The highly anticipated second season of the South Korean dystopian thriller, Squid Game, premiered on December 26, setting new viewership records on Netflix. Garnering an astonishing 68 million views in its premiere week, the latest installment surpassed previous records, becoming the most-watched show for debut week on the streaming platform. The phenomenon has also driven a significant boost in subscribers, with Netflix gaining a record 18.9 million new users in the fourth quarter, attributed largely to the show's success.
Squid Game captivated audiences with its intense narrative of contestants risking their lives in children's games for cash prizes. Central to its chilling allure is Young-hee, a robotic doll whose presence has become iconic. Initially inspired by a girl depicted on old South Korean primary school textbooks, Young-hee was conceived without a defined gender. Production designer Chae Kyoung-sun revealed that the doll's design drew from personal inspiration as well, stating that elements of her daughter influenced Young-hee's portrayal.
"Think of it as a friend, a partner," – Chae
This season also sets the stage for the introduction of Chul-su, a male counterpart to Young-hee. Chul-su was originally planned for the first series but was delayed. With his inclusion in the upcoming third and final season set for later this year, fans can anticipate more thrilling dynamics.
"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
Chae Kyoung-sun emphasized how Squid Game's unique universe has struck a chord with younger audiences seeking novel entertainment experiences.
"I think the creation of the Squid Game world by adopting unpredictable concepts and methods resonated with young people looking for fresh things," – Chae
The show's global impact underlines Netflix's strategic investment in South Korean content. Announcing a $2.5 billion commitment to producing Korean TV series, movies, and unscripted shows in 2023, the streaming giant underscores its confidence in the region's creative industry.
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