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BTS and Squid Game 2 made headlines online on January 17, 2025. The internet was abuzz following a recent post by Billboard Korea's official Instagram account on January 17, 2025, which shared fan-made edits by @koo_epiphany featuring members of BTS, BLACKPINK, Twice, Stray Kids, and other idols as contestants in the popular Netflix series Squid Game.
The fan edits depict idols such as BTS's V (Kim Taehyung), BLACKPINK's Jennie, and Stray Kids' Hyunjin in the distinctive game attire from the series with a designated player number. Billboard Korea's caption read:
"What would it look like if an k-pop artist stepped into the world of Squid Game? We‘ve gathered a collection of unique fan artworks born from incredible creativity. Which K-pop artist would you like to see in Squid Game Season 3? Share your thoughts in the comments!"
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In the edits, BTS' Kim Namjoon (RM) was designated as Player 456, Kim Seokjin as Player 388, Min Yoongi (SUGA) as Player 007, Jung Hoseok (j-hope) as Player 390, Park Jimin as Player 246, Kim Taehyung (V) as Player 149, and Jeon Jungkook as Player 333.
Fans flooded social media platforms with discussions. One fan wrote on X:
"My bangtan"
Some fans were thrilled to see Billboard Korea post the fan edits of BTS members as game players.
"JIMIN IS BREATHTAKINGLY GORGEOUS," one fan wrote.
"Everyone's still mad in the comments but I'm obsessed with this edit. Yoongi would be perfect in SG3. He looks so good," another fan said.
"Billboard Korea collected fan art of BTS as part of the Squid Game 2 cast and uploaded it on their official acct. They also tagged each member's official IG accts," another fan noted.
However, several fans were apprehensive about Billboard Korea's recent post and accused them of using BTS for clout.
"I hope they are also tagging the creator of the fan art.. they notoriously stole previously and edited... so...." a fan said.
"I don't trust them one day asking for clout another day throwing them under the bus," another fan reacted.
"I seriously doubt they learned anything. They're just trying to play nice because once the 7 reunite, BH might block them from any interaction with the boys." one other fan wrote.
BTS' Taehyung rumored to join Squid Game 3 and the season 2 plot overview
Adding fuel to the speculation, rumors have surfaced suggesting that BTS' Taehyung, aka V, might join the cast of Squid Game 3.
These rumors gained traction after Taehyung was seen socializing with lead actor Lee Jung-jae and other cast members, as well as his previous appearance in a Squid Game guard costume during BTS' Permission to Dance on Stage concerts in Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, in January 2025, in response to these rumors, Lee Jung-jae and fellow actor Wi Ha-joon addressed the speculations during an interview with BuzzFeed UK.
When asked about Taehyung's potential involvement in the upcoming season, Lee Jung-jae's ambiguous responses left fans hopeful and eager for official confirmation.
Lee Jung-jae smiled and stated,
"I can't say anything about that."
The intersection of K-pop and Korean drama has become increasingly prevalent, with Squid Game 2 already featuring idols such as former BIGBANG member T.O.P, IZ*ONE's Jo Yu-ri, and ZE:A's Yim Siwan. As of now, there has been no official confirmation regarding Taehyung's participation in Squid Game Season 3.
Netflix's Squid Game 2 delved deeper into the dark and twisted world of the deadly competition, bringing back familiar faces like Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon), Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), and the recruiter (Gong Yoo) and introducing new characters that enrich the narrative.
Seong Gi-hun, the protagonist and previous winner of the games, returned with a mission to tear down the organization from within. Haunted by the traumatic experiences and driven by a sense of justice, Gi-hun infiltrated the games as Player 456 once again, aiming to end the cycle of violence and exploitation.
Within the arena, Gi-hun formed alliances with fellow participants, including Jung-bae and Hyun-ju. Unbeknownst to him, Hwang In-ho, the Front Man, entered the games disguised as Player 001, under the alias Oh Young-il.
The games commenced with "Red Light, Green Light," where Gi-hun's prior experience became both an advantage and a source of internal conflict. As the games progressed, Gi-hun and his allies orchestrated a rebellion, seeking to overthrow the oppressive system.
However, In-ho, aka Front Man's covert interference, thwarted their plans, leading to devastating consequences. The betrayal by someone within their ranks underscored the pervasive mistrust and manipulation that defines the environment of the games.
The season culminated in a tense standoff between Gi-hun and the Front Man. In a surprising post-credits scene, a new character, Cheol-su, is introduced alongside the infamous doll, Young-hee. This teaser hinted at the game's evolution and set the stage for future storylines, leaving audiences both intrigued and apprehensive about what lies ahead.
Both seasons of Squid Game are streaming on Netflix. Season 3 is reported to be released in June 2025.
