With Squid Game season 2 having been met with a mixed response by Netflix viewers, star Lee Byung-hun has addressed his feelings on the reception and the new season. Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, the hit South Korean dystopian sci-fi drama focuses on a group of players being gathered to partake in twisted children’s games to win a life-changing cash prize for the amusement of wealthy and powerful observers. Byung-hun portrays the Front Man, once a player himself who became the masked overseer of the games. Despite the hype for season 2, many viewers expressed their mixed reactions to the sophomore installment.

Recently, Byung-hun opened up to Star News Korea about his feelings on the mixed reviews for season 2. While audiences have taken issues with several elements, the actor stated that he hasn’t taken the critiques personally. He stated that he respects that viewers have been left wanting, acknowledging that it is simply the nature of art:

I respect those opinions. In fact, no work can be free of criticism. I personally found it fun. I thought that director Hwang Dong-hyeok is a very smart person.

Why Has Squid Game Season 2 Been Divisive?

The Series Has Left Viewers Feeling That Too Much Was Left Unanswered

It is understandable why Byung-hun found Squid Game season 2 a more enjoyable experience, as his character was expanded on following the reveal of his identity in season 1. The Front Man, also known as Hwang In-ho, takes on a much more active and antagonistic role, challenging Lee Jung-jae’s Gi-hun as he aims to end the games by posing as a fellow player and sabotaging their efforts. As such, the pair’s history makes them two sides of the same coin and makes season 2 a battle of ideologies. Despite this, season 2 has netted a score of 63% among audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, with many feeling that the season’s pacing was uneven, starting as a slower journey that suddenly speeds up within its final episode. When paired with a sudden climax that leaves the fate of Gi-hun on a Squid Game season 2 cliffhanger, many viewers felt that much of the season had been set up for its third season as opposed to telling its own story.

Our Thoughts On Squid Game Season 2’s Mixed Reception

Production Changes Lead To A Different Structure For The Season

Both Squid Game seasons 2 and 3 were developed back to back after it became clear the story was too much for a single season, meaning that Dong-hyuk had insight into how long the story would go on. As such, closure and unanswered questions will likely be addressed when season 3 premieres in 2025. So, it is not surprising that season 2 ended on a cliffhanger.

With Byung-hun having been part of season 3’s production and having a greater picture of what lies in store for Squid Game’s ultimate conclusion, he can appreciate the work season 2 put into setting up the final act. As such, while some may be left wanting, others may take the actor’s response that satisfying answers are coming once the final games begin.