Squid Game Season 2 Premieres: What’s New and Where It Was Filmed

When Squid Game first hit screens in 2021, it took the world by storm with its chilling narrative and scathing commentary on wealth inequality. The K-drama quickly became a cultural phenomenon, earning numerous awards, including the Screen Actors Guild Award, Primetime Emmy Award, Critics' Choice Television Award, and the Gotham Independent Film Award. The season finale left fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter, and after years of anticipation, Squid Game returned for its highly awaited second season on December 26, 2024.

In Squid Game, 456 financially struggling individuals are lured into a deadly competition based on childhood games, with a life-altering cash prize at stake. The stakes are high, and the show’s suspenseful plot is paired with a deep exploration of societal issues, which resonated with audiences worldwide. Season 1 ended on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering what would happen next.

The second season picks up right where the first left off. Lee Jung-jae returns as Seong Gi-hun, who, now with his distinctive red hair, is preparing to take on the mysterious recruiter. Gi-hun's mission is clear: to dismantle the deadly games from within. The upcoming season promises to bring back familiar faces, including Lee Byung-hun as the enigmatic Front Man, while Gong Yoo and Wi Ha-jun reprise their roles. Wi Ha-jun's character, detective Hwang Jun-ho, returns with a shocking twist – he is revealed to be the Front Man’s brother.

The season comprises seven episodes, with the final chapter slated for release in 2025. Viewers can expect a complex mix of returning characters and new additions, with escalating tension and moral dilemmas shaping the narrative.

While the first season was largely filmed in Seoul and private studios, Squid Game Season 2 expands its filming locations to include some of South Korea’s most visually striking spots. These locations not only enhance the show’s atmosphere but also play a key role in its storytelling. Here are some of the standout filming sites:

1. Daejeon Expo Science Park

One of the most prominent filming locations for Season 2 is the Daejeon Expo Science Park. Situated in the heart of Daejeon, this vast park is home to notable attractions like the Hanbit Tower and the World Expo Memorial Museum. The park serves as the backdrop for several pivotal scenes in the series. Among the most exciting additions in Season 2 is a reimagined version of the show’s famous "maze corridors," now more expansive and colorful than ever. Additionally, the dormitory set from Season 1 returns with new elements, including X and O zones, which will be central to the plot, sparking fierce competition among players.

2. Incheon International Airport

As South Korea’s busiest and most iconic airport, Incheon International Airport is not just a transportation hub but a cultural landmark. For Squid Game Season 2, the airport becomes an integral part of the storyline, with several scenes shot amidst real passengers. The airport’s bustling atmosphere adds an intriguing layer of realism to the show, providing a stark contrast to the deadly games that unfold in the narrative.

3. Seongapdo Island

The eerie and isolated Seongapdo Island, located near Incheon, serves as the setting for the show’s most infamous games. While the intense competitions are filmed in studios, the island’s remote, crescent-shaped shores provide the perfect backdrop for the ominous and secluded environment central to the show’s themes. Seongapdo Island is privately owned and off-limits to the public, which only adds to its mystique. The island's natural beauty and isolation create an atmosphere of foreboding, making it a perfect fit for the tense, life-or-death scenarios depicted in Squid Game.

With its gripping plot, complex characters, and visually stunning filming locations, Squid Game Season 2 is captivating audiences once again.