The star-studded cast lineup of “Squid Game” Season 2

Netflix’s original series “Squid Game Season 2” not only has the original cast members but also boasts the joining of Im Si Wan, Kang Ha Neul, and more.

The casting for Netflix’s highly anticipated “Squid Game Season 2” has been unveiled. Media around the world reported the casting confirmation shortly after the release and are receiving huge attention.

In fact, the reactions of domestic fans and international fans are not the same. The main cause of the difference is the recognition of the cast. To foreign viewers, the actors introduced this time may be just another Korean actor in the series. However, for Korean viewers, these actors are well-known stars. In other words, this casting news may be interpreted as a sign that Season 2 is coming by foreign fans but domestic fans only focus on the “star-studded cast”. 

Five actors, including Im Si Wan, Kang Ha Neul, Park Sung Hoon, Wi Ha Joon and Yang Dong Geun, will join the confirmed cast Lee Jung Jae, Lee Byung Hun, and Gong Yoo in Season 2. Since the appearance of Lee Jung Jae, Lee Byung Hun, and Gong Yoo alone already formed an all-star cast, the joining of actors who have played leading roles in many good dramas and movies and boast excellent acting skills added more meaning and impact to the lineup.

While most people are raising expectations for Season 2, some netizens in Korean online communities are expressing concern that the splendid cast does not suit the existing concept of “Squid Game”. Pointing out that Season 1 created opportunities for rookie actors and those with poor public recognition, such as Park Hae Soo, Oh Young Soo, Jung Ho Yeon, Heo Sung Tae, Lee Yoo Mi, Kim Joo Ryeong, etc., to shine, some people commented, “It’s unfamiliar to see such handsome and well-known actors playing poor ordinary people in ‘Squid Game’.”

With this cast lineup, the production budget for Season 2 is also expected to increase significantly. The budget for Season 1 was said to be approximately 21 million dollars, but the production cost of Season 2 is already estimated to be up to 100 million, nearly five times more than the previous drama. Since more money is invested in the production, it is understandable that the production team would recruit actors with higher recognition.

Another thing to mention regarding the casting is the “Squid Game” worldview. According to director Hwang Dong Hyuk’s statements, the upcoming season of “Squid Game” will not only showcase survival games like Season 1 but also expand the worldview by exploring the stories of the characters surrounding the survival game. In order to portray deep stories, more star actors with good acting skills are needed, and that’s why Im Si Wan, Kang Ha Neul, Park Sung Hoon, Wi Ha Joon, and Yang Dong Geun were cast. 

Meanwhile, by announcing the cast and their plan to start filming this year, the production team aims to push ahead with the production in earnest and release it in 2024. 

Source: Daum