Netflix's highly anticipated 'Squid Game' season 2 is nearing its release, but one sensitive topic about this season's theme has come to light.

In early December of last year, Netflix unveiled the Season 2 set of 'Squid Game' to the press. Series director Hwang Dong Hyuk noted that “Season 2 reflects societal issues like divisiveness and gender conflict,” which piqued interest.

Director Hwang explained, “In Season 2, the 'OX Voting' system, which allowed players to vote to end the game in Season 1, has been further developed. In Season 1, players could vote to leave after a game ended. Now, in Season 2, participants will be given a chance to vote after each game to decide whether to stay or leave." He continued, "Those who choose 'O' or 'X' will form separate groups, leading to divisions and internal conflicts as participants take sides.”

Hwang Dong Hyuk expressed his concerns about modern-day divisiveness, saying, “Nowadays, there’s so much division — global, regional, religious conflicts, wars. In Korea, too, there are generational conflicts and even disputes within younger generations, as well as gender-based conflicts, often referred to as the ‘20-something male’ vs. ‘20-something female’ rivalry, along with existing regional, class, and socio-economic divides. There are just too many divisions and classifications.”

He continued, “We see people labeling groups they don’t belong to as ‘wrong’ and categorizing each other into ‘O’ and ‘X,’ attacking and clashing with one another. As a satirical element, we’ve woven a voting system with ‘O’ and ‘X’ choices into Season 2 to explore this theme of separation and conflict.”

In Korean society, the gender conflict between what is often called "20-something males (이대남: i-dae-nam)"  and "20-something females (이대녀: i-dae-nyeo)" has intensified, becoming a social issue. “20-something males” refers to men in their 20s, and “20-something females” refers to women in the same age group. These terms denote groups that have become prominent in gender-related discussions and controversies.

The roots of these tensions lie in perceptions of inequality and discrimination in areas such as employment, military service, and welfare policies. Many young men in their 20s advocate for fair treatment and policy consideration, arguing for the recognition of the sacrifices and opportunity costs associated with mandatory military service. On the other hand, young women emphasize gender equality based on experiences of discrimination in hiring and daily life. These differences have heightened mutual resentment, making gender conflict a major issue across politics and society.

Politicians have also fueled this divide by targeting remarks or policies toward either group, intensifying conflicts and weakening social cohesion as the antagonism between these sides grows.

'Squid Game' Season 2 follows the intense showdown between Gi Hun (portrayed by Lee Jung Jae), who returns to the game seeking revenge, and the Front Man (played by Lee Byung Hun), who confronts him, along with the real games starting once again.

Returning cast members from Season 1, including Lee Jung Jae, Lee Byung Hun, Wi Ha Joon, and Gong Yoo, are joined by a lineup of new characters played by Im Si Wan, Kang Ha Neul, Park Gyu Young, Lee Jin Wook, Park Sung Hoon, Yang Dong Geun, Kang Ae Shim, Lee David, Choi Seung Hyun (T.O.P.), Noh Jae Won, Jo Yoo Ri, and Won Ji An.

Filming for 'Squid Game' Season 2 took about a year, from July last year to June this year. The new season will premiere next month on December 26 and will be available on Netflix in over 190 countries worldwide.

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