The Netflix series ‘Squid Game’ Season 2 is gaining attention as it hosts various events around the world.
The story of ‘Gi-hun’ (Lee Jung-jae) who vows revenge and returns to participate in the game, and the fierce confrontation with ‘Frontman’ (Lee Byung-hun), along with the real game that begins again, is set to be released on December 26, and a large-scale fan event is being held to capture the attention of global fans.
To meet the hot expectations of fans worldwide, ‘Squid Game’ Season 2 has hosted fan events in a total of 11 countries, starting in Italy in October, connecting global fandoms across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and South America.
In particular, on-site events featured various activities such as races, maze games, and DJ performances, showcasing Korean food and culture, providing global fans with a new joy of experiencing not only Korean content but also the culture as a whole. The events held ahead of the Season 2 release recorded over 2.15 billion exposures on Netflix's global social channels, proving the world's hot interest in Korean content once again.
‘Squid Game’ Season 2 officially began its promotional activities at Europe’s largest comic con, ‘Lucca Comics & Games Festival,’ held in Italy on October 30. The ‘Squid Game’ themed pavilion and special installation outside the Anfiteatro square provided an immersive experience for over 20,000 players attending the event, and on October 31, director Hwang Dong-hyuk and actors Lee Jung-jae and Wi Ha-jun held a special event to meet fans, adding to the highlight of the event.
On December 1, a game of ‘Mugunghwa Kkot-i Pieot Seumnida’ was held on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, France. Out of more than 50,000 applicants, 909 participants aged 18 and over took part in the game, with 20,000 fans on-site and 4.2 million viewers tuning in via YouTube live and replays, drawing significant attention. In the Netherlands, from December 6 to December 8, over 4,000 fans experienced a specially designed ‘Squid Game’ maze. Participants had a thrilling time experiencing the world of the series in a maze that recreated the settings from ‘Squid Game.’
On December 12, a special 4.56K race was held in Los Angeles, USA, ahead of the American premiere. Inspired by the number 456, which symbolizes ‘Squid Game,’ 1,700 fans participated in the race wearing green tracksuits, generating even more buzz.
On December 14, about 2,000 fans participated in a 6K race held at Parque Villa Lobos in São Paulo, Brazil, creating meaningful memories. On December 14 and 15, 1,400 fans gathered at the ‘Squid Game’ arena in Warsaw, Poland, to experience the iconic games featured in the series. Fans participated in games like ‘Mugunghwa Kkot-i Pieot Seumnida,’ tug-of-war, dalgona, and marbles, competing for various prizes. On December 18, a live music event titled ‘Squid Game: The Rave’ was held in London, featuring Korean artists ‘Mogwaa,’ ‘Yu Su,’ and headliner ‘Peggy Gou’ performing at Drumsheds, providing a unique enjoyment for the audience. On December 19, the game ‘Mugunghwa Kkot-i Pieot Seumnida’ was directed by ‘Young-hee’ at the picturesque Bondi Icebergs swimming pool, where over 550 spectators watched the thrilling match, and more than 60 pink guards solemnly watched over the game, creating a unique scene.
Starting with the world premiere event held on December 9 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul, various events for the many fans waiting for ‘Squid Game’ are ongoing in Korea. First, from December 20 to January 12, a ‘Squid Game’ Season 2 pop-up will be held at the open stage on the first floor of Shinsegae Department Store in Gangnam, and from December 20 to January 5 at the central plaza on the basement level 2 of the Centum City store.
The pop-up features a large ‘Young-hee’ welcoming visitors at the entrance, as well as a participant registration photo booth and a maze staircase from the series, generating a hot response. At the Gangnam pop-up, participants can rent the green tracksuits worn by the game participants until December 28, and they can also meet the piggy bank. The participant dormitory, recreated exactly like in ‘Squid Game,’ displays the bunker beds and OX voting machines used in the actual filming.
From December 29, the participant dormitory will transform into a space where visitors can directly experience the games featured in Season 2. Participants will also have a special opportunity to receive a limited edition ‘Squid Game’ advent calendar. The Busan pop-up also features an OX voting zone, and a giant maze staircase along with the actual carousel and colorful doors used in the filming will catch the attention of visitors.
‘Squid Game’ Season 2 also participated in ‘Seoul Light Gwanghwamun’ as part of the Seoul Winter Festa. From December 16 to January 5, various sculptures using ○△□ can be seen along with the ‘Young-hee’ structure in Gwanghwamun Square. In particular, the ‘Young-hee’ structure draws attention just like in ‘Squid Game,’ becoming a popular photo spot for many visitors to Gwanghwamun. Additionally, the Haechi Madang has been adorned with the colors of ‘Squid Game,’ creating a special relaxation space, enhanced by the enjoyment of viewing through a media wall.
In Myeongdong and Samseong Station, the ‘Squid Game’ Season 2 media facade can be seen. From December 6 to January 5 at Shinsegae Department Store in Myeongdong, and from December 6 to December 31 at K-POP Square in Samseong Station, this media facade announces the glamorous return of ‘Squid Game’ to citizens visiting downtown Seoul during the year-end season, providing a delightful experience. In particular, the sight of pink guards preparing the games in the colorful game settings of ‘Squid Game’ and the phrase “Game preparation is complete” maximizes the anticipation and curiosity for the new season, with the release just around the corner.
Meanwhile, ‘Squid Game’ Season 2 will be released on Netflix on December 26.
[Geum Bit-na, MK Sports Reporter]
