The second season of the Netflix series "Squid Game" premiered on December 26, 2024, quickly gaining global attention. Within its first week, the show achieved 68 million views and topped charts in 92 countries. This success is attributed to both its gripping narrative and an effective marketing strategy that engaged fans through immersive events and brand collaborations.
"Squid Game 2" captivates audiences not only with its competitive edge but also by offering cultural insights into South Korean traditional games. The series highlights games like ddakji and gonggi, which have historical roots dating back to as early as the 14th century. Other games such as marble shooting became popular post-Korean War in the mid-20th century during times of economic hardship when inexpensive play was essential.
These traditional games are characterized by their emphasis on physical activity and social interaction, contrasting with today's digital entertainment landscape. They encourage cooperation and mutual support, values embedded deeply within Korean culture. The show's depiction of these games underscores a message of teamwork and strategic collaboration.
Experts Cheon-soo Kim from the Korean Cultural Center New York and Yang-Hwan Lee from the Korea Creative Content Agency New York provided insights into how these games reflect societal values. They illustrate themes of togetherness in Korean society while highlighting the risks posed by modern competitiveness to these values.
The show's influence extends beyond screens as it revives interest in playing these games in real life. Events inspired by "Squid Game" have been hosted globally, including immersive experiences where participants can engage with the games firsthand.
While "Squid Game" may not lead everyone away from video gaming, it has sparked a renewed interest in physical play for some individuals.