SEOUL — The second season of Squid Game introduces fresh plot twists, but one familiar element remains unchanged: Young-hee, the seemingly innocent robotic doll with a deadly role in the South Korean hit series. Known for eliminating contestants who move during the game Red Light, Green Light, Young-hee has become an iconic figure of the show.

Dressed in an orange dress with a simple hair clip, Young-hee has taken social media by storm, becoming a viral meme and a centerpiece of Netflix's promotional efforts. Production designer Chae Kyoung-sun revealed that the doll's design was partly inspired by her daughter, who used to sport a bowl cut. "Her eyes are a little crazy. She's a killing machine, so we made her eyes big and easy to notice," Chae explained.

Young-hee's concept originated from a girl depicted on the cover of old South Korean school textbooks, though the character was initially envisioned as genderless. The first season of Squid Game became Netflix’s most-watched show, setting high expectations for the second season.

Released on December 26, the new season has already broken records, with 68 million views in its premiere week, and contributed to Netflix gaining 18.9 million subscribers in the fourth quarter. In 2023, the streaming giant announced a US$2.5 billion investment in Korean content, further cementing the global appeal of its South Korean productions.

Chae attributed the show's success to its unconventional approach. "How does a cute doll turn into a killing machine? The unpredictable elements of Squid Game resonate with young audiences seeking something fresh," she said.

The second season also teases the arrival of Chul-su, a male doll who will accompany Young-hee in future episodes. Chul-su was initially designed for the first season but was only introduced after plans for a second season materialized. "Chul-su is like a friend, a partner," Chae shared, hinting at his role in the evolving Squid Game universe. The third and final season of Squid Game is scheduled for release later this year.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters file