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| The Front Men Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Asiwaju) to the Right, and Hwang In-ho (Lee Byung-hun) to the Left |
⭐ Squid Game Season 2 Quick Summary
- Release Date: December 26, 2024
- Episodes: 7
- Genre: Thriller, Drama, Survival
- Main Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun
- Platform: Netflix
I know what you’re thinking—like 🤔 what’s Bola Ahmed Tinubu doing in a Squid Game review? Well, that's a fair question, and to understand the connection, let’s take a step back.
These comparisons are based on public conversations and how people interpret current realities, it is purely based on public perception and social commentary, because they highlight how deeply the show connects with real-life struggles.
Many Nigerians online have jokingly (and sometimes seriously) referred to the current reality under President Tinubu as “King Nubus’ Era” a reflection of how people are interpreting the hardship around them.
According to recent economic reports, inflation and cost of living have continued to rise, increasing pressure on average Nigerians. For many Nigerians, life right now can't be far from a game where survival depends on endurance, sacrifice, miracles, and sometimes pure luck.
So, doesn’t he seem like the perfect character to play the front man in Nigeria? Some say he is the mastermind orchestrating the hardship of all time in Nigeria, while other simply put it as leadership decisions that many Nigerians believe have contributed to current economic challenges.
After all, he is Asiwaju! isn't he?
%20versus%20Seong%20Gi-hun%20(Lee%20Jung-jae)%20in%20Netflix%E2%80%99s%20%E2%80%9CSquid%20Game%E2%80%9D%20season%20two%20(1).webp "Hwang In-ho, aka (Lee Byung-hun) versus Seong Gi-hun aka (Lee Jung-jae) in “Squid Game” season two") |
| Hwang In-ho (Lee Byung-hun) in the middle and Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) to the right |
But here is the thing, currently, most Nigerians don’t need to imagine these things, and if you’ve already watched the Squid Game Season 2, I bet you’ve likely seen these characters and scenes that feel so eerily familiar to real-life experiences, especially if you're living here in Nigeria. Now, let us quickly review this latest season of this Netflix’s dystopian masterpiece and see why it’s sparking conversations globally (especially in Nigeria).
Who Is the Villain in Squid Game Season 2?
The returning villain is none other than the Front Man, Hwang In-ho (played by Lee Byung-hun). As the man behind the deadly games, or rather, the one fronting for the organizers, he’s back with a new twist—disguised as a player. His mission?
To contend with Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), who reluctantly reenters the game with hopes of shutting it down once and for all. Funny plot twist here is that he is divulging his entire secret plans to the very same person he plans to take down. 😆 😆 😆
This season continues to explore the high stakes tied to money and survival, with the ultimate prize being 45.6 billion South Korean won—equivalent to over $31 million USD. But to win, one contestant must outlast and outwit 455 others in a series of brutal, and life-threatening games.
What’s New in Squid Game Season 2?
One of the most intriguing aspects of this season is the introduction of a new rule which states that after each game, participants can vote to either split the prize money and leave or continue playing for a chance to win the entire jackpot.
This twist mirrors the democratic process—like voting for a president, that's after his or her first tenure in office. Where citizens reflect on whether to continue supporting the incumbent or choose someone else. The series is a striking thing to behold, especially for Nigerians grappling with the aftermath of bold policies, and decisions under King 👑 Nubus administration. Supporters of these policies argue that they are necessary for long-term stability, but for many citizens, the immediate reality has been difficult to ignore.
For instance, the removal of all subsidies at ones, from fuel subsidies, to FX, then the devaluation of the naira, and the new tax law has left many struggling to afford basic necessities, from food to medication, to education. Beyond personal experiences, emotions and online conversations, there is actual data that explains why many Nigerians are making these comparisons even though some officials tried to hide it. These available data explains why many Nigerians feel this pressure more today.
According to Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics, inflation has risen sharply in recent years, crossing 30% in 2024, compared to single-digit levels around 2015.
At the same time, while the minimum wage has increased from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, many households still struggle because the cost of food, transport, and basic needs has grown so faster than most Nigerians can hardly keep up. When Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, Nigeria’s inflation rate was already at 22.41%. Within a year, it climbed sharply to over 33%, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics: Africa Check
By mid-2024, inflation peaked at around 34%, marking one of the highest levels in nearly two decades: IDEAS/RePEc. At the same time, the national minimum wage was increased from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, but rising prices meant that the real value of that income dropped significantly in terms of purchasing power: Intelpoint
In Squid Game, this theme is vividly illustrated as players face the moral dilemma of risking their lives for financial gain versus walking away with less but surviving another day. Imagine being in a game of survival with your mom, your best friend, a pregnant lady carrying your unborn child.
⛽ Economic Impact Expansion
The removal of all subsidy by Tinubu also played a major role in this shift in Nigeria. Petrol prices moved from under ₦200 per litre in previous years, even under the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan administration that the Tinubu himself described as incompetent and weak, to several times higher, affecting transportation and the cost of goods across the country.
One of the biggest turning points came with the removal of total subsidy in 2023. This led to a sharp increase in petrol prices, from around ₦185 per litre in previous years to over ₦600, and even above ₦1,000 in some cases. Its now currently above ₦1300+ as of 10th April, 2026: ResearchGate
Download: Fuel Price Fluctuations from 2014 to 2024
This single move coupled with the war currently going on in Ukraine, and the conflict between Iran, Strait of Hamuz, US, Isreal and allies in these regions had a ripple effect across transportation, food prices, and general cost of living, putting more pressure on households and small businesses.
For many small businesses and families, this change didn’t just increase expenses, it changed how people live, spend, and survive daily.
Even the government acknowledges the hardship. While defending the reforms, President Tinubu stated that these policies were necessary to prevent a deeper economic crisis: Reuters
However, global institutions like the World Bank have noted that while some economic indicators are improving, high inflation and cost of living remain serious challenges for Nigerians: Reuters
🎬 Squid Game Season 2 Review Breakdown
Characters:
Returning characters shine, especially Gi-hun and the Front Man. New characters add diversity, but not all are deeply developed.
Pacing:
The pacing is uneven. Some episodes feel intense, while others drag slightly.
Themes:
This is where the show stands out—exploring power, money, and survival in a way that feels very real.
How Money and Power Drive Squid Game Season 2
What's the Price of Survival?
Season 2 delves deeper into the societal implications of wealth disparity. When the rich get richer while the poor grow poorer, money becomes the ultimate tool of power and control.
Take Gi-hun, for example. In his quest to locate The Recruiter, he offers 500 million won (about $340,000 USD) for assistance. Meanwhile, as he eventually found himself in the games again, the jackpot grows exponentially after each game. After 110 contestants were eliminated, the prize increases to 78 million won (around $53,000 USD) per participant.
This mirrors real-world struggles in Nigeria, where citizens are forced to take out loans for education, not resisting free food donations even with glaring fates like stampedes that awaits them, relying on handouts for survival, and watching as their microbusinesses crumble under economic strain. Yet, these harsh realities coexist with record-breaking government spending's, increased borrowing power, and a push for perceived foreign investments. It’s a stark reminder of the societal divide between those who are at the top and those who can barely survive—a theme Squid Game masterfully captures.
Who Won Squid Game Season 2?
No one, at least, not yet. Season 2 introduces hundreds of new characters, each facing challenges designed to test their instincts for survival and camaraderie. While some critics argue that the new game dynamics don’t significantly expand the storyline from Season 1, the tension, suspense, and shocking plot twists remain as grappling as ever.
Lee Jung-jae’s performance as Gi-hun continues to shine, portraying the psychological toll of reentering the games after his traumatic victory in Season 1. Some commentaries said: "Ji-hun is still an idiot and that's great."
What Makes Squid Game Season 2 Stand Out?
- Diverse Characters: The introduction of fresh faces, including a trans player named Hyun-ju who's also a former special force agent, adds depth and diversity to the narrative.
- Cinematic Brilliance: Vibrant visuals and intense settings blends whimsically with horror, creating a unique viewing experience.
- Societal Themes: The series critiques democracy, capitalism, and the human cost of wealth, resonating with global audiences.
However, some viewers noted pacing issues and a sense of repetitiveness from the first season. Despite this, the show’s ability to balance personal stories with broader societal critiques keeps it compelling.
Is Squid Game Coming Back After Season 2?
Yes! Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has confirmed that Season 3 is already in the works and will premiere in 2025. It will also mark the series' conclusion, promising to tie up loose ends and deliver a satisfying finale.
🇳🇬 Why Squid Game Season 2 Feels Personal to Nigerians
In Nigeria today, many people feel like they are constantly making tough choices just to survive the rising costs of living, worsening epileptic power supply, economic pressure, and policy changes which have created a situation where survival often feels like a daily challenge.
This is why Squid Game resonates deeply—it reflects a system where people must risk everything for a chance to win, even when the odds are against them.
Between Squid Game and Nigeria’s current socio-economic climate, things are really hard to ignore. Under Tinubu’s leadership, policies like the total subsidy removal have created a “survival of the fittest” kind of situation for many Nigerians.
While some hail these decisions as necessary for long-term growth—citing increased FAAC allocations and perceived foreign investments—others view them as a harsh “game” that leaves the majority struggling.
This juxtaposition of opportunity and hardship is reflected in Squid Game’s narrative, making it a poignant metaphor for the challenges faced, and decisions made by the everyday Nigerians who are left at the mercies of anyone in power.
Looking at both past and present, the contrast is clear. In earlier years, lower wages still carried more purchasing power than they do today. Now, even with higher earnings on paper, rising inflation and currency changes have reduced how far money can go. This shift, and difference in perspective is part of what makes the conversation so intense, and one of the key reasons many Nigerians relate deeply to themes of survival and pressure shown in Squid Game.
These figures don’t just tell a story of a renewed policy, they explain why many citizens feel the pressure more intensely today, and why comparisons to survival-based systems like Squid Game continue to resonate.
A Reflection of Society
Squid Game Season 2 is more than just a thrilling drama—it’s a mirror reflecting the harsh realities of capitalism, democracy, and human survival.
The series forces viewers to confront tough questions:
- What price are we willing to pay for wealth, and wealth creation?
- How do societal structures perpetuate inequality?
- And most importantly, what does it mean to truly survive?
As Nigeria navigates its own version of these challenges, Squid Game serves as a timely reminder of the resilience and resourcefulness required to endure in an unforgiving world.
So, whether you’re watching for the adrenaline-pumping gameplay or the thought-provoking social commentary, one thing is certain: Squid Game remains a cultural phenomenon that keeps us questioning, reflecting, and coming back for more.
Is Squid Game Season 2 Really Out?
Yes! The wait is over. Netflix’s most-watched dystopian series of all time has returned, and it’s just as intense and gripping as the first season. The second season of Squid Game premiered on Thursday, December 26, 2024, and all seven episodes are now available for streaming.
This Korean drama, which broke streaming records three years ago, is back to reclaim its throne with a storyline that dives even deeper into the sinister games and societal critiques that captivated audiences worldwide.
Squid Game Season 2 doesn’t just entertain — it exposes. It forces people to look at systems, power, and survival in a way that feels personal. For Nigerians, that feeling is even stronger. Because when a show starts to look like real life, it stops being just a series. It becomes a reflection.
For a deeper look at Nigeria’s economic direction, read our full breakdown here::
From “Jonathan tax” to “Subsidy is gone”: Nigeria’s déjà-vu politics — and who pays
Since its release in December 2024, Squid Game Season 2 has continued to spark conversations globally, but in Nigeria, the discussion took on a life of its own. From clips, to memes, and debates flooding social media, with many viewers drawing direct comparisons between the show’s survival system and the everyday realities of economic pressure, policy shifts, and rising cost of living.
The phrase “we are all in Squid Game” became a recurring theme in online discussions, reflecting how deeply the show resonated beyond entertainment.
While some viewers focused on the show’s storytelling and visuals, others saw it as a mirror of real-life systems where choices are limited, risks are high, and survival often comes at a cost. This continued relevance has kept the series trending long after its release, especially in regions facing economic strain.
⭐ Final Verdict: Is Squid Game Season 2 Worth Watching?
Squid Game Season 2 may not fully surpass the first season, but it still delivers strong performances, deep themes, and intense moments. While the pacing has its flaws, the message remains powerful and relevant.
Rating: 8/10
If you enjoyed Season 1 and love stories that reflect real-world struggles, this is definitely worth watching. This season is perfect for viewers who enjoy psychological thrillers, social commentary, and stories that reflect real-world struggles.
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