Squid Game Season 2’s Most Disappointing Storyline Ruins A Beloved Character

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As a devoted fan of “Squid Game,” I must say that Season 2 left me feeling like I had taken a wrong turn at the Front Man’s lair. After the gripping cliffhanger of Season 1, I was eager to see Hwang Jun-ho’s journey continue, but alas, it felt more like a detour than a progression.

Contains major spoilers for Season 2 of “Squid Game”

Following a three-year long anticipation, Netflix has at last released the next installment of their globally acclaimed series “Squid Game.” Regrettably, fans eager to discover what transpired after the suspenseful ending of its inaugural season might find Season 2 somewhat lacking in fulfilling explanations. For those who have yet to watch “Squid Game 2,” consider this your last spoiler alert, as we’re delving straight into unveiling reveals and plot points that extend up to the season’s underwhelming final episode.

In Squid Game Season 1, viewers might remember the gripping plot surrounding Hwang Jun-ho (played by Wi Ha-joon), a detective from the major crimes unit who was on a mission to uncover the truth about his missing brother Hwang In-ho (Lee Byung-hun). After listening to Seong Gi-hun’s (Lee Jung-jae, Player 456) account of his island ordeal to another officer, Jun-ho grew suspicious that In-ho might have been a participant in these deadly games. He secretly boarded a ship to the island, posing as one of the pink guards, and eventually gained access to the VIP room where he confronted the mysterious Front Man, the organizer of the games. The two had a tense showdown on the island’s cliff, exchanging gunfire that left Jun-ho hanging precariously over the edge. Just before his fall, Jun-ho discovered an astonishing truth: In-ho was not only alive but was, in fact, the Front Man himself.

Where is Hwang Jun-ho in Squid Game Season 2?

Luckily (and surprisingly), Hwang Jun-ho is saved by another ship at sea after a fall that seemed certain to be fatal. He is then returned home to recuperate with his family. Once fully recovered, instead of rejoining the major crimes unit or revealing his brother’s identity or whereabouts, he opts for a job as a traffic policeman, where it appears truth and deception are more distinctly defined. It isn’t until another encounter with Seong Gi-hun that Jun-ho emerges from his detached state, and the two agree to collaborate in dismantling the organization; however, Jun-ho continues to conceal the fact that he knows the Front Man’s true identity.

It turns out to be a significant challenge for “Squid Game” as the first-season twist concerning Jun-ho’s character is problematic due to Hwang In-ho portraying both Front Man and an undercover contestant (replacing traitor Oh Il-nam in the Player 001 role). This means that Jun-ho cannot participate in any of the island’s games, as it might give away the repetition of the Season 1 plot twist about a secret betrayer. After the reveal of In-ho/Player 001, it seems like the season will only have a minor storyline for him and his group of mercenaries, who investigate the island from outside the games. Unfortunately, Jun-ho’s role in the season becomes even less significant as there are several episodes where he doesn’t appear at all.

How Squid Game 2 wastes Jun-ho

The complexity and interconnectedness of the storylines in “Squid Game 2” becomes puzzling because the first two episodes establish a rich tapestry of narratives that could logically develop together over seven one-hour episodes. However, the show devotes an excessive amount of time to the tediously slow-paced games, which often lack freshness, even when exploring the dynamics among new contestants.

As a gamer, I found myself yearning for something fresh in Squid Game’s second season. Just like Seong Gi-hun, Hwang Jun-ho is cast as the undercover participant, exploring the island to unravel its mysteries. However, delving deeper into his character might have led to scenes strikingly similar to those from Season 1, which leaves me pondering about the untapped potential. If only the show had chosen to keep Gi-hun outside the games and let Jun-ho step in, facing off against, competing with, and perhaps even triumphing over his brother – now that would have been a captivating twist!

Regarding the series we watched, every scene transition focusing on Jun-ho’s team was met with groans. It’s my hope that when “Squid Game” comes back for its third season, he’ll have a chance to reclaim a more significant role that not only catches viewers off guard but also pays off the emotional investment made by fans who rooted for him throughout the storyline.

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2024-12-26 22:30