The immensely popular Korean survival drama series "Squid Game" will return with its highly anticipated second season on December 26, according to an announcement from the streaming platform on Thursday.
Netflix also disclosed that the third and final season of this worldwide phenomenon, helmed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, is set to debut in 2025. Hwang, who directed, wrote, and executive produced the inaugural season, saw the show become a massive success following its September 2021 release.
Returning cast members include Korean actor Lee Jung-jae, who will reprise his role as Song Gi-hun, also known as Player 456, and Lee Byung-hun, who will once again take on the enigmatic role of The Frontman. Wi Ha-jun and Gong Yoo are also set to return.
Netflix's announcement was accompanied by an intriguing teaser featuring a track race, not for a medal but for survival.
"As the Frontman prepares the audience for the next stage of the game, ensure you have your player numbers ready and the odds in your favor as Gi-Hun returns to face the game once more," the release stated.
Set three years after the first season's events, the new season follows Gi-Hun, the victor of the Squid Game, as he seeks to uncover those behind the deadly contest and put an end to their cruel game.
"Gi-hun, using his prize money, starts by searching for the man in a sharp suit playing ddakji in the subway. However, as his quest progresses, he discovers that dismantling the organization is far more dangerous than anticipated. To end the game, he must re-enter it," the official synopsis reveals.
New cast members for the upcoming season include Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-uk, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Lee David, Choi Seung-hyun, Roh Jae-won, Jo Yu-ri, and Won Ji-an.
"Squid Game" Season 2 is produced by Firstman Studio, with Kim Ji-yeon joining Hwang Dong-hyuk as an executive producer.
The first season, which premiered on September 17, 2021, quickly became a global sensation, topping charts worldwide and becoming Netflix's most-watched series ever.
The cast of the first season also included Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-joon, HoYeon Jung, O Yeong-su, Heo Sung-tae, Kim Joo-ryoung, and Indian actor Anupam Tripathi.
Hwang Dong-hyuk made history at the 74th Primetime Emmys as the first Asian to win Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series.
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