The series centers on a covert competition where 456 individuals, all grappling with severe financial hardships, take life-threatening risks to participate in a series of deadly games from their childhood, vying for the opportunity to claim a ₩45.6 billion prize. The title of the series is inspired by a Korean children’s game of the same name. Hwang conceived the concept based on his own economic struggles and observations of class disparity in South Korea, reflecting on themes of capitalism. Despite crafting the story in 2009, Hwang faced challenges in securing funding from production companies until Netflix expressed interest around 2019 as part of their initiative to diversify their international content offerings.
Upon its global release on September 17, 2021, “Squid Game” garnered widespread acclaim and captured international attention. It quickly became Netflix’s most-watched series and achieved top rankings in 94 countries, drawing in over 142 million member households and accumulating 1.65 billion viewing hours within its first four weeks. This unprecedented success surpassed that of “Bridgerton,” making it Netflix’s most-viewed show. The series received numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film for O Yeong-su, and Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series and Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series for Lee Jung-jae and HoYeon Jung, respectively. These wins marked significant milestones as the first Korean actors to achieve such recognition in their respective categories. Additionally, the first season received 14 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, including one for Outstanding Drama Series, marking the first time a non-English-language work was nominated in this category. Lee also made history by winning the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, becoming the first Asian actor to secure this award for a non-English role.
In June 2022, the production of a second season was officially confirmed, alongside the announcement of a reality competition series titled “Squid Game: The Challenge.” Filming for the second season commenced in July 2023, with an anticipated release scheduled for 2024.
CHARACTERS
Main Cast:
- Lee Jung-jae plays Seong Gi-hun (456), a divorced chauffeur and gambling addict striving to support his daughter financially, entering the game to settle his debts and prove himself financially stable enough to gain custody of his daughter.
- Park Hae-soo portrays Cho Sang-woo (218[c]), a former investment team head at a securities company who joins the game to evade police capture due to his involvement in financial crimes.
- Wi Ha-joon takes on the role of Hwang Jun-ho, a police officer who infiltrates the game disguised as a guard, aiming to locate his missing brother.
- Jung Ho-yeon portrays Kang Sae-byeok (067), a North Korean defector participating in the game to secure funds to rescue her parents across the border and reunite her family.
Recurring Cast:
- Yoo Sung-joo appears as Byeong-gi (111), a doctor collaborating with corrupt guards to traffic the organs of deceased participants.
- Lee Yoo-mi plays Ji-yeong (240), recently released from prison after killing her abusive step-father.
- Kim Si-hyun embodies Player 244, a pastor who rediscovers his faith during the game.
- Lee Sang-hee takes on the character of Do Jung-soo (017), a former glassmaker.
- Kim Yun-tae portrays Player 069, participating in the game alongside his wife, Player 070.
- Lee Ji-ha embodies Player 070, joining the game with her husband, Player 069.
- Kwak Ja-hyoung plays Player 278, aligning with Deok-su’s group and acting as his henchman.
- Christian Lagahit appears as Player 276, joining Seong Gi-hun’s group during the Tug of War round.
- Kim Young-ok depicts Oh Mal-soon, Gi-hun’s mother, while Cho Ah-in appears as Seong Ga-yeong, his daughter.
- Kang Mal-geum takes on the role of Kang Eun-ji, Gi-hun’s ex-wife and Ga-yeong’s mother.
- Park Hye-jin plays Sang-woo’s mother, and Park Si-wan portrays Kang Cheol, Sae-byeok’s younger brother.
Guest Cast:
- Gong Yoo features as a salesman recruiting participants for the Game, and Lee Byung-hun appears as Hwang In-ho, the Front Man overseeing the Game.
- Lee Jung-jun makes an appearance as a Guard, with John D Michaels, Daniel C Kennedy, David Lee, Geoffrey Giuliano, Stephane Mot, and Michael Davis portraying VIPs.
Season 2 Cast:
- The second season includes an ensemble cast featuring Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Jo Yu-ri, Kang Ae-shim, Lee David, Lee Jin-wook, Choi Seung-hyun, Roh Jae-won, Won Ji-an, Park Gyu-young, Jeon Seok-ho, Kim Si-eun, and Oh Dal-su.
STORYLINE
In a dystopian portrayal of South Korea, Seong Gi-hun, a divorced father grappling with debt and residing with his elderly mother, receives an invitation to participate in a high-stakes contest featuring children’s games with a lucrative cash reward. Reluctantly agreeing, he finds himself transported to an undisclosed location, joining 455 other individuals facing severe financial hardships. Clad in green tracksuits, they are meticulously monitored by guards in pink jumpsuits while the enigmatic Front Man, concealed behind a black mask and attire, presides over the deadly games where failure means certain death, with each fatality adding ₩100 million to the colossal ₩45.6 billion jackpot. Forming alliances with fellow players, including his childhood friend Cho Sang-woo and North Korean defector Kang Sae-byeok, Gi-hun navigates the treacherous games fraught with physical and psychological challenges in a bid to survive.
Amid the harrowing circumstances, Gi-hun, Sang-woo, and Sae-byeok forge alliances, navigating the perilous games’ intricacies to evade demise and secure the coveted cash prize. As they confront the daunting prospect of death with each failed game, the camaraderie among the players deepens, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the grim reality. Encountering unforeseen obstacles and moral dilemmas, they embark on a perilous journey, battling not only the oppressive rules of the games but also their own inner demons as they strive for survival in the ruthless contest.