Players, please be careful. Are you about to take on a new challenge, but before you do, do you know how to speak Korean?
In preparation for Season 2 of “Squid Game,” one of Netflix's most popular Korean thriller series, the streaming giant announced on Tuesday that viewers will be able to learn the Korean language ahead of its Dec. 26 premiere. It announced that it has partnered with the learning app Duolingo. In addition, the companies released an exclusive TikTok filter inspired by the show's “Red Light, Green Light” game.
The collaboration will bring more than 40 keywords and phrases from the show into Duolingo's app, including “Dolgana,” a sweet treat featured in the third episode of the first season. There are also lessons teaching viewers specific sentences, such as “Trust no one,” “Let's play a game,” and “You're eliminated.” These phrases are incorporated into regular Korean lessons and are meant to enhance your learning experience with reference to the show.
Image credit: Duolingo
Manu Orssaud, Duolingo's chief marketing officer, explained that the purpose of this new service is to help learners explore the series more deeply.
Orssaud said the company has seen a 40% increase in Korean language learners thanks to Squid Game. Since its release in 2021, the series has gained a huge fanbase and currently boasts 330 million viewers and 2.8 billion hours of viewing time.
A new TikTok game filter adds even more fun, allowing users to test their Korean language skills with voice-activated challenges featuring Duo (Duolingo's owl mascot) in a pink guard costume. Users must pronounce phrases accurately to defeat players trying to survive in the infamous Red Light, Green Light game.
It's clear that Netflix is going all in on promoting “The Squid Game,” which isn't surprising considering the company invested in marketing the first season.
This year's promotional activities include a race for fans to compete for seats at the U.S. premiere in Los Angeles on December 12th, with director Hwang Dong-hyuk and various cast members, including Lee Jung-jae, Members are expected to attend. The main character is Song Ki-hoon. Fans in certain locations (New York, Madrid, Seoul, Sydney) can also check out “Squid Games: The Experience,” where they can take part in some of the show's most popular games.
On December 17th, Squid Game: Unleashed, a new mobile game developed by the company's gaming division Netflix Games, will be released.