“Squid Game 2” Criticizes Female Representation by Limiting Roles to Mothers, Sparking Outrage Among Netizens

Critique of Female Characterization in ‘Squid Game 2’

On December 26, a post titled “The settings of ‘Squid Game 2‘ female characters” gained traction on the Korean forum “theqoo,”sparking insightful discussions among fans and critics alike.

Lack of Diversity in Female Roles

The forum thread referenced an article reviewing “Squid Game 2,” which highlighted a fundamental criticism: the portrayal of female characters lacks vibrancy and depth compared to their male counterparts. Although this season showcases a higher number of female characters than in the inaugural season, they tend to be relegated to archetypal roles such as “mothers,” “pregnant women,” or “former mothers.”

Underwhelming Character Arcs

A closer look at some of these characters reveals an overarching narrative of maternal sacrifice. For instance, Geum-ja, portrayed by Kang Ae-sim, enters the deadly contest primarily to support her gambling-addicted son, only to be confronted by him as a rival. Meanwhile, Jun-hee, played by Jo Yuri, endures betrayal from her boyfriend, plunging her into a struggle as she inches closer to single motherhood. Similarly, No-eul, depicted by Park Gyu-young, is a defector who left her young daughter behind in North Korea, adding layers of tragedy to her story.

Comparison to Season 1

The female characters from the previous season of “Squid Game” presented a more diverse landscape. For example, Han Mi-nyeo, enacted by Kim Joo-yeong, showcased cunning intelligence, while Kang Sae-byeok, played by Jung Ho-yeon, navigated a harrowing journey for family reunion, forming strong alliances in the process. Ji-yeong, portrayed by Lee Yoo-mi, further exemplified strength as she confronted her abusive past. These characters, with varying motivations and backgrounds, appear to resonate more effectively with audiences.

Gender Perspectives and Storytelling

The most notably complex female character in this season is Hyeon-joo, enacted by Park Sung-hoon, a transwoman participating in the game for gender confirmation surgery. However, this role remains closely tied to male-centric themes, raising concerns about the director’s capability in authentically representing female experiences.

Public Reaction and Criticism

Netizens have largely echoed these sentiments, voicing dissatisfaction over the restrictive characterization of women in “Squid Game 2.” Their comments reflect a broader concern regarding gender representation in media, particularly within South Korean dramas.

Selected Comments from Netizens:

“They only sexualize single women and have absolutely no interest in unmarried women. This accurately reflects the state of the country and its dramas.”
“The character settings are truly disappointing.”
“It’s frustrating to see women solely depicted as mothers.”
“That excessive maternal love trope is limiting. It seems they cannot create female characters without focusing on motherhood, while male characters lack similar paternal narratives.”
“In the first season, the female characters weren’t defined by motherhood, yet Season 2 seems overly propagandistic.”

Source & Images