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Squid Game Season 2 captivated audiences with its intense narrative and complex characters. As anticipation builds for the third season, fans have been fervently analyzing promotional materials, particularly a recent cast photoshoot for season 2, to predict potential plot developments and character fates.
In the promotional photoshoot for Squid Game Season 2 uploaded by Netflix on December 29, 2024, fans observed a pattern they believe hinted at the characters' destinies.
The arrangement showed certain actors seated while others stood, leading to the theory that those seated represent characters who will meet their demise, whereas the standing actors portray survivors who will advance to season 3. Reportedly, as per India Hood, season 3 will be released on June 27, 2025.
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A focal point of this speculation was Lee Byung-hun, who portrayed the enigmatic Front Man in both seasons. In the photoshoot posted by Netflix, he was seated, which led fans to conjecture that his character may face an early exit in season 3.
This theory sparked extensive discussions across social media platforms, with enthusiasts debating the potential implications for the series' narrative trajectory. While interpretations of promotional materials offered intriguing possibilities, the actual narrative developments remain under wraps, maintaining the suspense and anticipation that define the series.
One fan commented on an Instagram post by @itsysanjana2 stating:
"Nuh uh I am not allowing netflix to end my frontman 001"
As Squid Game season 2 continues to enthrall viewers worldwide, fan theories and analyses reflect the deep engagement and investment of its audience. Some fans also speculated that Lee Jin-wook's absence from the photoshoot is a subtle hint at his probable return in season 3.
"I have a feeling the character standing up will survived and the ones sitting down will Die," one fan wrote.
"The ones in this video are the survivors walk with me," another fan said.
"They're trying to throw us off for S3 by not including #LeeJinWook," one other fan stated.
Others conjectured that Park Sung-hoon as Hyeon-ju and Lee Jin-wook would return in season 3.
"Squid Games 2 was GOOD. Player 120, Cho Hyun-ju, was the S2 MVP with the bada*s-ery, one taps and kill count. I would be very sad if she was eliminated in Season 3. I want her to have a happy ending," one fan wrote.
"Fun fact: salesman Gong Yoo died in squid game season 2....there will be a replacement." another fan added.
"Want to make a bet? Is Player 246 really dead? I think he's still alive. Soldier 011 seems to have a soft spot for him. Despite being a ruthless killer, she ensures her targets are really eliminated." another fan claimed.
Did Director Hwang Dong-hyuk take inspiration for Squid Game from the 2009 SsangYong Motor strikes?
As per Jacobin's January 2021 article, the creator of Squid Game, Hwang Dong-hyuk, revealed that the series drew inspiration from real-life events, notably the violent SsangYong Motor strikes in 2009. During this period, SsangYong Motor Company announced significant layoffs, leading to a protracted and brutal confrontation between the company's management and its workers.
The company laid off over 2,600 workers and the conflict escalated as workers occupied the factory, demanding job security and fair treatment. The standoff lasted for several weeks—over 77 days—marked by violent clashes with law enforcement, resulting in injuries and a deepening national discourse on economic disparity and workers' rights.
This tumultuous event highlighted the desperation faced by individuals in dire economic situations, a theme central to Squid Game. Similarly, another speculation is that the series drew inspiration from the 1980s South Korean labor camp, "Brothers Home," which tortured and exploited poverty-stricken individuals who had massive debts.
Meanwhile, Squid Game centers on a deadly competition where financially distressed individuals participate in a series of children's games, with the promise of a substantial monetary reward for the sole survivor. The series delved into themes of economic inequality, moral dilemmas, and the human instinct for survival.
In season 2, which premiered on December 26, 2024, the narrative continued with protagonist Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) seeking retribution against the orchestrators of the games. The season introduced new characters and further explored the origins and operations of the sinister organization behind the competition.
Squid Game season 2 is available on Netflix for global streaming.
