On December 7, 2023, reporters gathered at Gwanghwamun Station before heading to Squid Game 2’s set in Daejeon, Chungcheong Province, South Korea. The visit to two key sets—kept under strict secrecy for a year—provided a glimpse into the much-anticipated second season of the global phenomenon.
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, along with CEO Kim Ji-yeon and art director Chae Kyung-sun, introduced the new sets and revealed key points of the upcoming season.
Insights from the Director
Director Hwang reflected, “Even after many projects, this is my first time showcasing a set publicly—it feels like my debut all over again. We’ve been filming since July, and while the global attention is overwhelming, I’m confident the new games and characters will deliver profound messages.”
Season 2 picks up where the first left off, with protagonist Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) deciding not to board the plane and returning to the game arena with revenge as his goal. “Season 2 introduces new characters as many of the fan-favorites didn’t survive Season 1. This time, the story explores deeper personal relationships among participants.”
The director teased that younger contestants and a more diverse mix of ages, genders, and backgrounds will play a crucial role. “While Season 1 focused on the bond between the two friends, Gi-hun and Sang-woo, this season brings private relationships into the spotlight. It’s been exciting to craft these dynamics alongside both new and veteran actors.”
Innovations in Sets and Themes
The set design for Season 2 retains the essence of the first season while expanding its scale and symbolism.
The iconic dormitory has been recreated and expanded, reflecting the themes of life and death more vividly. Art director Chae Kyung-sun explained, “The dorm now accommodates up to three rounds of gameplay, with empty beds serving as stark reminders of lost lives. Constructing the beds, which required cranes, took over two months to complete.”
A key addition to Season 2 is the OX voting system, which allows contestants to decide whether to stay in or leave after each game. This system introduces a visual distinction between two groups through different-colored uniforms, symbolizing conflict and division. “The OX theme is central to Season 2,” Director Hwang emphasized. “We live in an era where society is increasingly divided—by religion, gender, class. We wanted to satirize this by depicting how people draw lines between themselves and those who are different.”
Art director Chae Kyung-sun elaborated on the visual elements, “We incorporated floor markings with an OX symbol and used lighting to enhance the tension. Initially, we considered fluorescent paint, but instead the director opted for contrasting LED lights that glow dramatically in dim settings, emphasizing moments of choice and division. Red and blue were chosen to symbolize ideological opposition, reinforcing the story’s thematic depth.”
The iconic pink maze-like staircase returns with notable upgrades. “We reimagined the design, improving the flow and structure while expanding the space to 120 pyeong (approximately 400 square meters),” Chae shared. “The staircase continues to evoke a sense of childlike innocence with its vibrant pink hue, but now integrates enhanced visual cues to reflect the rising stakes and emotional intensity of the games.”
Source: Feel The Movie
