One aspect of the Netflix global hit “Squid Game” is still the same with its second season and new twists and surprises. The deadly robotic doll that became an icon in the series, Young-hee. Viral fame is given again to the South Korean dystopian thriller, in which contestants risk their lives playing children’s games to win cash.
Young-hee in her iconic orange dress and clip is the epitome of this streaming giant’s promotional campaigns. She first gripped the attention of the audience as the deadly manager of the “Red Light, Green Light” game, where, if the players started moving when they shouldn’t, they were eliminated accurately.
Origin Behind the Icon
Chae Kyoung-sun, production designer of “Squid Game,” revealed that the inspiration for Young-hee’s design came partly from her daughter.
“My daughter had a bowl cut for a long time, which was very cute, so I decided to draw a very short bang,” Chae told Reuters.
Chae said that Young-hee’s large, expressive eyes were intended to add to her deadly aura and make it unmistakable when she was moving. The initial concept of the doll was taken from an old South Korean primary school textbook character of the same name. Curiously, Young-hee was initially created as a genderless entity before evolving into the female icon fans have come to know and love.
Season 2 Smashes Records
The first season of “Squid Game” became Netflix’s most-watched series, and a lot was expected from its sequel. Season 2 was released on December 26, and it shattered all records with 68 million views in the premiere week, making it the most-watched show on the platform at that time.
Netflix also said it added 18.9 million subscribers in the fourth quarter, and that “Squid Game” accounted for a large chunk of its successes. The platform had already committed $2.5 billion to South Korean content, including TV series, films, and unscripted shows. This was yet another example of Korean storytelling gaining ground worldwide.
Get to know Chul-su: Young Hee’s New Business Partner.
Season 2 teases the male counterpart of Young-hee: Chul-su. Originally part of the first season’s conceptualization, Chul-su was shelved until the sequel provided an opportunity for his debut.
“When they announced a second season and Chul-su’s inclusion, I revisited my initial sketches,” said Chae. “Think of him as a friend or partner to Young-hee.”
Iconic characters and a series trend that is so unpredictable yet unforgettable continue to attract audiences to the show. “How does this cute kid suddenly turn into a killing machine? That unpredictability appeals to young audiences seeking something fresh,” Chae added.
