Netflix’s smash-hit series “Squid Game” makes its highly anticipated return with the premiere of its second season on Monday, just as South Korea grapples with real-life political chaos.
The dystopian South Korean thriller, which explores themes of societal division and inequality, is back amid unprecedented political unrest. The show’s premiere comes just days after South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol sparked a national crisis by briefly declaring martial law, a decision that was swiftly overturned after lawmakers, backed by heavily armed soldiers, fought to vote it down in parliament.
Yoon, who survived an impeachment attempt, remains in office despite accusations that his party attempted a “second coup” to retain power. His opposition is vowing to push for his removal again, with massive street protests expected in the coming days.
“Squid Game,” a violent and thought-provoking show, is regarded as one of the works that has cemented South Korea’s position as a global cultural powerhouse, alongside the Oscar-winning film Parasite and the global success of K-pop superstars BTS.
Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator, writer, and director of Squid Game, expressed his sorrow over the political situation in his country ahead of the red-carpet premiere of the show’s second season on Monday. The global release is set for December 26.
“I feel heavy-hearted about what is happening in my country,” Hwang said at a press conference in Seoul. “It is extremely unfortunate and infuriating that the entire nation is unable to sleep due to such absurd circumstances.”
He noted that South Koreans have been forced to take to the streets in protest, as the country faces a year-end filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. Hwang admitted to staying up all night watching the live news coverage of the martial law events as they unfolded.
He called on President Yoon to take responsibility for the political crisis, saying, “Whether through impeachment or voluntary resignation, the person responsible must accept accountability.”
The timing of Squid Game’s return amidst South Korea’s political chaos has added a layer of real-world tension to the cultural impact of the series, which continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
