Squid Game: Controversies Courted By Netflix Series - Copyright Case To Objectionable Casting

As fans are eagerly awaiting the release of second season of the popular South Korean series Squid Game, it has landed in legal trouble more than once. Be it financial fraud, sexual misconduct or casting of controversial celebrities, the series has gone through several challenges. Now, with the latest addition, let’s take a look at the list of controversies.

Controversies Squid Game faced in the past

Lead actor Lee Jung Joe sued

According to reports, a complaint has been filed against Lee Jung Jae and Park In Kyu, a former CEO of WYSIWYG Studios, under the specific Economic Crimes Act. The complaint was reportedly lodged by Kim Dong Rae, CEO of a drama production company named RaemongRaein.

Actor O Yeong-su convicted for sexual misconduct

South Korean actor O Yeong-su, known for his role as Oh II-nam, one of the main antagonists of the first season of the Netflix series, was convicted in a sexual harassment case this year. He has been handed a suspended prison sentence. 

The Seongnam branch of the Suwon District Court sentenced O to eight months in prison. He has also been ordered to complete 40 hours of classes at a sexual violence treatment programme, the court official said. The 79-year-old actor was already charged with two counts of sexual harassment in 2017.

Casting of Choi Seung Hyun aka TOP

TOP, the former lead rapper for the K-pop group BigBang faced backlash for joining the cast of Squid Game 2. He was previously convicted for using marijuana, in addition to workplace bullying allegations also arising against his name, as per reports.

Series faces lawsuit for plagiarism

According to reports, the writer of the show and the OTT platform Netflix have been sued by Indian filmmaker Soham Shah over copyright infringement. As per the lawsuit, filmmaker Soham Shah has reportedly claimed that Netflix’s popular series is a copy of his 2009 film Luck. 

All about Squid Game’s upcoming seasons

Netflix has announced that Season 2 of Squid Game will premiere on December 26, 2024 followed by a final season coming up in 2025. It tells the story of cash-strapped contestants who accept an invitation to compete in various games for a tempting prize, but the stakes are deadly.