SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA: The streaming service Netflix has come under fire after its recent announcement about the original series 'Squid Game.' They revealed the cast members of its upcoming second season as part of the Tudum Event on Saturday, June 17, 2023. While the cast was star-studded, it was slammed for the lack of gender diversity.

Netflix has now responded to the dismayed viewers and fans of the popular survival drama series. The second season is much-anticipated followed by the immense viewership of the previous season and its ending on a notable cliffhanger.

Netflix announces 'Squid Game' Season 2 cast

Several cast members are set to return to the thrilling show, including a surprising addition. Lee Jung-jae, who played the protagonist Gi-hun in the first season, will continue in his role, possibly with the red hair he acquired during the climax of the season finale. Lee Byung-hun, who portrayed the Front Man, will also make a comeback as the new season introduces a fresh set of games and players.

The most shocking development is the return of Wi Ha-joon, the courageous policeman Hwang Jun-ho, who was shot to death by his own brother, the Front Man. Many theories have speculated on the reason behind his comeback, ranging from a faked death to flashbacks, along with a potential plot twist involving the Front Man's betrayal of the cruel game.

However, O Yeong-su will not be reprising his role as the creator of the game due to his character's death and his involvement in a sexual misconduct trial.

The cast announcement also unveiled new additions as players, implying their roles as participants in the game while keeping the identities of potential masterminds concealed. The latest cast members consist of idol and actor Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Sung-hoon, and Yang Dong-geun. They were showcased alongside the iconic 'O' and 'X' signs, symbolizing the challenging decisions the players had to make in the first season to determine their fate in the game.

Netflix responds to lack of diversity in the 'Squid Game' cast

The new announcement has raised concerns regarding the lack of gender diversity in the cast. Both the returning and new cast members are male, which was particularly surprising considering the announcement was made during the significant Tudum Event, leading many to assume it was the final cast line-up reveal. This revelation came as a shock to fans, as the first season gained immense popularity and critical acclaim, in part due to the strong performances by female cast members such as HoYeon Jung as Kang Sae-byeok, Lee Yoo-mi as Ji-yeong, and Kim Joo-ryoung as Han Mi-nyeo.

Netflix later responded to disappointed fans' concerns, as Insider reported, "This was the first cast announcement for Squid Game season two. We're excited to share more casting news soon, which will include the leading female characters."