“Squid Game” season two, released in late December of 2024, has received mixed reactions from both critics and audiences. The season continues the harrowing journey of Seong Gi-hun as he re-enters the games, with the goal of dismantling the organization from within. The season also follows Detective Hwang Jun-ho, who survived the events of the first season and collaborates with Gi-hun to expose the game’s operations.
Critics have noted that while the second season retains the show’s distinctive aesthetic and compelling performances from the actors, it struggles to recapture the shock value that propelled the fame of the first season. Annabel Nugent of the Independent observes that the season is “nowhere near as shocking as the first” yet acknowledges that this might be intentional, allowing the series to dive deeper into future episodes and keep viewers on their toes.
The introduction of new characters has been met with both praise and criticism. Park Sung-hoon’s portrayal of Hyun-ju, a transgender ex-marine, has been highlighted as a standout performance, with many viewers finding the character’s development compelling. However, the casting of a non-transgender actor for a transgender role has sparked serious discussion about representation in South Korean Media.
Audience reactions have been similarly divided. Some viewers appreciate the continuation of the story and the deeper exploration of the game’s origins, while others feel that the season lacks the emotional depth and suspense of the first. Social media platforms are alive with debates over the season’s pacing, character development, and the effectiveness of its plot twists.
Despite the mixed reviews, “Squid Game” Season two has achieved significant viewership milestones. Within the first three days of its release, it amassed 68 million views, surpassing previous Netflix records. The Season ranked number one in 92 countries, indicating that, regardless of critical opinion, the series continues to captivate a global audience.
While watching “Squid Game” Season Two, I found myself deeply invested in the story, and its ability to keep my attention to figure out more about the organization that orchestrates the games. The season doesn’t recycle the intensity of the original but instead builds on it with layers of backstory that motivate viewers like me to stay engaged with the show to the end. I particularly liked how the narrative revealed the twisted origins of the game and its connections to societal power dynamics. This fresh insight elevated the stakes, making the games feel even more personal. It was fascinating to see Seong Gi-hun’s journey evolve, as his quest for justice added a moral aspect that held my attention from start to finish. I would recommend this show to viewers who enjoy a show with suspense and a complex narrative, and I would rate it a 9/10.
