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The Netflix original series Squid Game, where 456 participants with desperate backstories risk their lives in deadly games, is known for its contrast between brutal violence and the vibrant, warm colors of the background, as well as its eerie music featuring childlike instruments such as recorders.

The second season of Squid Game (2024), released on the 26th of last month, continues this ironic setting by turning simple childhood games into life-or-death battles. Just like the actors, the production team has garnered attention for creating a unique world. The key figures behind this world are the art director Chae Kyung-sun, music director Jung Jae-il, and cinematographer Kim Ji-yong, who joined for season two.

On the 16th, at a cafe in Jongno, Seoul, the three directors sat down to share the behind-the-scenes stories of their production process. Despite the early hour, many journalists gathered to interview them, driven by the immense interest in Squid Game 2. The directors expressed their gratitude, saying, “We work behind the scenes, but we’re thankful for all the attention.”

Differences Between Season 1 and 2

Squid Game 2 follows Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), who, after winning the prize money from the deadly game in Season 1, returns to find the game's mastermind, Frontman (Lee Byung-hun), and stop the game. The new season introduces new characters, a playground-like setting for the games, and a distinct visual and thematic shift from the first season.

Chae Kyung-sun, the art director, is responsible for designing many iconic sets, such as the large dormitory, the pink maze stairs, the OX light installation on the dormitory floor, and the giant merry-go-round set in the "Round and Round" game. She also designed the large circular set for the "5-in-6" game. Having already earned recognition for her work in Season 1, which won the Primetime Emmy Award for Production Design in 2022, Chae Kyung-sun continues to deliver stunning visual experiences.

“I had a lot of pressure to create something new and exciting,” she shared. “But with that pressure came the realization that simply being overly ambitious with the design was not always effective. I had to focus on bringing it back to basics, ensuring the familiar elements from Season 1 were retained.”

The giant circular set, spanning 500 pyeong, was designed without relying on computer graphics. “We worked hard to create it physically, even attaching around 1,000 sparkling light bulbs. The actors really loved working in that space, which made me happy,” she said with a smile.

Kim Ji-yong, the cinematographer, focused on the changes in Seong Gi-hun’s character. “Season 2 is about Gi-hun returning to the game, so I thought about how he would perceive the space. I paid close attention to the moment he wakes up in the dormitory, and you can definitely feel the difference when compared to Season 1. The approach was more centered on Gi-hun’s position in this story,” Kim explained.

Kim also made notable changes to the iconic Young-hee robot, which has sparked rumors about a “replacement” due to slight differences between Season 1 and Season 2. Kim responded with a laugh, “Young-hee hasn’t changed. We just wanted to express her differently this time. By changing the lens or the camera distance, we aimed to make her appear more frightening and grotesque. If viewers noticed the difference, I’d consider that a success.”

Jung Jae-il, the music director, is credited with contributing to the global popularity of Squid Game with his iconic soundtrack, using instruments like recorders, small drums, and castanets. His skill was already evident in the film Parasite (2019), for which he received recognition.

“I didn’t feel the burden to recreate something like ‘Way Back Then’,” Jung said. “That song stood out because it was unique. So, this time, I focused on creating music that matched the screen while also trying to maintain that uniqueness.”

He further explained, “This season had more characters, and although the story is filled with despair, there were also moments of warmth. I really immersed myself in the story, and while playing the music, there were moments where it just flowed perfectly, especially in scenes where participants support each other, like in the ‘5-in-6’ game, or when Frontman reveals half-truths to Gi-hun.”

Focus Areas for Season 2

Season 2 begins by focusing on events outside the game. Gi-hun is planning his revenge while staying in a rundown motel. Cinematographer Kim Ji-yong explained, “I wanted to emphasize that the outside world and the game world aren’t all that different. Inside the game, we contrasted the blue and red of the OX floor, and in the motel, I deliberately used contrasting colors like blue and red when Gi-hun and Ddakjin (Gong Yoo) play Russian roulette. I wanted to highlight that the inside and outside are not so different.”

Chae Kyung-sun added that new colors such as orange and purple were introduced in Season 2. “Purple, which symbolizes power, was used in the corridor when Gi-hun and Jung-bae (Lee Seo-hwan) infiltrate the organization. As for orange, it’s warm and stable, but also desires to resemble red. It symbolizes ambition, which is why it’s used in the ‘Round and Round’ game, where players betray each other to survive.”

Squid Game 2 not only brings new thrilling elements to the series but also deepens the complexities of its characters and settings, all thanks to the visionary work of the production team.