▲ A poster for "Squid Game" Season 2, provided by Netflix. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, Jan. 6 (Yonhap) -- Despite high expectations as one of the most anticipated Korean content offerings, Netflix’s Squid Game 2 fell short at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards held on Jan. 5 (local time) at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. 

 

Industry insiders point to less favorable reviews compared to its predecessor, stiff competition from culturally rich productions like Shogun, and the second season's incomplete narrative as reasons for the outcome.

 

The first season of Squid Game captivated audiences and critics alike with its fresh storyline, but the sequel did not reach the same heights. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the critical score for Season 2 stands at 85%, lower than the 95% achieved by Season 1. Audience ratings also show a stark drop, with the “popcorn score” at 64%, compared to 83% for the original.

 

▲ This image from "Squid Game" Season 2, provided by Netflix, features Lee Jung-jae (R) in the Korean thriller. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

The timing of the awards may have also played a role. Season 2 officially premiered on Dec. 26, just weeks before the Jan. 5 ceremony, leaving limited time for impact. Notably, it was already nominated for the Golden Globes on Dec. 9, well before its release, an unusual occurrence highlighted by foreign media.

 

The Golden Globes have long been seen as a challenging arena for non-English content. Until 2021, the ceremony classified works with more than 50% non-English dialogue as foreign films, limiting their recognition. Even during Squid Game Season 1's historic awards run in 2022—which included Emmy and SAG Award wins—the Golden Globes only awarded O Yeong-su Best Supporting Actor, despite three major nominations.

 

This year, Squid Game 2 faced a formidable rival in FX’s Shogun, a U.S. drama set in Japan. Having claimed 18 Emmy Awards last year, Shogun dominated the Golden Globes as well, sweeping all four categories it was nominated for, including Best Drama Series.

 

▲ This still from "Squid Game" Season 2, provided by Netflix, shows Gi-hun (L). (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

Another critical factor was the narrative structure of Season 2. Described by director Hwang Dong-hyuk as a "bridge to Season 3," the second season lacks the standalone completeness that awards voters often favor. Hwang admitted that the episodic split from an originally unified script diluted the impact, saying, "The message isn’t fully conveyed in Season 2, as it leads directly into Season 3."

 

While Hwang downplayed expectations for this year’s Golden Globes, he remains optimistic about the future. With Season 3 scheduled for release later this year, Hwang believes the series' ultimate narrative resolution could present a stronger case for recognition in next year’s awards season.

 

"All the stories I want to tell will conclude with Season 3," he said. "If there’s a chance to aim for awards again, it will be with Season 3."

 

Despite the setback, Squid Game remains a landmark series in Korean and global entertainment, with its ongoing success continuing to break barriers and inspire conversation about the future of non-English content in international awards.

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