In the wake of Squid Game’s explosive success, creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has confirmed that a second season is in the works and has outlined the direction the new episodes might take. The discussion comes after the show’s record-breaking debut in late 2021, which swiftly positioned it among the most talked-about television events in streaming history. A recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter reveals Dong-hyuk’s plans for the returning ensemble, with Lee Jung-jae’s Gi-Hun once again at the center of the narrative.
As the first season surged into a global phenomenon and earned a slate of Emmy nominations, the pressure to deliver a worthy follow-up has been undeniable. Dong-hyuk candidly addresses this pressure, noting that the immense popularity of the initial run places a heightened expectation on new material, even as he maintains a steady, methodical approach to writing. He emphasizes that his process remains anchored in immersion—he becomes part of the world he has built, allowing the story to unfold with a sense of inevitability rather than chasing fan demands.
Dong-hyuk explains that when he sits at his laptop, he steps into the universe he created and lets the outside world fall away. This deep immersion fuels a plot trajectory that honors the tone of the first season while paving new ground for what comes next. The aim is to preserve narrative momentum rather than chase after the feverish energy of audience expectations, enabling the story to develop on its own terms.
He hints that the next installment will pick up from a pivotal moment: Gi-Hun does not board the plane at the end of the last season, and the ensuing sequence of events will guide the arc toward a climactic conclusion for the season. While specifics remain under wraps, Dong-hyuk reiterates that Gi-Hun emerges from the previous journey as a markedly changed figure, prompting fresh questions about how this new version of the character will navigate the world and the challenges that arise around him. The plan, as discussed with Netflix in late 2021, envisions a refreshed narrative path with no confirmed release date yet, keeping audiences attentive to every developing clue.
The cast will not merely reprise familiar roles in a straightforward return. Rather, the plan signals a reimagining of character dynamics and thematic focus, with the creative team exploring new angles that amplify the central leadership figure. This approach suggests a season that expands the emotional and moral landscape of the story, offering depth to what the show has already established while introducing elements that heighten the stakes for Gi-Hun and those around him. The emphasis remains on character evolution, rather than rehashing past plot points, inviting viewers to witness a transformed Gi-Hun encounter new tests and responsibilities as the world around him continues to evolve.