The beloved Korean series Squid Game Season 2 has taken the world by storm, topping Netflix’s global Top 10 chart for two weeks. It has even enchanted audiences in 93 countries, making it a true international sensation. However, the response at home in South Korea has been slightly different. The thriller drama is receiving mixed reviews from local viewers, which has surprised its creators after the enormous success of the first season back in 2021.
The drama has notably been receiving mixed reviews in its home country, a trend its makers didn’t expect after the mammoth success of its debut season in 2021.
Director’s Thankful Note To The Audience
In a recent interview with Herald Pop, director Hwang Dong-Hyuk expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming international support, saying, “I’m incredibly grateful. All I can say is thank you. While various evaluations are important, in the end, a work’s popularity is often measured by viewing hours. It made me realize how many people worldwide love and have been waiting for Squid Game.”
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Acknowledging the increased pressure of expectations, the director remarked, “Having spent 5-6 years solely focused on Squid Game, I wasn’t fully aware of how much interest it was garnering around the world. But during this promotional tour, I’ve been able to feel that interest again. While I’ve realized the heavy burden that comes with the crown, I’ve also had many happy memories. I believe I need to endure the criticisms as well.”
Netflix also posted a video of the director and beloved player 456 expressing their gratitude. The caption reads, “SMILE! Squid Game’s Lee Jung-Jae and Director Hwang Dong-hyuk have a message for you”
SMILE! Squid Game's Lee Jung-jae and Director Hwang Dong-hyuk have a message for you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/srYTBMhhUu
— Netflix (@netflix) January 6, 2025
Hwang Disheartning Message
Hwang described the show’s lukewarm reception in South Korea as disheartening despite its acclaim worldwide. “There’s a saying that even a stray dog gets half a chance at home, but I feel like the evaluations in Korea are the harshest. It’s as if I came home, but my heart feels even less at ease. I just hope for a little more support.”
The Success of the Korean Series
It was a miracle that a Korean show topped the global charts despite the diverse content available to viewers. He said, “In today’s era, where an overwhelming number of content options are available, local productions usually gain love within their country or region. But for a single country’s content to be ranked #1 globally—can that even happen? It’s miraculous. To think that a Korean-language production topped the charts in 93 countries feels like a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. I wonder if I’ll ever be able to achieve something like this again.”
Fans Slam People In Korea
Non-Korean audiences and netizens on social media struggle to understand why Squid Game 2 did not receive the same level of appreciation in its home country. One of the audience wrote on X (Twitter) “must’ve been tough for him, especially after all the global success the show had.”
Another viewer added, “I don’t know much about Koreans, but I think they need to be more open-minded about a lot of things.” Netizens commented, “We all know why, they never let go of the past. They treat their artists like that of a god.”
I’m surprised seeing some people thought Season 2 of Squid Games was mid when I thought it was more amazing and darker than before 🫣 pic.twitter.com/02QPheDX22
— Jazzy🌺🎮 (@_Jazzyguns) December 27, 2024
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