“Squid Game” Season 2, scheduled to premiere in 2024, is facing controversies. Despite this, speculation arises about its potential to achieve global success once again.
“Squid Game,” a Netflix original series, gained international acclaim in 2021 by portraying participants risking their lives in intense games for a chance to win ₩45.6 billion. Lee Jung-jae won Best Actor, and director Hwang Dong-hyuk received the Best Director award at the 74th Emmy Awards, leading to a global “Squid Game” phenomenon.
The upcoming Season 2, slated for a 2024 release, has teased audiences with video snippets and still images. The ensemble cast features Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-jun, Gong Yoo, Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-wook, Yang Dong-geun, Park Sung-hoon, Kang Ae-shim, Lee Da-wit, Choi Seung-hyun (TOP), No Jae-woon, Jo Yu-ri, and Won Ji-an.
In a released teaser, the protagonist, Lee Jung-jae, sporting red hair, receives an ominous warning call, responding with determination, “I’ll find you, no matter what it takes,” hinting at a revenge theme and heightening audience anticipation.
Before the official release of details, “Squid Game 2” has faced controversies, notably surrounding the participation of TOP (Choi Seung-hyun), who was previously convicted of marijuana use, and allegations of workplace bullying.
TOP’s return to a leading role in K-content after his 2017 suspended prison sentence and hinting at industry retirement has stirred debate and raised speculations about casting influences due to his connection with Lee Jung-jae.
In response, Lee Jung-jae’s camp stated that casting decisions are solely at the discretion of the director and production company, emphasizing the competitive nature of auditions for “Squid Game 2.” Netflix reinforced its commitment to respecting the casting decisions made by creators based on creative intent.
Before these controversies could settle, additional claims of mistreatment by the filming staff emerged, intensifying the dispute. A post on an online community in July, titled “Saw a Squid Game 2″ staff yesterday who thought shooting was a privilege,” detailed discomfort with a staff member’s disrespectful behavior at Incheon Airport.
The “Squid Game 2” team responded, acknowledging the inconvenience caused during shooting at Incheon Airport on the 10th of that month. They offered an apology, explaining their efforts to communicate the shooting situation to the public and expressing gratitude for understanding. The team pledged to exercise more caution in the future.
As “Squid Game 2” gears up for its 2024 release amid both high expectations and concerns regarding controversies, its ability to replicate its global success remains uncertain amidst ongoing issues.
Keep Reading: Squid Game Season 2 set for release in 2024
Leave a comment