Everything You Need to Know About ‘Squid Game’ Season 2
There’s still time to watch the first season before ‘Squid Game’ returns (do it!).
The trailer just dropped for the second season of the surprise-hit Netflix show, “Squid Game.” But it’s a surprise only to those who haven’t yet watched this dark South Korean drama. For me, “Squid Game” was one of the most intense and satisfying TV experiences I’ve ever had. And so, Season Two will have some massive shoes to fill when it drops on Thursday, Dec. 26 on Netflix. The good news is the show is in safe hands as the second season is directed, written, and produced by Hwang Dong-hyuk – the mastermind behind season one. Here’s everything you need to know about “Squid Game” season two.
Everything You Need to Know About ‘Squid Game’ Season 2:
What Happened at the End of ‘Squid Game’ Season 1?
Spoiler Alert! There are spoilers below for Season 1 of “Squid Game.”
For those wondering what happened in Season 1 of “Squid Game,” here’s a quick recap. The show is a survival drama series that follows a group of financially desperate people who get a mysterious invitation to participate in a competition… The contestants, pulled from all different walks of life, compete in a series of children’s games for the chance to win a life-changing amount of money: ₩45.6 billion (about $33 million USD). Here’s the catch: if you lose even one game, you die. So yeah – the stakes are high.
The show mostly focuses on Seong Gi-hun (Player 456) as he navigates the game. At the end of Season 1, he survives long enough to win the game and the money. But his victory feels hollow considering the trauma he’s suffered watching all his friends die along the way. It doesn’t help that when he returns home, he finds out that his mother has died, too.
We jump to a year later, where Seong Gi-hun – now filthy rich but still lacking any sort of meaning in his life, gets another mysteriously letter. It’s an invitation to meet Oh Il-nam (Player 001) who we think died in one of the games. He is in fact alive (but barely – he’s on his deathbed) and reveals himself to be the creator of this sick tournament for the entertainment of the ultra-rich. After Il-nam passes away, Gi-hun decides to use his fortune to help support the families of those who died in the games. Just as he’s about to board a flight to reunite with his daughter in the U.S., Gi-hun sees the game recruiting new players. And so he bails on his flight and instead commits to taking down the organization behind the games - and that’s our thrust into season two.
If a short synopsis isn’t enough to get you ready for Season 2, you can stream the first season of “Squid Game” on Netflix now.
Squid Game
Hundreds of cash-strapped players accept a strange invitation to compete in children’s games. Inside, a tempting prize awaits — with deadly high stakes.
What Is Season 2 of ‘Squid Game’ About?
While details are scarce, Season 2 of “Squid Game” picks up three years after Seong Gi-hun’s win in the first season. Still haunted by the horrors he witnessed, Gi-hun wants to see the game destroyed. And so, he re-enters the game with a plan to inspire a rebellion among the players and expose the terrible people pulling the strings.
The new season brings back some familiar faces like the enigmatic Front Man and detective Hwang Jun-ho, as well as introducing new contestants drawn in by the same promise of unimaginable wealth. With higher stakes and even more intense challenges, viewers can expect the same edge-of-your-seat viewing experience that made season one so captivating. Plus, things will only get more intense from here as the show ramps up for what’s bound to be an explosive conclusion to the series in season three – slated to be its last.
Who’s Who on ‘Squid Game’ Season 2?
Main Characters
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Seong Gi-hun (Player 456): Played by Lee Jung-jae who won an Emmy for his role. Gi-hun is the lead of “Squid Game,” who survives the brutal competition in season one and wins the prize money. Haunted by the trauma and loss of his fellow contestants, he’s determined to dismantle and destroy the organization behind the games in season two.
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The Front Man (Hwang In-ho): Played by Lee Byung-hun. The enigmatic and authoritative overseer of the games. In season one it’s revealed that he is the brother of detective Hwang Jun-ho. In season two, he is set to continue his role as the overseer, lining up new challenges while maintaining order within the games.
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Hwang Jun-ho: Played by Wi Ha-joon. Jun-ho is a police detective who infiltrated the games to search for his missing brother, the Front Man. Although presumed dead after being shot in season one, his survival and return have been teased, setting up a possible return in season two.
New Characters
A new game means plenty of new contestants. Here are a few of the actors set to appear as contestants in season two of “Squid Game”:
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Yim Si-wan: The former K-pop star is known for his roles in “Misaeng” and “The Attorney.”
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Kang Ha-neul: Known for “When the Camellia Blooms” and “Midnight Runners,” Kang Ha-neul joins the cast as a player with a mysterious past.
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Park Sung-hoon: Park Sung-hoon is known for “Psychopath Diary,” and “Into the Ring.”
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Yang Dong-geun: An experienced actor and rapper, Yang Dong-geun’s character details are yet to be revealed.
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Jo Yu-ri: Formerly of the girl group IZ*ONE, Jo Yu-ri transitions to acting with her role in Season 2.
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Kang Ae-sim: A respected theater and musical actress, Kang Ae-sim’s involvement hints at a character where there’s more than meets the eye.
When Will ‘Squid Game’ Season 2 Episodes Be Released?
The Season 2 premiere for “Squid Game” is set for Thursday, Dec. 26 on Netflix. While is hasn’t been confirmed how many episodes there will be, season one had nine so it’s likely it will be the same. And, just like the first season, it’s likely all episodes in season two will be available to stream from the get-go.
How to Catch Up on ‘Squid Game’
If you’re looking to catch up on Squid Game before Season 2, Netflix has you covered. Every episode from Season 1 is available to stream on-demand. There are three pricing options with Netflix: Standard With Ads which starts at $7 per month, Standard for $15 (and change) per month which includes two simultaneous devices and no ads, and Premium for $23 per month which has no ads and up to four simultaneous devices.
Netflix
Netflix is a subscription video streaming service that includes on-demand access to 3,000+ movies, 2,000+ TV Shows, and Netflix Originals like Stranger Things, Squid Game, The Crown, Tiger King, and Bridgerton. They are constantly adding new shows and movies. Some of their Academy Award-winning exclusives include Roma, Marriage Story, Mank, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
How to Watch ‘Squid Game’ from Anywhere
If you’ll be away from home and can’t stream the second season of “Squid Game” through your regular methods, you can still catch all of the action no matter where you are in the world with a VPN. A VPN can be used on your phone, tablet, or computer and make you appear to be back home — even when you’re not — making sure you feel at home no matter where you are. A VPN is a safe and secure way to stay protected online while streaming your favorite sports, movies, and shows on the go. Keep in mind that you will still need to be subscribed to Netflix in order to stream “Squid Game” with a VPN.
NordVPN is one of the best providers around, at one of the best prices. Currently, you can get two full years of protection for just $3.59 per month — plus you’ll get three extra months FREE. A high-speed VPN with best-in-class security that can be used on up to ten devices at once — what more could you ask for? Simply sign up, install the software on your device of choice, and start streaming just as you would back home. It couldn’t be easier!