Netflix has confirmed that the long-awaited second season of Squid Game will premiere on Boxing Day, December 26.
The Korean-language show became a global smash hit when it was released on the streamer in September 2021, racking up a remarkable 1.65 billion viewing hours in its first 28 days.
The horror drama is centred around the character of Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), who enters a secret game in which 456 participants face a series of deadly challenges in order to win a life-changing prize - with only the winner emerging alive.
The announcement of season two's "premiere" date suggests that the whole season may not be released in one go - and in recent years Netflix has developed a tendency to release new seasons of its most popular shows over consecutive weeks.
A synopsis for season two reads: "Three years after winning Squid Game, Player 456 remains determined to find the people behind the game and put an end to their vicious sport.
"Using this fortune to fund his search, Gi-hun starts with the most obvious of places: look for the man in a sharp suit playing ddakji in the subway. But when his efforts finally yield results, the path toward taking down the organisation proves to be deadlier than he imagined: to end the game, he needs to re-enter it."
Netflix also confirmed that the show will return for a third and final season in 2025 via an open letter from show creator Hwang Dong-hyuk.
"The real game begins," he wrote. "It's been almost three years since Season 1 was met with incredible response around the world and many unimaginable events took place. I am beyond excited to be writing this letter to announce the date for Season 2 and share the news of Season 3, the final season.
"On the first day we began shooting Season 2, I remember thinking, 'Wow, I can't believe I'm back in the world of Squid Game'. It almost felt surreal, I wonder how it will feel for you to be back in Squid Game after three years, as well.
"Seong Gi-hun who vowed revenge at the end of Season 1 returns and joins the game again. Will he succeed in getting his revenge? Front Man doesn't seem to be an easy opponent this time either. The fierce clash between their two worlds will continue into the series finale with Season 3, which will be brought to you next year.
"I am thrilled to see the seed that was planted in creating a new Squid Game grow and bear fruit through the end of this story. We'll do our best to make sure we bring you yet another thrill ride. I hope you're excited for what's to come. Thank you, always, and see you soon, everyone."
Watch the new date announcement trailer below:
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