How do you follow a debut season that smashed viewing records, made awards history, earned rabid global fandom, and inspired a reality spin-off series? Hwang Dong-hyuk, who wrote, directed, and executive-produced Squid Game’s first season — and became the first Asian director to win the Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series — definitely had his work cut out for him with the hotly anticipated second installment. 

“I do have a lot on my shoulders, but I’ll make sure it’s worth the wait,” says Hwang of Squid Game’s Season 2, which brings Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) back to the titular high-stakes game promising 45.6 billion won as its cash prize. Joining Lee and other familiar actors returning to the Korean hit series are a band of fresh faces playing new characters. “The cast and the crew are truly pouring their hearts and souls into filming the second season,” says executive producer Kim Ji-yeon. “I hope you stay tuned and root for us!”