“Squid Game 2” has finally arrived with a lot of expectations, but it fails to live up to the high expectations set by its predecessor. Despite the global acclaim surrounding the first season, the second feels slow, especially in its first few episodes. The story begins with Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) returning to the deadly games seeking revenge, facing Front Man (Lee Byung-hun). The new cast, including Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul and T.O.P., brings new energy, but the plot drags because it focuses too much on Gi-hun’s motivations and lacks the excitement fans were expecting.
The series picks up at the beginning of the games, introducing new challenges like “Mugunghwa Blossom” and “Group 5 Event”, which instill tension and excitement. However, the reduced number of games is disappointing, compared to the first season. The party games, where survival depends on teamwork, offer some thrilling moments, but the overall pacing feels off.
One of the biggest flaws is TOP’s performance as Thanos, a rapper involved in a coin scam. Initially, his role was supposed to be minor, but his character appears frequently, causing interruptions in the narrative. His awkward acting and strange behavior overshadow the other characters, with his rapping scenes becoming embarrassing and sparking online discussions. His casting sparked controversy, especially given his past legal troubles. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk defended the decision, explaining that TOP showed courage in accepting the role, but many viewers wonder whether the casting choice was a mistake.
While “Squid Game 2” features some compelling moments once the matches truly begin, pacing issues and TOP’s disruptive performances prevent the season from fully delivering on its promise. Anticipation was high, but the outcome leaves fans wondering whether the hype may have been more damaging than expected.
