Following the phenomenal success of Squid Game season two, a new craze has emerged as fans try to replicate an element from the series.
Online language learning platform reports that Google searches for “learn Korean” in the UK have skyrocketed by 90% since the show’s release on Boxing Day, with enthusiasts eager to master the language.
Globally, interest has spiked by 44% over the past month, amassing a staggering 173,000 searches. The smash-hit is originally in Korean, but offers both dubbed and subtitled versions in English.
Nonetheless, the show’s creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, has encouraged viewers to watch it in its original language to fully appreciate its authenticity.
Speaking to LADbible, he said: “You know, as people growing up here in Korea, we are very used to watching American or British or overseas films with subtitles.”
Squid Game season two has created a new trend (Image: (Image: Netflix))
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“So we’re very used to that. But I think a lot of the English speaking countries, they’re not as used to watching other content with subtitles. For Squid Game, it’s going to be there’s the dubbed version and the sub version as well.”
“I suggest for those of you out there to really get the essence of the actual actors voices and the nuances of their tones, I suggest watching it with subtitles on. I think it’s going to be for a better viewing experience.”
Echoing Hwang’s sentiments, lead actor Lee Jung-jae also advised fans to opt for the Korean audio with English subtitles rather than the dubbed alternative, reports .
The actor said: “You have to really listen to the voice of the actor, and the accent and the emotions and everything are really compiled into the voice of the actor. So yeah, I think it’s a better way to really immerse yourself into the character and into the story.”
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The show has got fans wanting to learn Korean (Image: (Image: NETFLIX))
Following hot on the heels of this statement comes the revelation that the second series has garnered an impressive 126.2 million views since its December 26 release, setting a record for the most views accumulated by any series in such a window.
It smashed records with the largest-ever debut on , securing 68 million views in the first four days followed by an additional 58.2 million views over its premiere week.
Upon its initial release, it ranked in the most-watched non-English language series on , climbing from the seventh spot right up to second place, only trailing behind its own inaugural season.
Squid Game season two is available to watch on now