After three years of unprecedented success with Season 1, Squid Game 2 has finally launched its first episode on the evening of December 26. Released at 3 PM (Vietnam time), within just one hour of its debut, Squid Game 2 generated a global buzz. Across all social media platforms, Squid Game became a trending keyword, especially on platform X, where the show ranked as the number one trending topic with numerous posts attracting significant engagement from viewers worldwide.
In reality, Season 2 of Squid Game consists of seven episodes. Following the release of the first episode, viewers were left completely stunned by this remarkable work. Social media users have been buzzing with discussions, continuously sharing images related to the show, particularly the shocking scenes that left a lasting impression from the very beginning of Episode 1, including the character played by Gong Yoo.
As anticipated by the media, Season 2 of Squid Game is more intense than Season 1 in many ways. From the very first scenes, the atmosphere was heavily charged. Seong Gi Hun (played by Lee Jung Jae) reappeared with his distinct hairstyle that first appeared at the end of Season 1. There he was, boarding an airplane, having just received a phone call from the game’s recruiter, played by Gong Yoo. Gi Hun discovered a tracking device implanted in his body, immediately leading to a series of shocking moments, including Gi Hun searching for the tracking device in a public restroom, where he attempted to extract it from his body. Instead of fleeing, Gi Hun decided to return to Korea and seek out the people who had previously recruited him into the deadly game. Throughout two years of searching, he faced psychological trauma that remained relentless, even as he tried to find himself and carry two burdens…
The scene where Gi Hun extracts the tracker from his body or the image of his hand shaking with fear left viewers feeling incredibly anxious. Many commented that even in Episode 1, Squid Game 2 has surpassed its predecessor, with heightened gore and shocking moments reminiscent of Season 1. Notably, the most impactful moment in Episode 1 was the appearance of Gong Yoo as the game’s recruiter, which, like Season 1, left a significant impression. Gong Yoo’s presence in Season 2 is not as frequent, but the quality of his performance remains high. His portrayal is particularly intense, especially in scenes alongside Lee Jung Jae, where both characters engage in a deadly game.
Compared to Season 1 and the roles that Gong Yoo portrayed before, viewers felt they witnessed a “different” Gong Yoo this time, delivering a performance that was profoundly engaging, making audiences eager to see him more often in this series (although that may not be feasible). It is evident that Gong Yoo’s portrayal has indeed deepened the character dynamics in Squid Game. Although he still retains his suited look from Season 1, viewers are increasingly captivated every time Gong Yoo appears, thanks to his compelling acting style, charisma, and the chilling nature of the character he portrays.
Viewer Reactions:
- – Gong Yoo exudes a chilling presence; the actor truly embodies a different character. His gaze alone is enough to convey the creepiness of the role.
- – Each episode of Episode 1 was gripping… Truly.
- – The finale? Episode 1 was engaging; I’m hopeful about the upcoming game sequences.
- – I was still figuring out Episode 2 and hadn’t entered the game yet. It’s still quite captivating.
- – Every time the movie makes a dramatic entrance, it truly captivates.