Ahead of the highly anticipated second season of Netflix’s hit Korean thriller series Squid Game, the streaming giant has partnered with language-learning app Duolingo to help fans master Korean before the premiere on December 26.
Announced on Tuesday, this collaboration also includes the release of a TikTok filter inspired by the show’s iconic Red Light, Green Light game.
Duolingo’s app now features over 40 keywords and phrases from the show, including “dolgana,” the honeycomb candy from the first season’s third episode. Fans can also learn phrases like “Trust no one,” “Let’s play a game,” and “You’ve been eliminated.”
These new additions have been woven into Duolingo’s existing Korean lessons, aiming to enrich the learning experience by tying it directly to the show.
“Our goal is to help learners connect more closely with the series,” said Manu Orssaud, Duolingo’s chief marketing officer.
Orssaud noted a remarkable 40% increase in Korean learners following Squid Game’s release in 2021.
The show has since amassed an enormous following, with 330 million viewers and 2.8 billion hours of watch time.
Adding to the excitement, the new TikTok filter offers fans a fun, interactive way to test their Korean.
Featuring Duolingo’s owl mascot, Duo, dressed as a pink guard, the filter challenges users to pronounce phrases correctly to eliminate competitors in a voice-activated version of Red Light, Green Light.
Netflix’s promotional efforts for Season Two are extensive, echoing the marketing push for the first season. Fans can participate in a December 12 race in Los Angeles, where the winner secures a seat at the U.S. premiere.
The event will feature cast members, including Lee Jung-jae (who plays protagonist Seong Gi-hun), and director Hwang Dong-hyuk.
For fans worldwide, “Squid Game, The Experience” will be available in select cities such as New York, Madrid, Seoul, and Sydney, offering participants a chance to try the show’s iconic games.
On December 17, Netflix Games will debut Squid Game: Unleashed, a new mobile game designed to further immerse fans in the world of the series.
