It’s almost three years since “Squid Game” took over Netflix, becoming the streamer’s most-watched series ever, along with 14 Emmy nods (including the first non-English language show nominated for Outstanding Drama Series). That’s quite the legacy, and after only nine total episodes. But has it been too long since Season 1 took the world by storm for Netflix to capitalize on their “Squid Game” success?
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That’s what subscribers find out when “Squid Game” Season 2 premieres later this year. And Netflix has an official release date for the new season, thanks to a special message to fans from director Hwang Dong-hyuk: December 26. Read an excerpt from Hwang’s message below, which includes another juicy tidbit about when Season 3 will arrive:
“Seong Gi-hun, who vowed revenge at the end of Season 1 returns and joins the game agaig,” Hwang said.  “Will he succeed in getting his revenge?  Front Man doesn’t seem to be an easy opponent this time either.  The fierce clash between their two worlds will continue into a series finale with Season 3, which will be brought to you next year. I am thrilled to see the seed that was planted in creating a new “Squid Game” grow and bear fruit through the end of the story.”
Hwang’s entire message may be read below, but first, an official synopsis for “Squid Game” Season 2, courtesy of Netflix:
Three years after winning Squid Game, Player 456 remains determined to find the people behind the game and put an end to their vicious sport. Using this fortune to fund his search, Gi-hun starts with the most obvious of places: look for the man in a sharp suit playing ddakji in the subway. But when his efforts finally yield results, the path toward taking down the organization proves to be deadlier than he imagined: to end the game, he needs to re-enter it.
Lee Jung-jae returns to star in “Squid Game” Season 2, with Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-jun, and Gong Yoo also reprising their Season 1 roles. New cast members this season include Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-uk, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Lee David, Choi Seung-hyun, Roh Jae-won, Jo Yu-ri, and Won Ji-an.  
Hwang once again helms “Squid Game” as director, writer, and producer on Seasons 2 & 3.  Firstman Studio produces the upcoming seasons, with Kim Ji-yeon also on board as an executive producer.
Check out Netflix’s date announcement teaser for “Squid Game” Season 2 and Hwang’s message below.