The long-awaited season of Netflix’s Squid Game 2 premiered on November 26, drawing global attention. While the first season was celebrated for its gripping story and cultural impact, Season 2 has received mixed reactions. Fans and critics have expressed disappointment over the portrayal of female characters, citing regression compared to the debut season.
Season 2 continues the story of Ki-hoon (Lee Jung-jae), who returns to the deadly game seeking revenge, and the Frontman (Lee Byung-hun), who orchestrates the events. Following the unprecedented success of Season 1, Netflix fast-tracked Seasons 2 and 3, releasing the latest installment after three years of anticipation. However, it seems the storytelling has left many viewers underwhelmed.
Casting and Gender Imbalance in Season 2
From the start, concerns were raised about the announced cast for Season 2. While renowned actors like Lee Jung-jae, Im Si-wan, and Wi Ha-joon returned or joined the ensemble, fans noticed a glaring gender imbalance in the initial lineup. When the cast was unveiled in mid-2023, there were no prominent female characters. Following criticism, Netflix added Park Gyu-young, Jo Yu-ri, and Kang Ae-shim to the roster, slightly improving the representation.
Despite these additions, many viewers found the portrayal of women in the season lacking depth. Writers often relegated female characters to stereotypical roles. For example, Kang No-eul (Park Gyu-young) and Jang Geum-ja (Kang Ae-shim) struggle with maternal challenges, while Kim Jun-hee (Jo Yu-ri) faces societal judgment for her pregnancy.
Criticism of Flat Female Characters
The lack of dynamic female characters became a significant point of contention. Unlike Season 1’s standout character Kang Sae-byeok (played by Jung Ho-yeon), Season 2’s women largely fade into the background.
The story portrays characters like Kang Mi-na (Song Ji-woo) and Kim Young-mi (Kim Si-eun) as weak or immature and often kills them off early in the plot. Even Semi (Won Ji-an), a resourceful and determined player, faces a forced narrative that prematurely ends her arc.
One exception is Jo Hyun-joo (Park Sung-hoon), a transgender woman and former special forces soldier. Hyun-joo’s courage, skill, and compassion stand out in a season otherwise criticized for shallow characterization. Yet, her inclusion has sparked debates about whether her portrayal adequately represents strong female agency or relies on a limited perspective.
Broader Implications for the Series
This trend of underdeveloped female characters raises broader questions about the creative direction of Squid Game. Critics argue that the series has missed an opportunity to build on its initial success by exploring more nuanced, diverse narratives. While the games remain a vehicle for examining human nature and societal flaws, the lack of well-rounded female roles detracts from the overall impact.
As Netflix gears up to release Season 3 next year, fans are hopeful for improvement. The upcoming installment could address these criticisms by introducing complex female characters who contribute meaningfully to the story. Balancing representation while retaining the series’ core themes will be essential for restoring its cultural relevance.
Final Thoughts
Season 2 of Squid Game has sparked important conversations about gender representation in popular media. While the show explores themes of survival and social inequality, its portrayal of female characters fails to meet audience’s expectations. Season 3 offers creators a chance to redefine their narrative approach. They can ensure all characters receive the depth they rightfully deserve.
Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
