As the excitement mounts for the release of Squid Game Season 2, star Lee Jung-jae recently revealed that stepping onto the set felt all too familiar. "Including promotions, I had been living with Gi-hun for about two years," he shared in a candid interview. "I truly felt like I was him."

For those new to the phenomenon, Squid Game revolves around a deadly competition in South Korea where financially struggling contestants compete in seemingly innocent children's games for a chance at wealth—only to discover that losing the games means losing their lives. The show's gripping narrative struck a chord upon its release in 2021, making it Netflix's most-watched series and earning numerous accolades, including Emmy Awards for both Lee Jung-jae and the show’s creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk.

The announcement of a second season took many by surprise, particularly Lee, who voiced concerns over the time it took to craft the first season. “Initially, I was worried about how long it would take him to write season two,” he admitted. Surprisingly, Hwang managed to put together the scripts for both Season 2 and a planned third season in just six months—a feat he himself called astonishing. “I’m not sure I can write anything that fast again,” he quipped.

Crafting new characters and stories was relatively fluid for Hwang, but determining the future of Gi-hun presented significant challenges. “When I read the scripts, I thought, ‘Hwang really is a genius,’” Lee remarked, showcasing the remarkable collaboration between the actor and the director.

In a landscape where South Korean TV shows rarely extend beyond a single season, both the cast and crew approach this new chapter with a mix of hope and trepidation. Newcomer Yang Dong-geong noted a Korean saying: “There’s no sequel that does better than its prequel.” The cast remains cautious but excited about the potential for success.

The early buzz around Season 2 is promising, as it has already received a nomination for Best Drama Series at the upcoming Golden Globe Awards. For veteran actor Lee Byung-hun, who reprises his role as the complex antagonist, the project represents a career breakthrough. "I've been acting for over three decades, and for many outside Korea, my previous work was unseen. If Squid Game sparks interest in my other roles, that will be the truest reward," he expressed.

The audition experience for new cast member Jo Yu-ri was a nerve-wracking process, as she waited two months to hear about her casting. "I remember crying when I got the news," she shared. While they were asked to remain tight-lipped about the casting process, some friends celebrated her success with champagne.

Adding to the Squid Game universe, Netflix has greenlit a reality competition series based on the show and is developing an English-language version. Filming for Season 3 of the original series has already been completed and is now in post-production.

However, the journey for Season 2 has not been without its controversies. Among the new characters is a transgender role played by Park Sung-hoon. Hwang acknowledges the difficulty of hiring a trans actor, elaborating on the broader challenges facing the LGBTQ community in Korea. "Sadly, in Korea, LGBTQ and gender minority issues are not as accepted as in the West, leaving many groups marginalized," he explained. He expressed the struggle in finding an appropriate actor, concluding that Park's talent ultimately made him the right choice for the part.

With its groundbreaking narrative and gripping characters, Squid Game Season 2 is poised to not only continue the legacy of its predecessor but also to challenge societal norms and expectations. As fans eagerly await the release, the question on everyone’s mind is: will this season surpass the unforgettable first? Stay tuned!