What was the song on Squid Game 2's Mingle round? Every track from the Netflix sequel explored

Squid Game season 2 continues its tradition of using music as a pivotal storytelling element, blending childhood rhymes, classical masterpieces, and modern tracks to heighten its psychological intensity. The contrast between poetic melodies and brutal reality transforms music into a force that heightens the plot's intensity and stakes.

The game "Mingle," featured in episode 5 of Squid Game, uses the iconic Korean nursery rhyme Round and Round to create this atmosphere of tension and urgency. The season also incorporates classical compositions alongside original tracks, continuing the tradition established in the first season. Each piece aligns with specific scenes, emphasizing key moments in the narrative.

Music in Squid Game season 2: Blending nursery rhymes, classical compositions, and heightened tension

Squid Game season 2 integrates nursery rhymes, classical music, and original compositions to emphasize the high stakes and emotional weight of its games. Each track is used to align with specific moments, enhancing the overall narrative impact for the viewers.

The song during the "Mingle" game

In episodes 5 and 6 of Squid Game season 2, titled One More Game and O X, respectively, the contestants face a perilous challenge known as "Mingle." This game, reminiscent of musical chairs, requires players to form groups matching a randomly announced number within a limited time and rush into designated rooms. Those left without a group are eliminated on the spot. The game continues for six rounds.

During this intense game, the melody of Round and Round (둥글게 둥글게) plays in the background. This traditional Korean nursery rhyme, with lyrics by Jeong Geun and music composed by Lee Su-in, is widely recognized for its cheerful tune and is commonly sung by children during circle dances.

The juxtaposition of this innocent and lighthearted song against the deadly stakes of the "Mingle" game amplifies the episode's tension. The lyrics, which encourage dancing joyfully in a circle, starkly contrast the life-or-death scenario unfolding on screen, enhancing the scene's unsettling atmosphere. The English translation of the track's lyrics reads:

"Let's dance round and round, round / and round Let's dance happily, clapping / our hands and singing / Lalalala Let's dance joyfully, / linga linga linga linga / linga linga linga linga linga linga / Let's hold hands and / jump happily together , / round and round, round and round / Let's dance happily, / clapping our hands and singing / Lalalala Let's dance joyfully"

Fly Me to the Moon in Red Light, Green Light

Expand Tweet

Fly Me to the Moon, a timeless classic originally performed by Frank Sinatra, is prominently featured in Squid Game's "Red Light, Green Light" game in episode 3. A cover by Korean singer Joo Won is played as the Front Man, In-ho, observes the deadly game from his secure vantage point.

In-ho's choice of this song reflects his unsettling enjoyment of the games. As he drinks and watches the carnage unfold, the romantic and lighthearted lyrics create a disturbing contrast to the violence.

Later in the game, a remixed version sung by Joo won-shin plays when Player 230, portrayed by T.O.P., shoves contestants to their deaths. The altered version complements Player 230's drug-induced euphoria, amplifying the horror of the moment.

Classical music in Squid Game season 2

Season 1 of Squid Game features various classical pieces like Haydn's Trumpet Concerto, Mozart's Lacrimosa, and Strauss's Blue Danube Waltz. These compositions contrast the gore and elevate the tension.

Season 2 continues this tradition, incorporating Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, Vivaldi's Four Seasons, and Puccini's Turandot, among others.

Some of the classical works featured in season 2 at the time of the games include:

Time to Say Goodbye – Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman's iconic duet plays during a harrowing Russian Roulette scene, adding irony to its theme of separation and farewell.
Nessun Dorma – Paul Potts' rendition of Puccini's aria is featured during a deadly game of Rock, Paper, Scissors combined with Russian Roulette. Its themes of love, hope, and impending doom perfectly mirror the stakes of the game.

Expand Tweet

Original tracks by Jung Jae-il

Jung Jae-il, the composer behind Squid Game's first season, returned to create the soundtrack for season 2. Known for his work on Parasite (2019) and Okja (2017), Jung combined classical pieces with original scores. His compositions heightened the psychological tension while offering stark contrasts to the on-screen violence.

The tracklist for Squid Game season 2 also includes original tracks by Jung Jae-il, such as:

Way Forward by Jung Jae-il,
OXI by Jung Jae-il,
You're Nothing but a Puppet by Jung Jae-il,
Pink Soldiers Redux by Kim Sungsoo,
Vote I by Jung Jae-il,
Let's Go Out! by Jung Jae-il,
Round the Circle I by Jung Jae-il,
Let Me Be a Part of the Game by Jung Jae-il,
Jung-bae ya! by Jung Jae-il,
Round II by Jung Jae-il,
No Way Back by Jung Jae-il,
OXII by Jung Jae-il,
Hyun-ju by Jung Jae-il,
War by Jung Jae-il,
A Five People Game by Park Min Joo,
I Believe Your Courage by Jung Jae-il,
The Team HJ by Jung Jae-il,
Gong-gi with Bullets by Jung Jae-il,
We're Together by Jung Jae-il,
Funeral by Kim Sungsoo,
A Toilet Fight I by Park Min Joo,
Ddakji Man by Park Min Joo,
Round the Circle V by Jung Jae-il,
Molar I by Park Min Joo,
A White Limousine II by Park Min Joo,
Player vs Pink Guards by Park Min Joo,
Player vs Pink Guards III by Park Min Joo,
Counter Strike by Jung Jae-il,
Don't Die in Vain by Jung Jae-il.

Jung's original tracks from season 1, such as Way Back Then and Pink Soldiers, make a return, seamlessly connecting the two seasons.

All of these tracks are available on various music streaming platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, and more.

Squid Game season 2 premiered on Netflix on December 26, 2024. It features both returning and new cast members. Lee Jung-jae reprises his role as Seong Gi-hun, now focused on uncovering the game's secrets. Wi Ha-joon returns as Police Officer Jun-ho, still searching for his brother, In-ho.

New characters, played by Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-wook, T.O.P, and Park Sung-hoon, bring complex backstories. The season explores the emotional and moral consequences of the game.

Edited by Riya Peter