Lee Jung-jae stars as Gi-hun, aka Player 456, on ‘Squid Game’.
The highly-anticipated second season of “Squid Game”, which is set for release on Boxing Day, is set to feature even more lethal games.
The award-winning Netflix series has become a cultural phenomenon since season one in November 2021.
It centres on a group of 456 financially-struggling participants, who are invited to partake in children’s games for a whopping cash prize. However, they soon realise that the games come with a deadly twist and that losing could result in death.
The eerie spectacle, which is held in a secret location, is overseen by masked guards under the supervision of a mysterious overseer known as the Front Man.
As the streaming giant announced the new season’s release date as well as that of season 3 would mark the thriller show’s ending, they added that Lee Jung-jae, who portrays Gi-hun, Player 456, would return for the new instalment.
Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-jun and Gong Yoo are also reprising their roles as Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul and Park Gyu-young join the cast.
Netflix said season 2 picks up three years after Gi-hun won Squid Game.
Fuelled by his desire to dismantle the sinister organisation behind the games, who recruits participants by playing ddakji in the subway, he uses his newfound wealth to find those behind them in order to put an end to their vicious sport.
But he soon realises that in order to end the game, he needs to re-enter it.
Hwang Dong-hyuk, the show’s executive producer, writer and director has written a letter to fans to express his excitement and gratitude for the show's journey.
It read:“I am thrilled to see the seed that was planted in creating a new Squid Game grow and bear fruit through the end of this story.”
He added: “On the first day we began shooting season 2, I remember thinking, ‘Wow, I can't believe I'm back in the world of Squid Game.’ It almost felt surreal. I wonder how it will feel for you to be back.
“We’ll do our best to make sure we bring you yet another thrill ride. I hope you’re excited for what's to come.”
The first season of “Squid Game” was Netflix's biggest original show debut. It also received 14 Emmy Award nominations, winning six accolades, including Best Director for Dong-hyuk and Best Actor in a Drama Series for Jung-jae.
In November last year, the first season of the spin-off reality game series, “Squid Game: The Challenge” premiered on Netflix. The show also saw 456 participants competing for a chance to win $4.56 million, which is the biggest jackpot in TV history.
In the show, they also played various children’s games which were based on those featured in the original.
“Squid Game: The Challenge” has also been renewed for a second season.
∎ “Squid Game” season two will premiere on Netflix on December 26.