Have you ever felt the urge to scream when the niche that you painstakingly (IDC if I am overreacting here) carved out for yourself doesn’t stay a niche anymore? That’s exactly how I’ve been feeling as I stroll through the streets of Mumbai, now bathed in pink and green hues. And no, it’s not some Christmas decor—it’s the all-out, in-your-face return of Squid Game!
The South Korean cultural phenomenon is back with Season 2 and its marketing blitz is impossible to escape. Talk about irony—a series critiquing capitalism delivering one of the most capitalist campaigns ever; seems like they ate the Barbie marketing playbook for breakfast!
Few months back when when I asked one of the leading men of the series about this, Wi Ha Jun shared that the show’s massive success was something he could hardly wrap his head around. “We never expected it to be this big,” he laughed. “I think the way we reinterpreted these simple children’s games, bringing back childhood nostalgia and turning them into brutal, deadly survival challenges, shocked the global audience.”
As Squid Game is officially out now, three years after the world was left breathless by its brutal, high-stakes drama, from my first watch it’s clear this season is coming in with even more intensity. This time, Player 456, Seong Gi-hun, isn’t just playing to survive. Armed with his newfound fortune and searing determination, he’s on a mission to take down the sinister organisation behind the deadly game. But to do that, he must plunge headfirst back into the nightmare he once escaped.
P.S.: This is a spoiler-free zone.
1. Gi-hun’s Back and Ready to Tear Down the System
After surviving the madness of Season 1, Gi-hun’s not here to play any more games. He’s on a full-on mission to take down the people behind Squid Game. No more just being a pawn—he’s using his winnings to hunt down the masterminds. But to do that, he’s gotta dive back into the nightmare. Trust me, it’s going to get wild as he uncovers more dark secrets. The stakes are through the roof.
2. The Games Are Deadlier Than Ever
If you thought the first season’s games were crazy, wait till you see what’s coming in Season 2. The challenges are nastier, the risks higher and the twists, even more insane. It’s like Squid Game on steroids—prepare for psychological torture and heart-stopping action that’ll keep you hooked from start to finish. These new games are going to have you gasping for air.
3. Fresh Faces, Fresh Drama
It’s not just about the OGs (Gi-hun, the Front Man, etc.)—Season 2 introduces a bunch of new players who are bringing their own drama to the table. The cast is stacked with fresh talent, like Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, and Park Gyu-young, adding more depth to the story. More players means more chaos, alliances, and betrayals and it’s going to make the whole thing even more intense.
4. Bigger, Better and More Brutal
Let’s talk visuals—Season 2 is a total glow-up. With a bigger budget, expect epic set designs and cinematography that pull you straight into Squid Game’s world. The brutal games will feel more intense, and the whole show is going to look and feel next level. Get ready for a feast for the eyes that matches the tension on screen.
5. Still Roasting Society
The first season hit hard with its commentary on capitalism and inequality, and Season 2 is taking that even further. Expect deeper dives into the messed-up systems that run the world and more gut-punching moments that make you think. It’s going to get even more relatable, with social commentary that hits close to home for anyone trying to make sense of the mess that is modern life.
Special mention to my favourite doll who is back to do what she does the best, talk about BRAT behaviour!
This article will be updated with spoilers soon.
All images and gifs via Netflix
