Seong Gi-hun is back in the deadly survival game, Squid Game. This time, he voluntarily asks the Front Man to rejoin, determined to save as many participants as possible and help them return home safely.
The First Game: Red Light, Green Light
Just like in Season 1, the first game is Red Light, Green Light. Gi-hun cleverly shouts “Freeze!” while covering his mouth to buy more time for others. Despite his efforts, many participants are eliminated. Afterward, the infamous vote takes place: continue playing or stop the game. Those who survived the first game are swayed by the growing prize money and decide to press on. For many, leaving with just a little over 20 million won doesn’t seem worth it. The tension rises, leaving viewers reflecting on the philosophy of money and survival.
The Second Game: A New Challenge
Before the second game, Gi-hun has a nightmare. He’s unsure if the next game will be a repeat of the Dalgona game from Season 1. Instead, the game is announced as a team challenge, requiring groups of five.
The Modern Pentathlon: Gonggi, Ttakji, Jegichagi, Beoseokchigi, and Spinning Tops
This “modern pentathlon” has participants tied together in a five-legged race. The team must complete a series of traditional Korean games painted across a rainbow-colored game field within five minutes.
Gi-hun teams up with his friend Jung-bae, the Front Man’s undercover ally Oh Young-il, the ex-marine Da-ho, and Jun-hee, a pregnant woman. Despite her condition, Jun-hee joins the team after Young-il shares his own struggles: he’s participating to earn money for his wife’s surgery.
The team sets out with each member specializing in a game:
- Ttakji (Paper Flip): Jun-hee masterfully flips the paper on her first try.
- Beoseokchigi (Stone Toss): Jung-bae showcases his accuracy, honed through childhood games.
- Gonggi (Korean Jacks): Da-ho’s precision amazes everyone as he conquers the tricky game.
- Spinning Tops: Young-il struggles, seemingly sabotaging the team with multiple mistakes. But Gi-hun’s encouragement helps him push through.
- Jegichagi (Kicking Game): The team must kick the shuttlecock five times. On the final kick, Young-il stretches his leg, using Gi-hun’s foot to send it flying across the finish line—just in time!
The Magic of Gonggi
Ttakji and jegichagi might feel familiar, and spinning tops are straightforward enough. But gonggi stands out. This Korean game involves small weighted stones or metal pieces. Players progress through levels, picking up stones mid-air while following specific patterns. It requires dexterity and practice, but with a month of dedication, anyone can become a pro!
Foreign viewers may marvel at how skilled Koreans are with their hands—whether it’s chopsticks or gonggi. While the game has faded in popularity in recent years, Squid Game Season 2 has reignited interest. Gonggi might even surpass the fame of the Dalgona game from Season 1!
Squid Game Season 2 is already bringing back nostalgia and excitement. Will gonggi become the next global craze? Keep an eye out!
