Based on public feedback, the sequel to "Squid Game" didn't receive as high a rating as its predecessor, but I believe it has fulfilled its purpose. After all, most second installments of TV series struggle to maintain the same level of acclaim, even "The Hunger Games" series is no exception. The biggest highlight of the show is undoubtedly the setup where the "mastermind" infiltrates the participants, with Lee Byung-hun's character expertly navigating between "concealment" and "revelation," delivering a layered performance with smooth transitions. The turning point is particularly well-crafted; when Lee's character, disguised as a benevolent figure, kills someone in front of his teammates, the shift from "hypocrisy" to "true evil" unfolds naturally. The fact that his teammates don't reveal this secret to Lee Jung-jae’s character also lays the groundwork for the subsequent uprising's failure. Although some parts are deemed as unnecessary tangents that dilute the main storyline, from another perspective, perhaps these intricate threads are all leading towards the ultimate convergence.

Behind the game, the deepest feeling I have is that those who are addicted to games can never win, while those who step out of the game might fail, but it's the best way to seek survival.