‘Squid Game’ Season 2 Thrives Amid Criticism: Lee Byung-hun Responds

by

Despite the high expectations surrounding the second season of “Squid Game,” which premiered on December 26, 2024, it has not been immune to growing criticism. Netizens have shared mixed feelings about Squid Game season two, but Lee Byung-hun, who portrays the Front Man in the series, has gracefully addressed these concerns.

Please note: the following contains spoilers about season two of Squid Game!

Although some viewers felt that the most recent season didn’t live up to its initial excitement due to an unsatisfying ending, the introduction of the Front Man as Player 001 injected intrigue into the narrative and maintained audience interest. In a conversation with Star News Korea, Lee Byung-hun, recognized for his roles in ‘I Saw the Devil’ and ‘Mr. Sunshine’, discussed the show’s divided reception. He acknowledged that the drama had received mixed responses, but expressed optimism about its future.

‘Squid Game’ is a project where many individuals have put in a tremendous amount of effort. The cast members I collaborated with and everyone involved feel gratified by their involvement. Compared to previous Hollywood productions, I am experiencing emotions that I haven’t felt before. This work stands out to me in a unique way. I value the opinions of others. To be honest, no piece of art is immune to criticism. On a personal note, I found it entertaining. I believe director Hwang Dong-hyeok to be an exceptionally intelligent individual.

‘Squid Game’ Season 2 Thrives as a Success Amid Criticism

As a movie critic, I’d rephrase it like this: In my view, the first season of Netflix’s chilling thriller takes viewers to a mysterious island where financially strapped individuals engage in dangerous games with life-or-death consequences, initially unaware that losing these games means forfeiting their lives. However, the second season delves into the story three years later, focusing on one winner, Gi-hun, and his dogged pursuit to dismantle these deadly contests forever.

In spite of the growing controversy surrounding its second season, Squid Game has managed to secure the third-highest viewership among Netflix television series, surpassed only by Wednesday and the initial season of the Game. While the record-breaking first season boasts an impressive 265 million views, Wednesdays trails closely behind with 252 million views. The second installment of the suspenseful South Korean thriller has earned a noteworthy, albeit less than expected, 152 million views for Netflix.

In a mere four days after its release, the second season of Squid Game broke records by amassing 68 million views, making it Netflix’s largest television debut ever and maintaining its popularity in the following days. It’s worth noting that it also climbed to become the second most-watched non-English series on the platform, racking up a total of 126 million views within only eleven days. However, some viewers might have misconstrued the sequel based on Lee Byung-hun’s comment about no work being immune to criticism.

Although it faced some criticism, the second season of the show offered numerous captivating scenes featuring characters like Byung-hun’s Player 001, Park Sung Hoon’s Hyeon Ju, Choi Seung Hun’s Thanos, and Gong Yoo’s Salesman. As a result, many viewers argue that it was one of the most enjoyable TV series in recent years. Additionally, its ratings support this claim – the second season earned an 8.0 rating on MyDramaList, while the first season received an 8.4 rating, a difference that seems less significant when you take mixed reviews into account. So, what do you think about Squid Game‘s continuation following its record-breaking debut season?

Read More

2025-01-15 23:33