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Award-Winning ‘Squid Game’ Designer Shares Insights on Sets, Color Choices for Season 2


Seoul: After the runaway success of Netflix’s Korean original series “Squid Game,” Chae Kyoung-sun, the production designer, was initially tempted to enhance her artistic vision in the second season by incorporating new elements and designs into the set. But she thought better of herself.



According to Yonhap News Agency, Chae shared her initial eagerness to create more interesting set designs and introduce fresh visuals that could surpass those of Season 1. However, she eventually shifted her focus back to the script, as her ideas began to feel excessive. During an interview with a group of reporters in Seoul, she mentioned that the production team had considered redesigning iconic sets such as the Red Light, Green Light scene and the maze-like alleyways of the deadly arena. They even contemplated changing the color of the iconic green tracksuit. Ultimately, they chose to prioritize effective storytelling over visual alterations, preserving the elements loved by audiences in the first season.



The original series, which captivated audiences worldwide in September 2021, was acclaimed for its intense storytelling and distinctive visuals, seamlessly integrating Korean cultural elements into a gripping narrative. Chae’s unique vision earned widespread recognition, leading to accolades such as the Excellence in Production Design Award from the U.S. Art Directors Guild (ADG) and the Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary Program at the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards in 2022.



This year, Chae has been nominated again for the same ADG award for “Squid Game” Season 2, with the results to be announced on February 15 (U.S. time). While preparing for the second and upcoming third seasons, she delved deeper into colors, researching how different hues can evoke emotional responses. Among the new additions, she introduced violet to symbolize the authority and power of the Front Man, Hwang In-ho, played by Lee Byung-hun, and acknowledged the challenges in rendering the color vividly on screen.



Chae also incorporated orange to represent the dual aspects of human desire and the warmth of sunsets and festivals. She highlighted the motel set from episodes 1 and 2 as her favorite from Season 2, where protagonist Gi-hun, portrayed by Lee Jung-jae, confronts the Recruiter, played by Gong Yoo, in a deadly game of Russian roulette. Chae described the attention to detail in creating the motel’s interior, including unique wallpaper and red lighting, achieving exactly what she had envisioned.



Looking ahead to Season 3, expected to be released later this year, Chae hinted at “gaming venues that exceed the scale seen in Season 2,” promising more intriguing and grand-scale designs.

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