“This is going to exceed all your expectations”, says cast of Squid Game Season 2

The first season of K-series Squid Game made waves across the world. From mock attempts of these seemingly innocent childhood games to people dressing up as the characters for Halloween, the impact of Squid Game was undeniable.

And here’s some good news. The series is coming back on Boxing Day, on 26 Dec. Before its official release, here are five things to know about the second season of the hit series.

1. The second season will “exceed expectations”

A sophomore slump is real, even in entertainment. More often than not, some of the second seasons of series or films tend to fall off slightly, probably due to the impact of its predecessor.

Though, it seems that Netflix’s Squid Game will not be caught in that predicament.

“This (season) is going to exceed all your expectations,” says Lee Byung-hun, who plays Frontman in the series. “I’m confident of that,” he added.

2. New cast, younger team

There are also new cast members in the second season of Squid Game. This was the director’s attempt to show that even “young people might end up in a game like this too (in hopes of winning the prize money), David Lee, who plays Minsu, explained.

In the show, these young cast members form the Thanos Team, named after the character Thanos, played by BIGBANG’s T.O.P. He takes on the role of a retired rapper, who lost his life savings after a crypto scam.

Read more: Drama review: Squid Game explores the cost of greed in modern-day capitalist world

Other members of the team include Nam-gyu (played by Roh Jae-won) and Se-mi (played by Won Ji-an).

3. Greater diversity and inclusivity

At the core of Squid Game, the show makers have made efforts to include a diverse cast. We had contestants of varying ages last season, and an immigrant from Pakistan Ali Abdul (played by Anupam Tripathi).

This season sees actor Park Sung-hoon play a male-to-female transgender woman Hyun-ju. Her reason for joining Squid Game? She’s short on funds for her gender-affirming surgery.

In an interview, Park describes her as one who “breaks down stereotypes and shines as an inspiring character”.

4. Characters with backstory

Most of the characters from the first season were gone. “(That’s why) I felt that having characters with backstories would be much more interesting,” director Hwang Dong-hyuk said.

This also allows for “more dramatic stories to unfold within the game”, he explained.

5. Mother-son duo in the game

While most of the contestants were unacquainted beforehand in the first season, it appears that some already know each other.

The upcoming series also stars a mother-son duo, in an unexpected twist. “I came here to pay off your debt,” the mother Jang Geum-ja (played by Kang Ae-shim) said.

“Amidst all the terror, his mother is his anchor,” Yang Dong Geun (who plays the son Yong-sik), told viewers in an interview.

Watch the trailer for Season 2 of Squid Game below: