The phenomenon that was Squid Game in 2021 caught the world off guard, catapulting itself into global pop culture with its brutal games and searing commentary on societal inequities. Naturally, the surprise success placed immense pressure on its creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, to deliver a follow-up. Much like the series’ haunted protagonist, Gi-hun, Hwang couldn’t walk away, compelled to return and attempt something different this time around. With Squid Game Season 2, he delivers a layered but uneven season that both expands the world of the games and occasionally buckles under the weight of its predecessor’s shadow.
Hwang Dong-hyuk, who made history as the first Asian to win the Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series, is once again the driving force behind Season 2, serving as writer, director, and producer. This time, the parallels between Hwang and Gi-hun feel almost autobiographical. Like Gi-hun’s reluctant return to the games, Hwang’s decision to revisit the dystopian deathmatch seems less about necessity and more about ensuring his creation’s integrity.
Picking up three years after the bloody finale of Season 1, we find Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) forgoing the new life he could have started in the United States, choosing instead to return to the games with a steely determination for revenge. The character’s evolution from a desperate, naive player to someone who feels morally obligated to fight the system drives the season’s narrative, though his arc occasionally feels overshadowed by the sheer scale of everything happening around him.
When the games begin — after a sluggish few opening episodes — the series once again finds its rhythm. The dynamic among contestants remains the show’s most captivating element. The power struggles, betrayals, and alliances that emerge among the new participants echo the brilliance of Season 1. This time, however, the show leans into group dynamics even more, offering fascinating interplay between characters like Contestant 100 and “Thanos” (played with equal parts charm and annoyance by K-pop star T.O.P.).
The games themselves balance the familiar with the fresh. Some challenges seem to directly mirror the cruel simplicity of those in the first season, but just when you think you know what’s coming, a few well-timed twists keep you guessing. Yet, the real surprise comes from outside the arena — this season spends significant time exploring the lives of the pink-clad guards. Their side story is unexpectedly engaging, often more so than the contestants’ trials. It’s a smart move that broadens the scope of the Squid Game universe while adding layers to its dystopian lore.
Season 2 embraces its contemporary setting with gusto, weaving in cultural touchpoints like cryptocurrency and social media trends. While these references are effective in grounding the show in today’s world, they sometimes veer into heavy-handed territory. The social commentary, which felt sharp and necessary in Season 1, occasionally loses its subtlety here, though it still packs an emotional punch in key moments.
The biggest drawback of Season 2 lies in its pacing. It takes too long to reach the games — the heart of the series — and just as things begin to escalate, the season ends abruptly. While there’s no traditional cliffhanger, there’s an undeniable sense that the story is only halfway told, with Season 3 (already filmed) looming on the horizon. A brief teaser for the next chapter offers a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come but leaves viewers wanting more closure in the meantime.
That said, when the season hits its stride, it delivers. The group dynamics among contestants, combined with Gi-hun’s internal conflict and the fascinating peek into the guards’ world, make for riveting drama. The show still thrives on its ability to force characters — and viewers — to confront harrowing moral dilemmas, making the stakes feel as high as ever.
Hwang Dong-hyuk’s return to Squid Game is both a blessing and a curse. Season 2 builds on the rich foundation of the original while struggling to escape its shadow. The slow start and abrupt end leave it feeling like a middle act rather than a standalone season, but the character work, group dynamics, and chilling new games ensure it remains gripping television.
As Gi-hun and his fellow players navigate a world where trust is a liability and survival is the only prize, Squid Game Season 2 reminds us why the franchise became a global sensation in the first place. It’s flawed but fascinating, and while it doesn’t quite surpass its predecessor, it sets the stage for what could be an explosive third season.
For now, we wait — much like the players — for the next game to begin.
