In 2021, the Korean horror series Squid Game became a global sensation after its release on Netflix. The show’s immense popularity inspired a British reality game show called Squid Game: The Challenge.
Now, three years later, fans are eagerly awaiting the release of its second season, which will be available on Netflix starting December 26. While the exact plans of showrunner Hwang Dong-hyuk and lead actor Lee Jung-jae remain unclear, fans are keen to refresh their memories before the new season begins.
One critical point to remember is that most of the characters from Season 1 died in the deadly games and will not return. The exception is Oh Il-nam (O Yeong-su), the game’s creator, who entered as a contestant to relive his childhood memories before dying in a hospital.
The main protagonist, Seong Gi-hun (Lee), was the sole survivor and winner of the first season. Gi-hun’s victory came after his childhood friend and final opponent, Sang-woo, chose to sacrifice himself instead of killing Gi-hun. Sang-woo’s last request was for Gi-hun to care for his mother.
The Season 1 finale showed Gi-hun as a wealthy man preparing to fly to the United States to visit his daughter and ex-wife. However, on his way to the airport, he saw a stranger receiving an invitation to the games on the subway. Gi-hun took the card, warning the stranger not to join.
At the airport, card in hand, he made a call to register for the games, then turned away from his flight. Gi-hun’s expression revealed his determination to expose and destroy the games from within. While his return is no longer about money, it could also be driven by personal motives, such as his gambling addiction or thrill-seeking tendencies. His actions in Season 2 will reveal his true intentions.
Another important storyline revolves around the Hwang brothers. Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon), a police officer, infiltrated the games disguised as a guard to search for his missing brother.
In a shocking twist, the Front Man, who oversees the games, turned out to be his brother, In-ho (Lee Byung-hun). In-ho confronted Jun-ho and invited him to join the games. When Jun-ho refused, In-ho shot him in the shoulder, causing him to fall off a cliff.
Though Jun-ho’s fate seemed uncertain after this dramatic moment, he appears in the trailer for Season 2, confirming his survival. With renewed motivation to expose the games, Jun-ho faces a significant challenge in his brother, In-ho, who won the games in 2015 and has insider knowledge.
The second season promises new and returning games. Teasers show Gi-hun directing contestants during the deadly Red Light, Green Light game, using his experience to guide others. New characters, alliances, and conflicts are also expected.
As in Season 1, the games will begin with 456 contestants competing for 4.56 billion won (around $38 million), with eliminations resulting in death for those who fail.
Hwang Dong-hyuk has confirmed that Squid Game will conclude with three seasons. With two more seasons to go, fans anticipate significant character development for Gi-hun, brought to life through Lee Jung-jae’s award-winning performance. The first season was a gripping experience, and the second season looks set to deliver even more intense drama and surprises.
