If the cast of Squid Game season 2 turned up to your annual reunion dinner

With the release of the highly anticipated Season 2 of Squid Game and the Lunar New Year just around the corner, let’s imagine a hypothetical situation where the cast of Squid Game appears at your front door. Who would you be happy to see and who would you ideally want to hide your face from?

The Kaypoh Aunty

Many of our heartstrings were tugged by Player 149, Jang Guem-ja, played by the renowned actor, Kang Ae-sim who previously starred in Extraordinary Attorney Woo. While many sat in adoration for her display of affection towards not only her son, but some of the other players, many were also shocked by her commentary when the players first arrived at the dormitory. One such instance is when she reacts in disgust to the appearance of a trans woman, Cho Hyun-ju, competing in the games, commenting “Good grief… that’s unsightly”. Her unapologetic, and sometimes, insensitive nature is, in fact, very relatable to the many Kaypoh aunties that we so often find at reunion dinners. Perhaps, we ought to try and look at these aunties in adoration too? Afterall, they only want the best for us, no? 

The Finance Bro

With man in finance becoming the new hot catch, it is without a doubt that Squid Game, too, had to include this viral trend in their latest season. Introducing the man behind Ddakji, The Recruiter. While unnamed, this man holds great significance as he issues players a card which serves as their pass to the games. Essentially, if there is no recruiter, there are no players, and there is no Squid Game. It is without a doubt that the recruiter, played by Gong Yoo, is a feast for the eyes.

Donned in a suit and tie, he quite resembles the traits of your typical finance bro. Given that you are likely to know at least one Financial Advisor (FA), who is most likely to also be a friend, perhaps you just might want to sing “not looking for a man in finance, trust fund, 6’5, blue eyes” the next time you meet one at a reunion dinner.

The Gen-Zer

Then we have the Gen Z-er who quite frankly doesn’t want to be at the dinner, but is left with no choice given what the Kaypoh aunties might speak worse off in view of their absence. Player 222, Jun-Hee is a perfect depiction of this very sentiment. Having trusted the wrong person, Jun-Hee is expecting the child of Player 333, Lee Myung-gi. She certainly did not want to be playing the games, let alone while pregnant, but was unfortunately left to face the consequences alone given the debts of her absent baby daddy. So the next time you come across the Kaypoh aunties at the reunion dinner, fret not! Simply tell them that you had to chiong for your exams. 

The Social Outcast

For most Asian nuclear families, conservatism towards the queer community is still very apparent. In spite of their wins in life, it rarely is of any value to the household as they are still seen as “abnormal” and “unacceptable” to the family. Similar to Player 120, Cho Hyun-ju, the ideology of an “underdog” thus takes precedence as she is seen as a social outcast by the other players in the game when wanting to find a group to play the Six-legged pentathlon. However, a first-class sergeant in the ROK Special Forces before her transition, the players soon realise the bravery and intelligence that she embodies, eventually giving her the respect she rightfully deserves. Living in the 21st century, it definitely is about time we allow for greater acceptance regardless of sex and gender. Besides, where’s the fun if we don’t bai nian together? 

The Drunkard

And last but certainly not least, we have the life of the party. Or maybe you’d like to call them the troublemaker? Well, whatever the case, this person is definitely going to remind you of Player 230, Thanos. An apparent drug addict, Thanos has a pretty cynical persona who is convinced to repay his debts by winning the games. Despite Thanos being one of the antagonists in the season, his lighthearted, humorous nature brought a refreshing, chaotic presence to our screens. While the Lunar New Year calls for the opportunity to enjoy ourselves amidst the stressful work days, let us seek enjoyment responsibly… because too much drinking really isn’t all that fun, it’s troubling – for yourself, and those around you.

And there we have it. The five distinctive characters from Season 2 of Squid Game that are highly unlikely to step foot into your house, but at least you’re wary of the potential resemblance they hold with relatives, near or far.