“Squid Game 2” Reviews: Foreign Media Call It “Boring” or “More Insane Than the Original”

Scheduled to premiere at 5 PM on December 26, Squid Game: Season 2 picks up the narrative of Gi-hun, portrayed by Lee Jung-jae, as he embarks on a mission of vengeance and faces off against the enigmatic Front Man, played by Lee Byung-hun, in another perilous round of games.

Since its debut in 2021, the original season of Squid Game skyrocketed in popularity, earning accolades that included the Best Actor award for Lee Jung-jae and Best Director for Hwang Dong-hyuk at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2022. The extensive acclaim set exceptionally high expectations for the second season.

Despite initial excitement, the release of Season 2 has prompted mixed reactions. Notably, the inclusion of Choi Seung-hyun (T.O.P), who faced legal issues related to drug use, has sparked considerable backlash from the public, with critics voicing contrasting opinions on the new season.

Positive Reviews Emphasize Action and Narrative Depth

Entertainment journalist Rama, certified by the MPA, commended the new season, remarking, “Squid Game: Season 2 is even crazier than the original. Some moments, like the ‘Deer Hunter’-style scenes, are deeply unsettling. The season is filled with action fueled by themes of retribution.”

bigbang t.o.p — T.O.P, a former member of Big Bang, has garnered criticism for his performance in *Squid Game 2*, potentially impacting the show’s momentum.

Variety also provided a more favorable assessment, highlighting that “The structure, costuming, and setting, along with the haunting cover of Fly Me to the Moon remain consistent in Season 2. However, it successfully avoids monotony by examining fresh angles on pressing societal issues, including capitalist exploitation, moral decline, and class disparities. The signature brutal violence persists, heightening the palpable terror experienced by the characters, particularly Gi-hun.”

The introduction of new characters, such as a mother-son duo (Yang Dong-geun and Kang Ae-shim), a social media influencer (Im Si-wan), and a troubled rapper (Choi Seung-hyun), has been lauded for adding fresh layers to the storyline. Critics noted, “One of the most intriguing elements of Season 2 is its focus beyond just the players.”

Critiques on Pacing and Repetitiveness

Conversely, Time Magazine pointed out significant concerns regarding the show’s pacing, stating, “Two of the seven episodes drag on, delaying the viewer’s engagement with the action.” The review further criticized the repetition of Gi-hun’s grievances against affluent characters, suggesting that some character developments felt unnecessary.

The magazine also expressed disappointment regarding the plot’s redundancy, commenting, “Once Gi-hun resumes his iconic green tracksuit, the season feels like a repetitive cycle of play, murder, and rage. The reintroduction of the ominous Young-hee robot doll appears as mere fan service.” Additionally, the season finale’s abrupt cliffhanger was labeled “frustratingly incomplete.”

Mixed Reception Sparks Engagement

As critic reviews diverge, the future of Squid Game: Season 2 remains uncertain. While some praise its nuanced exploration of themes and the introduction of engaging new characters, others express concerns over its pacing and perceived lack of originality compared to the first season.

Fans can now binge-watch Squid Game: Season 2, which is streaming on Netflix.

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