Why Thanos Speaks English in Squid Game Season 2: The Simple Explanation

In the much-anticipated Season 2 of Squid Game, the character of Thanos has sparked intense debate among viewers. While some fans adore his eccentricity, others find his presence less than appealing, particularly questioning his use of English throughout the season.

As the most quirky contestant among the players, Thanos stands out with his vibrant purple hair and nails adorned with hues reminiscent of the Infinity Stones. Unlike his fellow competitors, who are gripped by fear during the intense games, Thanos appears to revel in the chaos, often exhibiting odd behavior fueled by the mysterious substance found in his necklace.

The Role of English in Thanos’ Character

Thanos in Squid Game Season 2 — Image courtesy of Netflix

Thanos incorporates English into his dialogue as a nod to the prevalent trend among K-hip-hop artists, who frequently blend English into their lyrics. For instance, the track “Smoke” by Gaeko opens with the phrase “Light it up” and showcases a blend of English phrases throughout. Similarly, rapper Loopy’s song “RRR” features repetitive English verses that resonate with the show’s aesthetic.

Moreover, artists like RM (formerly known as Rap Monster) are known for their use of English in their music. His songs, such as “Wild Flower,” start with English lines, illustrating how seamlessly the language can be integrated into Korean pop culture.

Thanos speaking english in Squid Games 😂 pic.twitter.com/s0JlAm7Iq1

— FearBuck (@FearedBuck) December 28, 2024

This occasional switch to English is not limited to music; it’s also seen in various K-dramas. A prime example is in Bong Joon-ho’s critically acclaimed film, Parasite, where a character quips, “I’m deadly serious,” showcasing the nuanced use of English within different contexts of Korean storytelling.

One viewer noted, “If you tuned into K-hip-hop, this blending of languages becomes clear. I appreciate that the character was crafted as intended by the writers.” Another fan speculated that T.O.P., the actor portraying Thanos and a member of the renowned K-pop group Bigbang, might have influenced the decision since he is fluent in English: “They may have aimed to appeal to a Western audience, considering Bigbang’s extensive international following.”

The mixing of multiple languages in day-to-day conversation is a common practice globally; for instance, words like “Guten tag” and “danke schön” might slip into my dialogue, demonstrating how fluid language can be in different cultural contexts.

Looking ahead, Squid Game Season 3 is slated for release in 2025. In the meantime, fans can explore predictions for the upcoming season, discuss the casting choices such as why Hyun-ju is portrayed by a cisgender actor, and debate whether to watch Season 2 with subtitles or dubbed audio.

Source & Images