Against the iconic backdrop of the Harbour Bridge and the historic Luna Park, Sydney Harbour became the stage for a dramatic invasion of pink. A convoy of 300 pink-clad Squid Game guards escorted Young-hee—the towering, infamous doll from the game Red Light, Green Light—to her new home at Luna Park Sydney. It was a spectacle designed to turn heads, and it succeeded in commanding attention as Sydney prepared for the official launch of Squid Game: The Experience on December 14.
This massive activation comes hot on the heels of Squid Game’s global takeover, with high-profile events taking place in cities like London, Edinburgh, Paris, Seoul, and Melbourne. Now it’s Sydney’s turn to host a piece of the phenomenon, as excitement builds not just for the immersive experience but also for the much-anticipated release of Squid Game Season 2 on Netflix, set to premiere on December 26.
An Unforgettable Harbour Spectacle
The buzz kicked off in grand style as Young-hee made her entrance on a barge, taking centre stage amidst the shimmering blue waters of Sydney Harbour. She was flanked by a Sydney ferry filled with Squid Game guards in their striking pink uniforms, with other vessels circling in formation to add to the drama. The sheer scale and creativity of the activation left onlookers in awe, with Luna Park providing the perfect venue for such a bold display.
Squid Game: The Experience promises fans an immersive dive into the high-stakes world of the record-breaking Netflix series. Fans will have the chance to step into the show’s chillingly surreal universe, compete in a series of challenges inspired by the games, and experience the tension and exhilaration that have made Squid Game a global sensation.
What Lies Ahead in Season 2
With the spotlight firmly back on Squid Game, the countdown is also on for the release of its highly anticipated second season. Picking up three years after the events of the first season, the story follows Player 456, Seong Gi-hun, who returns with a newfound sense of purpose. Gi-hun dives back into the deadly survival game, competing alongside a fresh crop of participants for the ultimate prize of 45.6 billion won.
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, who made history at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards as the first Asian to win Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series, returns to helm the new season. He resumes his triple role as director, writer, and producer, ensuring continuity in the show’s vision. Fans will also see familiar faces, with Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-jun, and Gong Yoo reprising their iconic roles. They’ll be joined by a star-studded ensemble of newcomers, including Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-uk, and many more, who are set to bring fresh energy and intrigue to the series.
Since its debut in 2021, Squid Game has become a global cultural phenomenon, breaking records and sparking conversations about capitalism, survival, and human nature. The show’s distinct visual style, gripping narrative, and unforgettable characters have resonated with audiences worldwide. Its impact has extended far beyond the screen, influencing fashion, music, and even inspiring real-life recreations of its iconic games (albeit without the life-or-death stakes!).
