Squid Game Season 2: Release Date, Plot, Cast, and Everything to Know

Squid Game Season 2 is coming this year. When Hwang Dong-hyuk's Korean drama premiered in September 2021, it transcended language barriers and became Netflix's most-watched series ever. Squid Game had everything: a gripping premise, captivating performances, and a plot that only became more sinister as the show progressed. 

"I really wanted to create a story that will be immersive. And I wanted the viewers who watch Squid Game to start questioning themselves," creator Hwang told The Hollywood Reporter. "How am I living my life? Who am I among these characters, and what kind of world am I living in? I wanted these questions to be asked."

Squid Game resonated with critics as well. In September 2022, the Korean series solidified its place in the TV history books when it won six Emmy Awards, including Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Lee Jung-jae and Directing for a Drama Series for Hwang, in the process becoming the first show not in English to win these categories. 

Here's everything we know about Squid Game Season 2.

ALSO READ: 12 intense thriller shows and movies to watch if you like Squid Game

Squid Game Season 2 latest news

Mark your calendars, because Squid Game is coming back on Dec. 26. Netflix announced the Season 2 premiere date on July 31 and also shared a letter from director Hwang. 

"On the first day we began shooting Season 2, I remember thinking, 'Wow, I can't believe I'm back in the world of Squid Game.' It almost felt surreal," he wrote. "I wonder how it will feel for you to be back in Squid Game after three years, as well." Hwang also teased what's to come: "Seong Gi-hun who vowed revenge at the end of Season 1 returns and joins the game again. Will he succeed in getting his revenge? Front Man doesn't seem to be an easy opponent this time either. The fierce clash between their two worlds will continue into the series finale with Season 3, which will be brought to you next year."

That's right. Not only is Squid Game Season 2 returning before the year is up, but the drama has already been renewed for a third season, which will be its last. That season is set to premiere in 2025.

When is Squid Game Season 2 coming out? 

Squid Game Season 2 launches on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024. Netflix announced the news with a video that also revealed the show's renewal for a third and final season.

Squid Game Season 2 first look

In February, Netflix dropped a first look clip of Squid Game Season 2. In a video teasing what's coming to the platform in 2024, Netflix teases the next chapter of the Korean thriller. Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) is seen walking in the airport, with a man on the phone telling him, "You're going to regret the choice you made." Gi-hun replies: "I will find you. No matter what it takes." 

Netflix also shared photos from the upcoming season of Squid Game. There are some familiar faces: Lee Jung-jae as Gi-hun, Lee Byung-hun as the Front Man, and Gong Yoo as the Salesman. But we also meet a character played by Park Gyu-young, best known for her roles in It's Okay to Not Be Okay and Sweet Home.

Squid Game Season 2 cast

Most of our favorite characters died in Season 1. It's hard to imagine Squid Game without the likes of Park Hae-soo's Sang-woo and Jung Hoyeon's Kang Sae-byeok, but alas, we have no choice. In June 2023, at Tudum: A Global Fan Event, Netflix shared a cast announcement video for Squid Game Season 2. Sure, we all knew that Lee Jung-jae's main character Seong Gi-hun, aka Player 456, would be back for a second round of death games. But this video revealed the new players also competing for their lives. 

Lee Byung-hun will return as the Front Man, while Wi Ha-jun will return as Hwang Jun-ho. The latter is a pleasant surprise since the last time we saw Jun-ho, he was shot by his brother, the Front Man, and fell off a cliff. And Squid Game fans will be thrilled to learn that Gong Yoo, who appeared only for brief moments in Season 1, is also coming back. 

The video also introduces new players: Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Sung-hoon, and Yang Dong-geun all press the green button that indicates game on. We don't know anything about their characters just yet.

Later in June 2023, Netflix unveiled the rest of Squid Game Season 2's cast. They include Park Gyu-young, Jo Yu-ri, and Kang Ae-shim. Also joining the cast are Lee David, Lee Jin-uk, Choi Seung-hyun, Roh Jae-won, and, last but not least, Won Ji-an. Here's a look at the stars. 

Along with the final cast announcement, Netflix offered a look at the first table read. 

What else to know about Squid Game Season 2

It took a long time for Squid Game to get officially renewed; the Season 2 pick-up was announced in June 2022, nine months after the series premiered. Along with the show's renewal for a second season, Netflix tweeted a letter from creator Dong-hyuk in which he confirms "a whole new round" of games is in store.

Where to watch Squid Game

Season 1 of Squid Game is available to stream on Netflix. Season 2 premieres Thursday, Dec. 26 on Netflix.