‘Squid Game’ conquers the world again, with Seoul as the center of its universe
The promotions for Season 2 of Squid Game came in strong. Global activities that delighted fans of the hit Netflix series were all over, and I mean everywhere. There was the iconic “red light green light doll,” also known as Young-hee, who made appearances at the Champs Elysees in Paris, on a float at the harbor by the Sydney Opera House, at a bridge in London, and at our very own Greenhills. An army of “pink soldiers” invaded a local beach in Australia, and other locations like the Netherlands, India, Brazil, and even the random neighborhood laundromat. Hollywood had a fan meet, run, and its own world premiere.
The highlight, though, of the launch of Squid Game 2 was definitely in Seoul. Squid Game is the most popular Netflix series of all time, with an astounding audience of 330 million who have watched Season 1. It is no exaggeration to say that this Korean series is really a big deal. So, I was thrilled to have been included and experience first-hand the world premiere of Squid Game 2 in Seoul.
At the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, I was totally immersed in the world of Squid Game. The Squid Game set was amazingly recreated—the multi-colored stairways, pink soldiers (real people behind the masks, and not just mannequins), even the steel bunk beds for the players. There were Gong Yoo lookalikes (aka The Recruiter) in dark suits inviting people to play “ddakji,” minus the slaps and wads of cash of course. There were fun activities, claw machines, photo booths, and loads of Squid Game merch. The extensive product tie-ups include Puma, Johnny Walker, Casetify, Wake makeup and Bringgreen skin care lines, Jinro Soju, Bibigo snacks, Crocs and McDonald’s, to name a few. Even popular contemporary artist Kaws has a Squid Game collab, where a Young-hee doll is adorned by his signature “XX” eyes. And everywhere in the city, you would see enormous Squid Game murals on buildings and walls. At the historical Gwanghamun Square, a four-meter-tall Young-hee blow-up doll accompanies the famous statues of King Sejong the Great and Admiral Yi Sun-sin. Squid Game totally took over Seoul.
The world premiere kicked off with a meet-and-greet with the cast, and Team Philippines was in first row. We were so close—yet so far. The advice by staffers was “no touching,” despite being a tempting arm’s length away from the actors. Led by director Hwang Dong-hyuk, the stars Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-joon, Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Park Gyu-young, Jo Yu-ri, Lee Jin-wook and Lee Seo-hwan greeted and welcomed us, one by one.
Later on came the glitz and glamour as the stars walked down the pink carpet, an impressive flight of stairs surrounded by what seemed to be a hundred pink soldiers. The official program started with dancers from the famous 1Million Dance Studio (known for their work with K-pop idols) in pink soldier costumes, strutting and popping in a spectacular dance number with the fanfare of flags, pyrotechnics, and all. Then, the CEO of Netflix Ted Sarandos warmly welcomed us to the Squid Game universe, and thanked us for our support. The main event of the evening was, of course, the appearance of the main cast of Squid Game 2. There was a lot of squealing and yelling (selected fans were in attendance), not to mention people sticking out their hands with half a heart, hoping for the celebrities to complete the hand heart, as they passed by. The stars of Squid Game 2 engaged in dialogue with the hosts sharing their thoughts on their roles in an interesting Q&A, leaving the audience enthralled. As a finale, the cast had a group photo with us, the lucky audience. Yeah, I am just a speck in that picture—but I can claim to have a photo with Korea’s biggest stars from Squid Game, its biggest series. Iconic.
Giant Young-hee at the historic Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul
Famous contemporary artist Kaws has partnered with Netflix, releasing a limited collection of Young-hee pieces. Photo from IG @kaws
The Squid Game set was recreated, together with fun games, in a Fan Activation Zone, at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
Even the steel bunk beds from the set were recreated at a special zone for fans during the premier of Squid Game 2.
At Seong-su in Seoul, Squid Game scenes are painted on buildings.
Images of pink soldiers on the streets of Seoul
Giant Young-hee at the historic Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul
Famous contemporary artist Kaws has partnered with Netflix, releasing a limited collection of Young-hee pieces. Photo from IG @kaws
The Squid Game set was recreated, together with fun games, in a Fan Activation Zone, at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
Even the steel bunk beds from the set were recreated at a special zone for fans during the premier of Squid Game 2.
At Seong-su in Seoul, Squid Game scenes are painted on buildings.
Images of pink soldiers on the streets of Seoul
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Season 2 of Squid Game drops on Dec. 26 on Netflix.
