Squid Game Season 2 makes changes after Season 1 mistake 'ruined' woman's life 

Netflix’s worldwide hit Squid Game came back with an intense Season 2, drawing in fans who were excited to see what happens next in Seong Gi-hun’s (played by Lee Jung-jae) mission to take down the deadly games. But getting to the second season wasn’t without its problems.

Before the new episodes aired, Netflix had to make an important change because of a mistake in Season 1 that almost ruined the life of a South Korean woman. In Season 1, the show showed an eight-digit phone number that, when combined with the South Korean mobile code 010, turned out to be a real number.

This caused Kim Gil-young, the person who owned the number, to face constant harassment. She received thousands of prank calls, which seriously disrupted her daily life. Netflix eventually stepped in to fix the issue, but it showed how small mistakes can have big, unintended consequences.

Now, as Squid Game Season 2 continues, the show explores deeper moral questions, character development, and Gi-hun’s fight for justice.

Here’s how the creators have improved the series while keeping its edge intact.

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How Squid Game Season 1’s phone number mistake nearly ruined a life

The consequences of the phone number shown in Squid Game Season 1 were quick and harsh. Kim Gil-young, a businesswoman from Seongju, South Korea, suddenly found herself in the spotlight, even though she didn’t want to be.

In a 2021 interview with South Korean media, Kim shared her experience:

“I received over 4,000 calls in one day”.

The constant phone calls came from both curious fans and pranksters trying to act out scenes from Squid Game.

“It was exhausting,” she added.

At first, Netflix advised her to change her phone number, but after public criticism, the streaming service worked with local authorities to remove the problematic scenes. This went on to show the important responsibility creators have in safeguarding people’s privacy.

For Squid Game Season 2, Netflix made sure to carefully check all props, including any contact information.

Dong-hyuk, the creator of Squid Game, said during a press conference before the new season:

“We learned a critical lesson.”

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Gi-hun went from being a survivor to an avenger

Squid Game Season 2 begins three years after Gi-hun’s crucial decision to skip his flight and go after the people behind the deadly games. Fans will see a very different main character – one who is deeply affected by the loss of his loved ones and friends.

Lee Jung-jae told Tudum:

“This season, Gi-hun is driven by more than survival. He’s grappling with whether he can dismantle a system that thrives on despair.”

In Season 2, the main focus is on the conflict between Gi-hun and the mysterious Front Man (played by Lee Byung-hun).

The Front Man, who now takes on the identity of Player 001 with the name Young-il, represents a skeptical and negative view of the world. This puts him at odds with Gi-hun, who still believes in the goodness of people.

“Their conflict feels like a philosophical duel,” said Lee Byung-hun.

As Gi-hun forms new friendships, the show makes us think deeply about fairness and what we’re willing to give up. Can one person really change a system that’s built to keep people suffering?

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In Squid Game Season 2, we meet new players, each with their own complex past

The season also grows its world with fresh characters like No-eul (played by Park Gyu-young), a former defector who becomes a guard, and Jung-bae (played by Lee Seo-hwan), a loyal friend to Gi-hun. No-eul’s emotional story as a North Korean mother torn apart from her child adds to the plot.

Park described her character as:

“A person who’s lost everything but chooses to bring peace to others.”

On the other hand, Jung-bae’s tragic death caused by Front Man marks a big change for Gi-hun.

“Jung-bae represents the hope Gi-hun once had,” said Hwang Dong-hyuk.

His death projects the show’s main idea: the consequences of standing up against an oppressive and unfair system.

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Squid Game Season 2 is now available only on Netflix.

With its thought-provoking stories and games that mirror real-life moral dilemmas, it keeps starting worldwide discussions about human strength and what it takes to survive.