The second season of the South Korean dystopian thriller, Squid Game, has broken records as the most-watched show on Netflix during its premiere week, amassing an astounding 68 million views. This achievement not only illustrates the show's global popularity but also significantly contributed to Netflix's substantial gain of 18.9 million new subscribers in the fourth quarter. The series has captivated audiences with its high-stakes games and intriguing plot twists, proving once again its undeniable appeal.
Squid Game's success is rooted in its unique blend of suspense and social commentary. The show, which depicts contestants risking their lives in children's games for lucrative cash prizes, has resonated with viewers worldwide. Its iconic character, Young-hee, a robotic doll responsible for gunning down contestants in the game Red Light, Green Light, adds a chilling element to the narrative. The initial inspiration for Young-hee came from a girl featured on old South Korean primary school textbooks, with the character originally conceived as genderless.
Chae Kyoung-sun, the production designer for Squid Game, revealed that Young-hee's appearance partly drew from her own daughter.
"Think of it as a friend, a partner," – Chae
Chae stated, emphasizing the dual nature of the character that is both familiar and terrifying.
The second season introduces a male counterpart named Chul-su, who was initially planned for the first series but was delayed. Chul-su's introduction promises new dynamics and twists for fans eagerly awaiting more from this gripping series.
"When they said there will be a second season and that Chul-su would appear, I brought back the drawings I had of Chul-su for the first season," – Chae
The show's innovative approach and unexpected plot elements have struck a chord with audiences, especially younger viewers searching for fresh and unpredictable content.
"I think the creation of the Squid Game world by adopting unpredictable concepts and methods resonated with young people looking for fresh things," – Chae
With Netflix announcing a US$2.5 billion investment in South Korea to produce more Korean TV series, movies, and unscripted shows in 2023, Squid Game's influence seems set to grow even further. The highly anticipated third and final season is scheduled for release later this year, promising to continue the series' legacy of thrilling storytelling.
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