Hours before its premiere, the second season of Squid Game (Squid Game 2) has already become one of the most popular search trends on Google. The anticipation for the new episodes has generated significant interest, bringing the first season back to the ranking of the most-watched series on Netflix.
The series has stood out not only for its narrative but also for becoming a global marketing phenomenon. Companies from various sectors have created advertising campaigns and products inspired by the franchise, solidifying it as a cultural and commercial reference.
With a committed fanbase and strategic partnerships with international brands, Squid Game promises to continue setting trends and redefining the impact of TV productions on pop culture.
About this new season, here are some key details you should know:
What is Squid Game season 2 about?
This new season is set three years after Seong Gi-hun or Player 456, played by Lee Jung-jae, won the game and decided not to go to the United States. Instead, Gi-hun returns to infiltrate the games once again, but this time with a clear purpose: to take down the organization behind the macabre competitions.
In this installment, players will face deadly challenges for a prize of 45.6 billion won, while Gi-hun seeks to uncover the secrets of the game.
How much is 45.6 billion won in pesos?
The amount of 45.6 billion won, the prize received by the winners of Squid Game, is approximately:
- 638,400,000 Mexican pesos.
- 34,200,000 US dollars.
How many episodes are there?
The seven episodes of this second season will be available on Netflix starting Thursday, December 26, 2024.
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Which actors are in Squid Game 2? Full cast
The series brings back several iconic characters from the first season:
- Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun.
- Lee Byeong-Heon as Hwang In-ho (the masked man).
- Wi Ha-Joon as Hwang Jun-ho (the detective).
- Gong Yoo as the participant recruiter.
New faces include:
- Yim Si-wan (Unlocked).
- Kang Ha-neul (The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure).
- Park Gyu-young (Sweet Home, Celebrity).
- Park Sung-hoon (The Glory).
- Jo Yu-ri.
- Yang Dong-geun (Yaksha: Ruthless Operations).
- Kang Ae-sim (Be Melodramatic, Move to Heaven).
- Lee David (The Fortress).
- Lee Jin-uk (Sweet Home).
- Choi Seung-hyun (Tazza: The Hidden).
- Roh Jae-won (Missing Yoon).
- Won Ji-an (D.P.).
Why is it called Squid Game? Meaning
The series takes its name from a popular Korean children’s game called “ojingeo,” which means squid. This game, common in South Korea during the 70s and 80s, involves two teams competing on a field drawn in the shape of a squid. The rules include attack and defense tactics, with the objective being to cross designated areas, winning or defending key positions.
In the series, this game serves as a metaphor to showcase how individuals face extreme challenges under pressure, turning an innocent childhood activity into a lethal event. The title symbolizes both the simplicity of entertainment and the brutality and desperation characterizing the story.
The choice of name also reflects the contrast between nostalgia and the cruelty of events unfolding in the plot.
Squid Game, a cultural phenomenon
Since its premiere in 2021, Squid Game has become a cultural phenomenon. It was the first non-English language series to win Emmy Awards, including Best Actor for Lee Jung-jae. Additionally, it set global trends like Halloween costumes, viral songs, and unforgettable memes.
In its first season, it accumulated over 1.6 billion viewing hours in less than a month and topped Netflix’s Top 10 in more than 90 countries.
“Squid Game” is Netflix’s most popular non-English language series of all time, with over 265 million views in its first 91 days. The South Korean series premiered in 2021 and quickly became a global phenomenon, being watched by 142 million viewers in its first four weeks.
In a 2023 survey conducted in 26 countries, 9% of respondents considered it their favorite K-drama.
The series is known for its innovative concept, inspired by a popular South Korean children’s game from the 70s and 80s. Its success reflects Netflix’s growing investment in the South Korean market, with more than 70 original series produced in the country.
