As fans of the global K-drama phenomenon await the return of its sequel in 2024, an uncertain cloud of doubt hangs over the anticipated premiere of Squid Game 2. The original Netflix series arrived on the streaming platform in 2021. Thus, new scares and fan-favorite actors were introduced who otherwise remained hidden under the shield of underrepresentation.
The Emmy Award-winning Korean series has been teasing the upcoming premiere of the second chapter for the past few days. Video and photo previews of the new season have hit social media, promising another explosive season starring Lee Jung Jae, Gong Yoo, Lee Byung Hyun and others.
However, the good news has been overshadowed by emerging controversies. Not one, but many.
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Squid Game 2 Controversies Explained
Squid Game 2 controversy over casting of Choi Seung Hyundai aka Top
South Korean media outlet Exports News has revealed just how controversial Choi Seung Hyun aka Rapper T.O.P’s involvement in the series is. He had a previous conviction for using marijuana, and also had allegations of workplace bullying to his name.
Following a suspended prison sentence in 2017 for marijuana use, he considered retiring from his position in the entertainment industry. When news of his return as a major contributor to the Squid game was revealed to the public, a heated debate broke out. This resulted in leading man Lee Jung Jae’s position coming under criticism due to his ties to TOP and the alleged role of casting effects in the matter.
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Taking these allegations seriously, Jang Jae’s representatives reiterated that the casting authority was beyond the actor’s influence as it was made by the director and the production company. Netflix also confirmed that casting decisions are controlled by the creators and are based on creative intent.
Squid Game Season 2 Staff Dispute
While the above issue was not yet calmed down, a new firing came to light when other allegations against the filming crew took center stage. A July post on an online community titled, “Yesterday saw a ‘Squid Game 2’ staffer who thought shooting was a privilege” listed a case of abuse by staff members.
The post mentions a case of rude behavior displayed by an employee at South Korea’s Incheon airport. In further response, the Squid Game 2 team addressed the inconvenience and apologized.
Squid Game is not the first Netflix series to be embroiled in such controversies. In 2023, the action drama Bloodhounds hit the streaming platform, but not after facing inconveniences. The series premiere was hampered when actress Kim Se Ron was taken to court for drunk driving while Bloodhounds was completing its final stages of filming.
Since he has played an important role in the series, he is featured in the early part of the show. However, his role is abruptly removed in the show’s later storyline starring Woo Doo Hwan and Lee Sang Yi. Director Kim Joo Hwan had to edit the show to reduce Kim Se Ron’s presence.
Does this mean that Squid Game Season 2 will see similar changes? only time will tell.
