Is Democracy Broken? ‘Squid Game’ Director Challenges Traditional Beliefs in Season 2

Director Hwang Dong Hyuk of Squid Game has shared new insights about Season 2 of the global hit series.

In an interview with The Korea Economic Daily on Friday, Hwang described the upcoming season as “a story of challenging an unbreakable power, much like Don Quixote charging at a giant windmill.”

While the first season focused on the brutal competition fueled by capitalism, Season 2 expands its scope to critique the invisible systems that drive people to act irrationally.

“I wanted to question whether systems like representative democracy and majority rule are truly just,” Hwang explained.

He continued, “Life is tough for everyone. We channel our anger by dividing ourselves along gender, generational, and social lines. It’s the most vulnerable groups who end up tearing each other apart. In this dog-eat-dog world, Seong Gi Hun declares that ‘the system is what we must fight against.'”

Addressing some criticisms of the second season, including claims that the plot loses its momentum due to an expanding cast or that the story feels drawn out, Hwang responded, “I believe it’s receiving a fair assessment right now.”

He added, “Unlike Season 1, which came out of nowhere and gained unexpected fame, Season 2 carries high expectations. Naturally, there will be mixed opinions about it. But some of the feedback is definitely worth considering.”

Hwang explained, “If the first season addressed the dangers of a capitalist, competitive society, Season 2 takes a step further to ask: Can we change a broken society? Is it possible through voting, or is revolution necessary? Or is it ultimately impossible?”

He continued, “Our society is fixated on self-interest, and everyone tries to avoid harm. It may seem naive, but I wanted to depict the tragic final rebellion of characters who dream of an ideal world for everyone.”

Hwang also highlighted how Season 2 shifts its focus from the first season’s simple good vs. evil conflict. “In Season 1, it was more of a straightforward battle between the good guys and the bad guys. But in Season 2, I wanted to explore issues that arise within smaller, often overlooked parts of society, such as online gambling, cryptocurrency, and the struggles faced by Gen Z and millennials.”

Looking ahead, Hwang expressed confidence about the direction of Squid Game Season 3: “The next season will explore whether Seong Gi Hun, overwhelmed by despair and guilt, loses his faith in humanity. It will explore the darker side of human existence, and as a result, it will have a huge emotional impact.”