The much-talked-about second season of the action-packed South Korean series, Squid Game, is here, and it’s got everyone buzzing.
Upon its release in 2021, the first season of this dystopian thriller captured the imaginations of viewers worldwide. The series centers on contestants who participate in a series of deadly games for a chance to win a life-altering cash prize, igniting a frenzy among Netflix subscribers.
Acclaimed by critics and viewers alike, Squid Game scored an impressive 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and quickly became Netflix’s most-watched series.
With the release of the eagerly awaited second season in December, social media became awash with fan theories from those who binge-watched the new episodes in mere days.
However, despite the introduction of intense new games and plenty of gripping scenes, some fans took to Twitter to express their disappointment, labeling the season as ‘boring’ and stating it didn’t resonate as strongly as the first.
Meanwhile, other viewers have delved into deeper plot theories, so be warned of potential spoilers if you’re not caught up.
The second season picks up with Seong Gi-hun, portrayed by Lee Jung-jae, three years after his victory in the first Squid Game.
Seong returns to the arena to confront new challengers, seemingly intent on putting an end to the games once and for all.
In typical Squid Game fashion, we face multiple surprises, including the revelation that the Front Man, leader of the Masked Men and brother to police detective Hwang Jun-ho, has entered the game as Player 001.
This isn’t without significance, as Oh Il-nam, the elderly financier and creator of the games, also went undercover as Player 001 in the first season.
Fans have begun to speculate about a familial link between the old man and the Front Man, hypothesizing they may be father and son, bolstered by several clues.
Firstly, their names share a resemblance. The Front Man, when recounting his past to Gi-hun, mentions he was once called Young-il, a name not too different from Il-nam.
Secondly, the Front Man’s brother is seen talking to their mother about their father’s death, and we know Il-nam passed away in the first series.
Moreover, in the original series, Gi-hun shared he ‘can’t drink regular milk,’ to which Il-nam replied, ‘You’re just like my son.’
Coincidentally, the Front Man, posing as Player 001, also revealed he can’t drink milk when he offered his drink to a pregnant contestant.
Another prevailing theory has turned the spotlight towards Gi-hun, Player 456.
In one scene, Gi-hun gestures upwards, explaining to others that the Squid Game ‘masters’ reside on the upper floors.
While 10 of the players looked up, fans noted that Player 001 did not; instead, he was watching Gi-hun.
On Facebook, a viewer speculated: “Does this mean Player 456 is the actual mastermind behind all of this? Was he 001’s accomplice from the start?
“We, the audience, were the ones played!”
Others, however, dismissed the notion, suggesting the Masked Man’s gaze could be interpreted as a ‘look of love’ or a ‘death stare.’ They remarked, “Why would he look up? He already knows what’s there,” said another fan.
In a different theory, a fan suggested: “I don’t think he is yet, but I’m pretty sure by the conclusion of season three, Player 456 will take charge and carry on the legacy of the squid games.”
Fortunately, fans won’t have to wait long, as the third season is slated for release later this year.