On December 7, 2023, journalists gathered at Gwanghwamun Station before heading to Squid game 2is set in Daejeon, Chungcheong Province, South Korea. Visiting two key sets, kept under tight secrecy for a year, provided a glimpse into the long-awaited second season of the global phenomenon.
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, together with CEO Kim Ji-yeon and artistic director Chae Kyung-sun, introduced the new sets and revealed the key points of the upcoming season.
Insights from the Director
Director Hwang reflected: “Even after many projects, this is the first time I’ve shown a set publicly: it feels like my debut again. We’ve been filming since July, and while the global attention is overwhelming, I’m confident that the new games and characters will deliver profound messages.“
The second season picks up where the first left off, with protagonist Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) deciding not to get on the plane and returning to the game arena with the goal of revenge. “Season 2 introduces new characters as many fan favorites did not survive Season 1. This time, the story explores the deeper personal relationships between the participants.“
The director teased that younger contestants and a more diverse mix of ages, genders and backgrounds will play a crucial role. “While the first season focused on the bond between the two friends, Gi-hun and Sang-woo, this season brings the private relationships into the spotlight. It was exciting to create these dynamics together with new and veteran actors.“
Innovations in sets and themes
The second season’s set design retains the essence of the first season while expanding its scale and symbolism.
The iconic dormitory has been recreated and expanded, more vividly reflecting the themes of life and death. Art director Chae Kyung-sun explained: “The dormitory can now accommodate up to three rounds of gameplay, with empty beds serving as stark reminders of lives lost. The construction of the beds, which required the use of cranes, took more than two months.”
A key addition to Season 2 is the OX voting system, which allows contestants to decide whether to stay or leave after each match. This system introduces a visual distinction between two groups through different colored uniforms, which symbolize conflict and division. “The theme of the OX is central to the second season,” emphasized director Hwang. “We live in an era where society is increasingly divided: by religion, gender, class. We wanted to satirize this topic by describing how people draw boundaries between themselves and those who are different.
Art director Chae Kyung-sun elaborated on the visual elements: “We incorporated markings on the floor with the OX symbol and used lighting to heighten the tension. Initially, we considered fluorescent paint, but instead the director opted for contrasting LED lights that shine dramatically in dimly lit environments, emphasizing moments of choice and division. Red and blue were chosen to symbolize ideological opposition, reinforcing the thematic depth of the story.“
The iconic pink labyrinthine staircase returns with notable improvements. “We reinvented the design, improving the flow and structure while expanding the space to 120 pyeong (about 400 square meters),” shared Chae. “The scale continues to evoke a sense of childlike innocence with its vibrant pink hue, but now integrates enhanced visual cues to reflect the games’ escalating stakes and emotional intensity.“
Source: Feel the movie
