Netflix original series ‘Squid Game’ Season 2 is showing off its reputation as a ‘mega hit’, sweeping global popularity charts immediately after its release. In proportion to the hot interest and expectations, distinct likes and dislikes and sharp criticism are continuing. Behind the favorable reviews that it was a successful extension of Season 1, there is also harsh criticism that it ‘is a sequel that lacks creativity’.

○‘All-time’ box office performance from the start

According to FlixPatrol, a global OTT content ranking chart, ‘Squid Game’ Season 2 ranked first in 92 of the 93 countries where Netflix is available, excluding New Zealand, immediately after its release on the 26th. From the second day of its release, it rose to the top in all 93 countries, earning the honor of being the ‘first’ for a Netflix original series. It also received the first perfect score (930 points) in the content ranking score given by FlixPatrol.

In line with this, it is predicted that Netflix will also record ‘record highs’ for weekly viewing time and number of households viewing, which it will release on January 1st of next year. Season 1 recorded a cumulative viewing time of 1.65 billion hours in the 28 days after its release, the highest ever.

In Korea, as soon as Season 2 was released, there was a temporary service delay due to a surge in connections. According to mobile big data company IGA Works Mobile Index, Netflix‘s domestic daily active users (DAU) on the day of release surged 37.6% compared to the previous day.

○ “Ogem as expected!” vs. “Full of disappointment” Likes and dislikes

In contrast to the quantitative success brought about by various indicators, the public’s evaluation of the new season in terms of the ‘emotional aspect’ is sharply divided.

The favorable reviews of Season 2 are concentrated on the series‘ unique genre fun as well as its exquisite blend of a social message criticizing materialism. IGN, a leading North American media outlet, praised the game, saying, “It adds a new element called ’democracy‘ as well as the essence of the economic and political system, which further increases the tension of the game.”

On the other hand, it is disappointing, pointing out the slow development compared to the previous work, the clichés that are difficult to differentiate, and the distraction caused by the increased number of characters.

The New York Times in the United States said, “The story is stagnant,” and pointed out the emptiness caused by the repetition of cruel and violent scenes, and The Hollywood Reporter expressed disappointment, saying, “It just follows the successful formula of Season 1.” In particular, the British Guardian sharply criticized Season 2 for its “lack of creativity,” saying that it follows the Hollywood-style ’bad habit‘ of expanding and splitting the story for profit.


Reporter Seungmi Lee smlee@donga.com