Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, known for “Squid Game,” stated that the series is a satire on a society divided into factions. Season 2 of “Squid Game,” which will debut on November 26, introduces a voting system among the participants. Similar to the first season, contestants sleep in hostel-style rooms stacked with mattresses, which disappear as individuals are eliminated. A new feature is the OX-shaped light fixture that glows blue and red, symbolizing clear contrasts. Players will be required to vote on whether to continue the game after each round.
Last December, Netflix revealed part of the season 2 set in Daejeon, highlighting the dormitory and iconic maze-like stairs, which combined pink, yellow, and mint colors—signature hues of the series. The voting buttons installed in season 2 serve as a device to depict societal divisions and conflicts, explained director Hwang. This reflects the increasing global and domestic divides based on region, religion, generation, gender, and class. By incorporating a voting mechanism, the narrative attempts to satirize the tendency to label differing groups as wrong.
Art director Chae Kyung-sun elaborated on the decision to use red and blue for the OX contrast, acknowledging their societal symbolism. The set for season 2 expanded to approximately 1,320 square meters and the height increased to 13 meters. The primary color of pink, chosen for its juvenile feel, remains consistent from season 1, drawing inspiration from Dutch artist M.C. Escher’s works.
Season 2 promises new characters and stories, featuring a broader spectrum of participants in terms of age and gender. Director Hwang hinted at more intricate personal connections between the characters, similar to the childhood bond depicted between Gi-hun and Sang-woo in the first season.