Squid Game Season 2 Faces Mixed Reviews Amid High Expectations

The highly anticipated second season of Squid Game (오징어 게임) premiered on December 26, 2024, and has received a mix of praise and criticism from audiences worldwide. While the storyline continues to follow Gi-hun (이정재) as he seeks revenge and faces off against the Front Man (이병헌), many viewers have expressed disappointment over character development and the portrayal of female characters compared to the first season.

Following the massive success of Season 1, the creators unexpectedly decided to produce Seasons 2 and 3 simultaneously, marking a return after three years. However, concerns about the cast began to surface early on. Despite featuring a star-studded lineup including Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Im Si-wan, Wi Ha-jun, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-wook, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Lee Seo-hwan, and Jo Yu-ri, the absence of female characters raised eyebrows.

When Netflix first revealed the Season 2 lineup in June 2023, the lack of any female representation sparked disappointment among global fans who were hoping for a 'second Jung Ho-yeon' after her breakout success in Season 1. In response, Netflix announced that additional female characters would be introduced, leading to the inclusion of Park Gyu-young, Jo Yu-ri, and Kang Ae-sim, which initially relieved some fans who anticipated a more significant female presence.

However, the actual portrayal of female characters in Season 2 has been criticized for being even more one-dimensional than in the first season. Most of the prominent female roles revolve around the theme of motherhood. For instance, Kang No-eul (박규영) is depicted as a mother searching for her lost family, while Jang Geum-ja (강애심) participates in the games to pay off her son's debts. Additionally, Kim Jun-hee (조유리) is introduced as a character who is pregnant out of wedlock.

The season lacks any strong female characters who actively contribute to the games. The first female eliminated, Kang Mi-na (송지우), is portrayed as a superficial young woman focused solely on her appearance. Another character, Kim Young-mi (김시은), meets a tragic end after falling behind during the game. The only character who shows some resilience, Semi (원지안), ultimately suffers a fatal blow due to her strong personality, which makes her a target.

The character Yonggung Fairy (채국희) is more of a religious figure than an active participant in the games. The only well-rounded character is Jo Hyun-joo, played by Park Sung-hoon, who is a former special forces member that helps fellow contestants in distress and showcases impressive shooting skills during a rebellion. However, even this character is portrayed as a male-to-female transgender individual, raising questions about the representation of female agency.

Overall, Squid Game Season 2 has been criticized for its lack of depth in female character development, prompting discussions about the direction the series should take in the future. Season 3 is expected to be released in the summer or fall of 2025, leaving fans wondering if it will offer a more nuanced portrayal of women alongside its exploration of human nature and social issues.