Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-Hyuk has teased that season 2 could be set outside of South Korea, which could present a problem for the series. The brutal Netflix show surprised the world with its barbaric yet complex plot, and its success spread much further than the country it was produced for. This has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for Squid Game season 2, which is now under pressure to follow through on its success with Gi-hun's continued story. However, if the series sees a location change as the creator suggests it might, a particular element could be lost.
Squid Game, which is set in South Korea, explores the complicated social and economic situation that the country has found itself in. However, the idea of the few elites living comfortably in unimaginable wealth while most of society struggles to get by is not unique to Gi-hun's country. Creator Hwang Dong-Hyuk (via Deadline) stated that he had noticed a similar dynamic worldwide. This global issue has led him to consider taking his plot and characters in Squid Game into different countries, which Hwang Dong-Hyuk already set up in season 1.
Squid Game Season 2 Could Be Set Outside South Korea
The Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-Hyuk pointed out that in season 1, the VIPs mentioned that the "Korean game this year is spectacular," which implies that the masked elite enjoys a similar game in different countries. This makes sense since each member of the VIPs seems to be of different nationalities, with Oh Il-nam, the creator of the Squid Game events, acting as the Korean host. Hwang Dong-Hyuk stated that he set this up intentionally so that if the show performed well, he could "expand the universe further so that other countries could have their own version of the Squid Game."
Of course, Squid Game performed very well with audiences from all over the world. Therefore, it seems likely that future seasons, as soon as season 2, could be set outside of Korea. This could be especially interesting, considering Gi-hun was supposed to head for the United States at the end of season 1 but instead turned around and set off with the intention of taking down the Squid Games. If Squid Game season 2 goes the international route that Hwang Dong-Hyuk is hoping for, then Gi-hun may end up in the US after all.
Squid Game's International Setting Could Create A Season 2 Problem
Leaving Korea in Squid Game season 2 would allow the series to take its social commentary to a different level, but it is something of a risk when following up on its first successful season. When a formula works for a new show, switching things up too soon can be jolting for audiences expecting something similar to what they saw in the first season. In the case of Squid Game, the Korean setting and culture were a major staple of the plot and overall appeal. Removing this could be too much too fast.
Of course, it would be just as dangerous for Squid Game to work too hard to duplicate season 1's success with too similar a recipe. So, leaving Korea may be necessary to put a unique spin on the familiar ideas that were already introduced. Overall, Squid Game season 2 is in the precarious position that often comes when a successful series enters its second season. It has a lot to prove, and whether Gi-hun or other characters stay in Korea or head to other parts of the world, the series will have obstacles to overcome.