In early December last year, Netflix opened the set of the second season of “Squid Game” to the media. Hwang Dong-hyuk, the director of the “Squid Game” series, commented at the time that the second season incorporates themes of social division and gender conflict, sparking interest.
◆ A more advanced “OX voting” system, which expresses conflict between participants
Director Hwang explained: “In Season 2, the “OX vote” system used in Season 1 to allow players to leave the game has been improved. In the first season, participants could choose O or X to decide whether to leave. In Season 2, the system has evolved to give participants the ability to vote after each match whether to stay or leave, allowing them to decide each round.”
He added: “Those who choose to stay or leave divide into groups based on their O and X choices, which creates divisions and leads to conflicts between them. This mechanism was incorporated into season 2.”
◆ Division and conflict… a theme that reflects social phenomena
Director Hwang noted: “Nowadays we see a lot of divisions. Globally, there are many regional and religious conflicts and wars. Even within our country we observe generational conflicts, clashes between young generations, gender conflicts as well as regional and class conflicts. Society draws too many lines and fosters division.”
He continued: “We see many people labeling groups they don’t belong to as wrong, dividing themselves with O’s and X’s, attacking and clashing. To satirize this, I wove this voting system and the concept of division via O’s and X’s into one of the main themes of the second season.“
◆ Gender conflict in Korean society… Tensions between “men in their twenties” and “women in their twenties”
The gender conflict between “Men in their 20s” and “Women in their 20s” has intensified in Korean society, becoming a significant social issue. The term “Men in their 20s” refers to males in their 20s, while “Women in their 20s” denotes women in that age range, both of which are seen as specific groups within gender issues.
This conflict arises from perceived inequalities and discrimination in areas such as employment, military service and welfare policies. Men in their 20s highlight the sacrifices and opportunity costs of compulsory military service and ask for fair treatment and political consideration. Meanwhile, women in their 20s stress gender equality, citing discrimination in hiring and everyday life. These differences have amplified mutual dissatisfaction, elevating gender conflicts to a major political and social issue.
In the political sphere, there has also been an increase in comments or policies aimed at “men in their twenties” and “women in their twenties”, which has further fueled tensions. This has led to greater antagonism between the two sides, weakening social cohesion.
◆ New characters join… More tension with a diverse cast
The second season of “Squid Game” follows Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), who returns for revenge, and his intense confrontation with Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), along with the resumption of the real game.
Returning cast members Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-joon and Gong Yoo are joined by new cast members Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-wook, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-shim, Lee David, Choi Seung-hyun (TOP), Roh Jae-won, Jo Yuri and Won Ji-an.
After about a year of filming, from July last year to June this year, “Squid Game 2” will be released next month. The second season of “Squid Game” will be available worldwide on Netflix in over 190 countries starting December 26.
Source: Wikitree
