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

Red light, green light! Years after Young-hee the doll haunted us in Squid Game Season 1, the Korean thriller is returning for a Season 2. We're about to reunite with Lee Jung-jae's Gi-hun as he steps back into the arena to play games until his death.

When Hwang Dong-hyuk's series 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."

The show resonated with critics, too. In September 2022, Squid Game solidified its place in the TV history books when it won six Emmy Awards, including Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Lee and Directing for a Drama Series for Hwang, becoming the first non-English show to win these categories. 

As we approach Squid Game Season 2's premiere date, Netflix has gradually shared teasers about what to expect. 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

Netflix has released information about the new cast of characters joining Squid Game in Season 2. Learn more in the cast section below.

Squid Game Season 2 trailers and teasers

The new trailer for Squid Game Season 2 is here. In this video, Gi-hun's motivation for returning to the deadly arena becomes more clear. "I'm trying to put an end to this game," he says. The trailer also shows Gi-hun rallying other contestants to fight against who he believes to be the real enemy: the game organizers. 

Netflix released a new teaser for Squid Game Season 2 on Halloween. The video confirms one game that's making a second appearance in the series: "Red Light, Green Light." In the teaser, Gi-hun warns his fellow players not to move an inch on the playground. Do they listen? Of course not. And we know how that story ends. 

Netflix shared a special teaser for Squid Game Season 2 at its Geeked Week Live 2024. Once again, Gi-hun's assigned number 456 — and he comes face-to-face with the Front Man. See below for the full teaser.

In February, Netflix dropped a first look clip of Squid Game Season 2. In a video showing what's coming to the platform in 2024, Netflix teases the next chapter of the Korean thriller. Gi-hun 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 role in Sweet Home.

When is Squid Game Season 2 coming out? 

Squid Game Season 2 launches on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024. Netflix announced the news on July 31 with a video that also revealed the show's renewal for a third and final season.

The streamer 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 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."

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. On Dec. 4, Netflix posted details about the new cast and their characters. They are as follows:

• Yim Si-wan as Myung-gi, Player 333
• Kang Ha-neul as Dae-ho, Player 388
• Lee Jin-uk as Gyeong-seok, Player 246
• Park Sung-hoon as Hyun-ju, Player 120
• Yang Dong-geun as Yong-sik, Player 007
• Kang Ae-sim as Geum-ja, Player 149
• Lee Seo-hwan as Jung-bae, Player 390
• Jo Yu-ri as Jun-hee, Player 222

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 Gi-hun, aka Player 456, would be back. But this video revealed the new players competing.

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 Squid Game fans will be thrilled to learn that Gong Yoo, who appeared only for brief moments in Season 1, is also coming back. 

In June 2023, Netflix unveiled additions to 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.