Squid Game season 2 release date, episode count and cast as it returns to Netflix

Squid Game season two has been hailed as a phenomenon by South Korean stars as they had no idea the dystopian thriller would become a gloabl hit. The first season gained international attention, becoming Netflix's most-watched series and the most-watched programme in 94 countries.

Due to its unprecedented success, the show has already been renewed for a third and final season ahead of the second outing's release. The final instalment is likely to air in 2025.

Production for the second season began in July 2023, and it follows Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae), who had vowed revenge one year later after winning the Squid Game. He returns and joins the game again to take on the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) and end the game for good.

He is joined by police officer Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon), the Front Man's brother, who attempts to help him stop the game and save his brother. In the game, he will once again team up with new players, including his friend Jung-bae (Lee Seo-hwan), to make sure there are as many survivors as possible.

The Front Man, meanwhile, does everything in his power to make sure Gi-hun fails in his quest. Here is all you need to know about the new series.

When is Squid Game season 2 out?

The new series is made up of seven episodes and it is scheduled to be released on December 26.

Bread and Lottery is the title of the first episode, and all instalments will be made available to watch at the same time.

The new series welcomes some new faces including a transgender character played by Park Sung-hoon.

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk told AP News said it was a challenging casting process, explaining: "To be honest with you, in Korea, when it comes to the LGBTQ and gender minority community and culture compared to the Western worlds, it’s not as widely socially accepted yet. Unfortunately, a lot of the groups are marginalized and neglected from society, which is heartbreaking."

Who is in Squid Game season 2?

A number of new players have been added alongside the original cast for the new series.

Season two welcomes Park Gyu-young as No-eul, a former soldier and North Korean defector who is looking for her newborn son who stayed in the North.

Chae Kook-hee stars as Seon-nyeo, a once-powerful Korean shaman who has lost her touch.

Lee David as Min-su, a timid man who joins a group of young players led by "Thanos"

Choi Seung-hyun joins as "Thanos", a former rapper who lost his money in a cryptocurrency scam and holds a grudge.

Roh Jae-won stars as Nam-gyu, a former nightclub worker who met "Thanos" while working at the club.

Won Ji-an joins as Se-mi, a woman who befriends Min-su and says she would rather die in the game than return home.

Kim Si-eun also stars as Player 095. The series also welcomes Jeon Seok-ho and Oh Dal-su in undisclosed roles.

Squid Game season 2 airs on Netflix on December 26