in his life, triggered by the harrowing sight of numerous individuals perishing around him, including his childhood friend Sang-woo who made the ultimate sacrifice during the final round despite playing ruthlessly up until then. For a full year, he refuses to touch the money.
Initially, Gi-hun uncovers that Player 001, the elderly man Oh Il-nam who appeared sick, was in fact the mastermind behind the Squid Games and purposely participated this time around to reexperience the thrill of high stakes associated with his beloved childhood games. After Gi-hun succeeds in a wager that grants him knowledge about the game’s mysteries, Oh Il-nam passes away prior to disclosing any information.
Gi-hun shares some of his prize money with Sang-woo’s mom and then plans to travel to the United States to see his daughter. However, seeing people being recruited on the way to the airport, hinting that the games aren’t over, he chooses to stay, intending to finish the games by participating again from within.
The ‘Squid Game’ Universe in the Meantime
Building on the popularity of its initial run, Netflix introduced “Squid Game: The Challenge” to the realm of reality TV in November 2023. This UK-produced series mirrored many of the original notorious games, although it scaled back the prize money to a more manageable $4.56 million USD compared to the South Korean equivalent of $45.6 billion won. The show was renewed for a second season in December.
However, the reality show “Squid Game: The Challenge,” which mirrors a program about a band of impoverished individuals subjected to entertainment and brutality, wasn’t without its share of debate. In her critique for EbMaster, Alison Herman noted that the inconsistencies become more pronounced as this competition series embodies the original creator Hwang’s [Dong-hyuk] vision, but lacks the mass killings and most of the social analysis.
In February 2023, an article written by Manori Ravindran was published in EbMaster, sharing accounts from contestants of a show about questionable conditions they’d faced. However, Netflix, along with producers Studio Lambert and The Garden, have publicly stated that all essential safety and health measures had been implemented on the set.
The adventures don’t end just yet! A live event titled “Squid Game Experience” is now underway in cities such as New York City, Madrid, and Sydney. These authentic recreations of the games strive to mirror the sensation of taking part in the challenges, but without any life-threatening consequences.
What Season 2 Has in Store
As a die-hard movie buff, I eagerly anticipate the escalation of chaos in the second season of “Squid Game”. Once victoriously crowned Player 456, I find myself reluctantly drawn back into the vicious circle, forsaking the comfort of home. Contrary to expectations, I’m not looking to pocket more winnings; instead, it seems my mission is to finally break free from this lethal game. In the gripping official trailer, I declare, “I aim to put an end to this game once and for all.” The sneak peek tantalizes us with fresh challenges and competitors that will undoubtedly test my mettle to its limits.
In a recent conversation with filmmaker Hwang Dong-hyuk, he hinted that Season 2 will involve protagonist Gi-hun grappling with memories from the initial game, undergoing another realization and enlightenment, and being compelled to re-enter the game to halt this unfair contest.
In the upcoming second season, the lead character (The Front Man), detective Jun-ho, and the Squid Game recruiter played by Gong Yoo will reappear. A fresh batch of contestants will also be introduced to the series, including Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Park Sung-hoon, Jo Yu-ri, Lee David, and several others.
The third season is set to premiere on Netflix in 2025.
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2024-12-23 22:17