The first season of the Korean drama made history, garnering 2.2 billion views and becoming Netflix's most-watched series to date. As Netflix revealed the new characters for season 2, David Calderon (@dcalde6fans), a user from X, formerly known as Twitter, expressed anticipation: "Can't wait to see who will survive the games," while speculating about each contestant's fate. Early reviews suggest the second season might surpass its predecessor, with heightened expectations from fans and critics alike.
Convenience store chain GS25 has launched a "Squid Games"-themed pop-up store in Seoul's Seongsu district, a hub for fashion and culture. The temporary store features exclusive items, primarily food products repackaged with themes from the series. Fans flock to the location, lining up to take selfies and purchase limited-edition goods.
In Busan, the Shinsegae Department Store has opened a similar pop-up experience, complete with staff dressed in the show’s iconic pink jumpsuits. Shoppers can browse an array of merchandise, including pillows and apparel, all inspired by the global hit.
The original series set a Netflix record with 1.65 billion hours of viewing in its first 28 days, dominating the platform's top 10 lists in 94 countries and holding the spot for 106 consecutive days. Its cultural impact eclipsed English-language blockbusters like "Stranger Things 4" (1.8 billion hours) and "Wednesday" (1.7 billion hours).
"Squid Game" further cemented its legacy by becoming the first non-English language series to win major Emmy Awards, securing six accolades, including directing and acting honors. Even before its release, Season 2 has already earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best TV Drama Series, signaling another landmark achievement for the franchise.
With the combination of critical acclaim, fan anticipation, and innovative retail tie-ins, "Squid Games" season 2 is poised to dominate both screens and shopping aisles this holiday season.
