[REVIEW] 'SQUID GAME Season 2', Still Brutal and Tense Even Though the Plot is Tending to be Slow

Kapanlagi.com - The moment we’ve been waiting for has finally arrived! Netflix released 'SQUID GAME 2' consisting of 7 episodes on December 26, 2024. The sequel to this hit series with the same title certainly raises curiosity, what will director Hwang Dong Hyuk present after the success of the first season in 2021.

Still featuring Seong Gi Hun (Lee Jung Jae) as the main character, 'SQUID GAME 2' showcases new aspects that keep it exciting and tense. Seong Gi Hun decides to rejoin the deadly game, but this time economic factors are not the reason.

Here’s a brief review of 'SQUID GAME 2' from the POV of someone whose hobby is watching films and series in the thriller, horror, mystery genres, and the like. Let's take a peek!

1. Covering More Aspects

Netflix

If in the previous season this series focused on Seong Gi Hun as the main character, 'SQUID GAME 2' provides a broader perspective and involves many people. This includes the backstory of the character Kang No Eul (Park Gyu Young), who is recruited to become one of the staff in the pink uniform with a triangular mask.

The figure of The Recruiter (Gong Yoo), who was so mysterious in the first season, is also more exposed in the early episodes, allowing the audience to understand his tasks beyond playing ddakji. In fact, Gong Yoo also skillfully showcases the "madness" of The Recruiter character before Seong Gi Hun finally rejoins the game.

2. Connections Among Game Players

Netflix

The players involved in this second season are quite interesting due to the connections between several individuals. Besides Seong Gi Hun, who is surprised to meet his old friend, Jung Bae, player number 390 (Lee Seo Hwan), several other core characters, such as Yong Sik, player number 007 (Yang Dong Geun), who suddenly gets scolded by his mother, and Geum Ja, player number 149 (Kang Ae Shim).

Meanwhile, Myung Gi, player number 333 (Im Si Wan), is reunited with his ex-girlfriend who is pregnant, Jun Hee, player number 222 (Jo Yu Ri). Myung Gi also meets his former rapper and YouTube channel subscriber, Thanos, player number 230 (T.O.P), who claims to have been harmed by the YouTuber's crypto scheme.

3. More Drama

Netflix

Well, because there are more characters being discussed in depth and related to each other, it takes more patience before we get into the game that is the main attraction of this series. The plot, which tends to be slow at the beginning — which is what made 'SQUID GAME 2' heavily criticized — offers some enlightenment when Seong Gi Hun returns to the game zone.

Moreover, there is more drama happening in 'SQUID GAME 2' compared to the previous season. From divisions caused by differing opinions in the game to disputes between individuals, all kinds of drama seem to be present in this series.

4. Player Number 001

Netflix

Viewers of 'SQUID GAME' who were shocked three years ago by the character Oh Il Nam, player number 001 (Oh Young Soo), who turned out to have a significant role in the organization of this game, will see another equally mind-blowing character joining 'SQUID GAME 2' with the same player number. Many have discussed who this character is, but it's better to watch it yourself, right? Hehehe.

What’s amusing is that Seong Gi Hun, who previously participated in this game and became the sole winner, even knows who Oh Il Nam is, but he has no suspicion at all towards player number 001. In fact, at the beginning, Seong Gi Hun is reintroduced to The Recruiter by following the recruitment pattern from the previous game.

5. The Same Game?

Netflix

Not only is the recruitment pattern the same, but the first game is still 'Red Light, Green Light' complete with the giant Young Hee doll that has become an icon of this series even though its title is a different traditional game. For those of you who are worried about getting bored with the same old games, the answer is: no, the next games will be different.

'SQUID GAME 2' introduces a variety of other traditional games that are equally exciting — if only they didn't involve risking your life because of being threatened with firearms when you fail — in an attractive package. But at the same time, the cute game locations combined with the cheerful music accompanying them actually create an uncomfortable impression.

After watching 'SQUID GAME 2' with a cliffhanger leading to the next season airing in 2025, I'm curious about how the continuation of the potato game (getting stuck) will unfold because it’s still not finished. What do you think, KLovers? For those who haven't watched it yet, let’s binge 'SQUID GAME 2' on Netflix! If not now, when?

(kpl/rsp)