Netflix has responded to criticism of the Squid Game 2 casting.
Following its meteoric success in 2021, the Korean series will return for a second season.
The survival drama, starring Lee Jung-jae as protagonist Gi-hun, ended on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers wanting more.
Season 2 will feature both new and returning characters, including the game’s mastermind (played by Lee Byung-hun) and detective Hwang Jun-ho (played by Wi Ha-jun). However, O Yeong-su will not return since he is facing sexual assault allegations.
Fans were upset by the absence of female stars in the initial casting announcement for the second chapter, which does not yet have an official release date or plot.
To build anticipation, a teaser trailer was produced, revealing the first glimpse at several well-known South Korean actors who would be appearing in the Squid Game universe.
Former K-pop singer turned actor Yim Si-wan, who previously appeared in Unlocked, is among them.
Park Sung-hoon from The Glory will also appear, as will Kang Ha-neul and Yang Don-guen.
Taking to Twitter to express their annoyance over the lack of actresses, one fan penned: ‘Not a single woman in the main cast of squid game 2nd season lol… were they afraid that another female character would steal the spotlight from the male leads again?’
‘the lack of female leads on squid game s2 is sickening’, another blasted.
‘new squid game season not having a female lead is crazy considering hoyeon was one of the reasons the show became so popular’, one added.
‘squid game season 2’s new characters are just men like where are the women???? the female actress was the best thing of season 1’, another agreed.
Squid game season 2 new characters are giving but where are the women? Wasn’t it a female that carried the last season😭😂
— adaeze nwa🫶🏾 (@mandi_ada) June 20, 2023
NO NEW FEMALE SQUID GAME PLAYER HELLO??????
— ᥫ᭡ (@TAYBR1NAS) June 17, 2023
the female characters (specifically saebyeok) from squid games is what made it so popular. not including female leads is dumb asf
— sage ⟡ (@seoxbc) June 19, 2023
Disappointed to not see Hoyeon or any female cast in the Squid Game teaser 😑
— DM Rius (@dmrius) June 18, 2023
squid game season 2’s new characters are just men like where are the women???? the female actress was the best thing of season 1
— alyssa ʚɞ (@clxvdtyun) June 18, 2023
Indeed, model and actress HoYeon Jung rose to prominence after portraying Kang Sae-byeok in season 1 and today has over 20 million Instagram followers.
Despite the controversy, Netflix has promised fans that additional casting announcements are on the way, and they will feature women.
In a statement provided to Insider, a spokesperson for Netflix clarified: ‘This was the first cast announcement for Squid Game season two.
‘We’re excited to share more casting news soon, which will include the leading female characters.’
The series’ production is set to begin later this year, with creator Hwang Dong-hyuk directing and executive producing.
While the premiere date is yet unknown, Squid Game enthusiasts will be able to get their dose soon with the reality series.
A contentious real-life version of the game was built in order for participants to earn enormous money – don’t worry, no murdering is involved!
Squid Game: The Challenge will be available on Netflix in November, with a first peek provided earlier this month during the streaming service’s Tudum Day.
In a teaser trailer, Netflix declared: ‘This November, the game you love becomes reality.’
It then showed a crew working hard to recreate the set made famous by the Korean drama, as the terrifying Red Light Green Light music played and disguised personnel put up the perilous activities.
We’re quite interested to see how this plays out…
Season 1 of Squid Game is available to stream on Netflix now, with Squid Game: The Challenge landing in November.
