Squid game returns: Fresh trials and familiar dangers await

The first season of "Squid Game" caused a global stir (winning six Emmy Awards is no small feat!) and left viewers on the edge of their seats for a long time. Digesting what was seen on screen wasn't easy: Netflix's series showed how easily the foundations of humanity can be questioned. However, the creator and director of "Squid Game," Hwang Dong-hyuk, emphasizes that the series doesn't just serve as a commentary or even a meta-commentary on pressing socio-economic issues. Besides questioning the bloody path of capitalism, it is also (perhaps primarily?) entertainment. And since it was loved by millions of viewers worldwide, the show received a second season, which will be available for streaming on December 26.

Let's recall how the first part of "Squid Game" ended. Player 456 (Lee Jung-jae) ultimately won the challenges and left the island alive. The final scene bids us farewell as he plans to board a plane to the USA with his hair dyed red, but he abandons his plan after seeing the man in a suit again, who was recruiting potential players for the deadly games.

The second unresolved plot is the investigation carried out by a young police officer (Wi Ha-joon), who is looking for his long-lost brother, whom he learned had won the Squid Game several years ago. It turns out that not only is he alive, but he has become the Front Man - one of the leaders organizing the games. The officer is offered a chance to join the secret group, but he declines, is shot, and falls into the sea.

The next installment of "Squid Game" will take place several years after the first season. We know that Player 456 will return to the arena of brutal battles - this time of his own accord, to stop the organizers and prevent further bloodshed. Meanwhile, we follow the story of Officer Hwang Jun-Ho, who, despite an unexpected turn of events, hasn't abandoned his investigation.

The well-known brutal-pathetic atmosphere will return to the screens. The director of "Squid Game," Hwang Dong-hyuk, unveiled a little about the soundtrack that we will hear in the second season.

- Surprisingly, I used as many as two Italian pieces in the series. Strangely enough, one of them is by Giacomo Puccini. It's the most famous aria in Korea, perhaps the world, "Nessun Dorma." The other song is "Time To Say Goodbye" by Andrea Bocelli - he said.

Hwang Dong-hyuk also spoke about new locations and "attractions" awaiting viewers and players. The director didn't delve into details, but his words will definitely whet the appetite of fans and raise their expectations for the second season of "Squid Game."

- Player 456 will return to the island, so viewers will see some familiar places, such as the dormitory where the players sleep, the intensely coloured staircase, and the arenas where the games are played. However, we added many new elements that make the second season look similar yet bring a breath of fresh air. [...] There will be old games, but most will be new, and their scale will be much larger. The competition will also be more intriguing and take place in a much more beautiful setting - he recounted.

Hwang Dong-hyuk initially emphasized that the information about David Fincher potentially directing a remake of "Squid Game" has not been officially confirmed. Later, he added that he appreciates Fincher's work and that if he decides to make such a move, as a fan, he would be waiting.

- I believe he would make a wonderful spin-off. I'm just curious as to how - he explained.

For now, however, let's stick to the original. The second season of "Squid Game" will be released on Netflix on December 26. New competitions, challenges, and dilemmas will face both the challenge participants and viewers. "The real game is just beginning."