[OSEN=Ha Soo-jung] Director Hwang Dong-hyuk of “Squid Game” Season 2 has raised expectations for new characters.
On December 7 of last year, a set visit event for Netflix’s original series “Squid Game” Season 2 was held at a set in Daejeon. Director Hwang, Kim Ji-yeon, CEO of production company Firstman Studio, and art director Chae Kyung-sun attended the event.
“Squid Game” Season 2 follows Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae), who vows revenge and returns to participate in the game, facing off against Front Man (played by Lee Byung-hun) in a fierce battle, and the real game begins anew. In addition to Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-jun, and Gong Yoo from Season 1, new characters played by Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-wook, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Lee David, Choi Seung-hyun (T.O.P), No Jae-won, Jo Yu-ri, Won Ji-an, and others have joined the cast. Filming, which started last July, concluded this June, and the release is scheduled for next month.
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk explained, “As many of you might know, ‘Squid Game’ Season 2 picks up with Seong Gi-hun deciding not to board a plane at the airport at the end of Season 1. Season 2 mainly revolves around Gi-hun pursuing his goals, which leads him back to the game arena. He encounters new people at the game, and together they strive to achieve what they aim for, which is the central theme of Season 2.”
He continued, “Unfortunately, I had to kill off almost all the popular characters from the previous season, so new characters and actors are introduced in the new season. We cast many young actors, so the new game will feature younger participants than in Season 1. Additionally, a diverse range of participants of various generations and genders will appear in Season 2. In Season 1, Gi-hun and Sang-woo were childhood friends from the same neighborhood, but Season 2 will feature more personal relationships among the participants. It should be interesting to see these developments unfold.”
Director Hwang added, “We’ve already completed about half of the filming, and working with many new actors is enjoyable and exciting. The process of creating these characters is a great learning experience and fun for me. Every day, I come to the shoot feeling amazed and entertained. Famous actors and almost rookie actors both appear, and as a director, enjoying the harmony and seeing their new performances is a delight.”
Meanwhile, “Squid Game” Season 2 will be released on Netflix on December 26, available in over 190 countries worldwide.