Netflix recently confirmed exciting news for fans of the hit Korean series 'Squid Game.' While the streaming giant is still keeping details about the highly anticipated second season under wraps, they have revealed an expansion of the star-studded Korean cast. Season 2 will see the return of Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-jun, and Gong Yoo, reprising their roles as survivors of the brutal elimination game.
The storyline of the second season will follow Gi-hun, played by Lee Jung-jae, as he ditches his plans to go to the U.S. and embarks on a thrilling chase with a new motive. Netflix shared this information on Tuesday in Korea, providing a glimpse into what fans can expect in the upcoming season. Early photos from the set of Season 2 showed Lee's character, Gi-hun, sporting striking beetroot-red hair, sparking intrigue and speculation among viewers.
Hwang Dong-hyuk, the talented creator behind 'Squid Game,' will continue to serve as the director, writer, and producer for the second season. Notably, Hwang became the first Asian to win the award for outstanding directing in a drama series at the Primetime Emmy Awards. The production is being handled by Firstman Studio, adding to the anticipation surrounding Season 2.
In addition to the returning cast, new faces will join the 'Squid Game' universe. Yim Si-wan, known for his roles in 'The Attorney' and 'Emergency Declaration,' Kang Ha-neul from 'Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet,' Park Gyu-young from 'Attack the Gas Station,' Lee Jin-uk, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim from 'Kim Ji-young: Born 1982,' Lee David from 'The Terror Live,' Choi Seung-hyun, Roh Jae-won, Jo Yuri, and Won Ji have all been confirmed to join the series.
Despite the excitement surrounding 'Squid Game Season 2,' Netflix has remained vague about the release date. On Tuesday, the streaming platform reiterated that fans can expect the second season sometime in 2024. While this may seem like a long wait, Netflix's recent announcement of a substantial lineup of new Korean films, series, and reality shows assures fans that there's plenty to look forward to in the meantime.
The first season of 'Squid Game,' consisting of nine gripping episodes, made its debut in 2021. The show, which revolves around a deadly competition among impoverished participants vying for a staggering amount of money, quickly became a global phenomenon. It garnered immense popularity on Netflix and went on to receive 14 Emmy nominations, including a historic recognition for Best Drama Series as the first non-English-language show to achieve this feat. In the end, 'Squid Game' took home six Emmy Awards, solidifying its status as a groundbreaking series.
With its unprecedented success, it's no surprise that Netflix is expanding the 'Squid Game' universe beyond the screen. Alongside the second season, fans can enjoy an unscripted competition series titled 'Squid Game: The Challenge' and an upcoming video game inspired by the show. As Netflix co-chief mentioned on a recent conference call with financial analysts, 'The 'Squid Game' universe has just begun,' teasing the potential for even more thrilling content on the horizon.
While it may still be some time before we can delve back into the intense world of 'Squid Game,' the news of an expanded cast and creative team will undoubtedly keep fans eagerly awaiting its return. As 2024 approaches, viewers will inevitably be on the edge of their seats, ready to explore the new twists and turns that await them in the chilling realm of 'Squid Game.'