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While fans of the global K-drama phenomenon await the return of its sequel in 2024, the long-awaited premiere of Squid Game 2 has been overshadowed by uncertain clouds of doubt. The Netflix original series came out on the streaming platform in 2021. Thus, it introduced new scares and fan-favorite actors who would have otherwise remained hidden under the shield of being underrated before.
The Emmy Award-winning Korean series has been teasing the upcoming premiere of the second episode for the past few days. Video and photo trailers for the new season have taken over social media, with another explosive season starring Lee Jung Jae, Gong Yoo, Lee Byung Hyun and others.
However, the good news has been overshadowed by the shroud of emerging controversies. Not one, but too many.
Watch the trailer for the premiere of The Squid Game 2:
Explanation of the controversies of The Squid Game 2
Squid Game 2 controversy surrounding the casting of Choi Seung Hyun aka TOP
South Korean media outlet Xports News has brought to light how controversial the participation of Choi Seung Hyun, also known as rapper TOP, in the series is. He was previously convicted of using marijuana, in addition to accusations of workplace harassment that also arose against his name.
After his suspended prison sentence in 2017 for marijuana use, he floated the idea of retiring from his position in the entertainment industry. A heated debate began when news of his return as Squid Game’s main contributor reached the public. This in turn put protagonist Lee Jung Jae’s position under fire due to his connections with TOP, and the alleged role resulting from casting influences in this case.
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Taking these accusations in stride, Jung Jae’s representatives reiterated that casting authority went beyond the actor’s influence, as it was assumed by the director and production company. Netflix also confirmed that casting decisions are handled by creators and based on creative intent.
Squid Game Season 2 Staff Controversy
Although the aforementioned problem had not yet subsided, a new crossfire came to light when other accusations against the filming staff took center stage. A July post on an online community with the caption “Yesterday I saw a ‘Squid Game 2’ staff who thought shooting was a privilege” listed one case of mistreatment by staff members.
The post mentioned a case of rude behavior exhibited by the employee at the Incheon airport in South Korea. In response to that, the Squid Game 2 team extended their apologies and addressed the inconvenience caused.
Squid Game is not the first Netflix series to be embroiled in such controversies. In 2023, the action Kdrama Bloodhounds arrived on the streaming platform, but not after facing its own setbacks. The series premiere hit a wall when actress Kim Sae Ron was taken to court for driving under the influence just as Bloodhounds was completing its final stages of filming.
Since she played a major role in the series, the opening half of the show features her. However, her role is abruptly eliminated in the show’s final story, also starring Woo Do Hwan and Lee Sang Yi. Director Kim Joo Hwan had to edit the show to minimize Kim Sae Ron’s appearance there.
Does this mean that Squid Game Season 2 will also be subject to similar changes? Only time will tell.