The highly anticipated Netflix series 'Squid Game Season 2' has finally been released, drawing a mix of reactions from viewers worldwide and sparking contrasting reviews from international media.

At 5 PM on December 26 (KST), 'Squid Game Season 2' premiered, continuing the story of Gi Hun (played by Lee Jung Jae), who returns to the deadly game seeking revenge, and his face-off with the Front Man (portrayed by Lee Byung Hun). The series dives deeper into their intense rivalry as the brutal games resume.

The first season, released in 2021, became a global sensation, sweeping major awards, including a historic win at the 74th Emmy Awards in 2022, where Lee Jung Jae won Best Actor and director Hwang Dong Hyuk earned the Best Director award. This set high expectations for the second season.

Despite the excitement, international reviews of Season 2 are divided.

Ayush Sharma, a film critic for The Daily List, praised the new season, saying, "'Squid Game Season 2' successfully delves deeper into human psychology while raising the stakes. The plot seamlessly connects thrilling action sequences with psychological games. Lee Jung Jae is outstanding. The series has grown bigger and better."

MPA-accredited Entertainment journalist Rama expressed a similar sentiment: "Squid Game Season 2 is far more intense than its predecessor. Even its 'Deer Hunter' moments are nerve-wracking. The season is packed with action based on vengeance."

On the other hand, Variety highlighted the consistency in the series’ production: "The structure, costumes, settings, and unforgettable themes from Season 1 remain intact in Season 2. The terror among players, including seasoned ones like Gi Hun, is still palpable." 

The review also noted the addition of new contestants, such as the Father-daughter duo (played by Yang Dong Geun and Kang Ae Sim), a YouTube star (played by Im Si Wan), and a psychopathic rapper (portrayed by T.O.P), which added new layers to the narrative. Rama explained, "Season 2 transcends just the players and explores how even a hint of power can embolden people to inflict pain and violence on others."

In contrast, TIME criticized the season for its slow pacing, labeling two of the seven episodes as dull. The media outlet criticized, "The show needlessly repeats Gi-hun’s confrontations with the monotonous billionaires for whom the Squid Game is merely a spectator sport, wasting time on ultimately unimportant characters."

The outlet also commented, "When Gi Hun returns in his green tracksuit, we meet new players with emotional stakes, but the plot feels like a rehash of Season 1. The violent spectacles are not much different from what viewers have already seen."

With such polarized reviews, the success of Squid Game Season 2 remains to be seen. Whether it will surpass its predecessor or fall short of the high expectations continues to be a topic of interest.

Meanwhile, 'Squid Game Season 2' is now available for streaming on Netflix as of 5 PM, December 26.

SEE ALSO: ‘The Match’ unveils release date, Lee Byung Hun returns to the big screen