Attention, players. You are about to compete in a new challenge—but first, do you know how to speak Korean?
In preparation for Season Two of “Squid Game,” one of Netflix’s most popular Korean thriller series, the streaming giant announced on Tuesday that it has teamed up with the language learning app Duolingo to help viewers learn Korean ahead of the premiere on December 26. Additionally, the companies released an exclusive TikTok filter inspired by the show’s Red Light, Green Light game.
This collaboration brings over 40 keywords and phrases from the show to Duolingo’s app, including “dolgana,” the sugary treat featured in the third episode of the first season. There will also be lessons teaching viewers certain sentences, such as “Trust no one,” “Let’s play a game,” and “You’ve been eliminated.” These phrases are integrated into the regular Korean lessons, aiming to enhance the learning experience with references from the show.
The goal of this new offering is to help learners connect more closely with the series, Duolingo’s chief marketing officer, Manu Orssaud explained.
According to Orssaud, the company saw a 40% jump in Korean learners thanks to “Squid Game.” Since its release in 2021, the series has garnered a massive fanbase, currently boasting 330 million viewers and 2.8 billion hours watched.
The new TikTok game filter adds another layer of fun, allowing users to test their Korean skills with voice-activated challenges featuring Duo (Duolingo’s owl mascot) dressed in a pink guard costume. Users must accurately pronounce phrases to take out players attempting to survive the infamous Red Light, Green Light game.
Netflix is clearly going all out to promote “Squid Game,” which comes as no surprise given the company’s investment in marketing the first season.
This year’s promotional efforts include hosting a race in Los Angeles on December 12, where fans can compete for a seat at the U.S. premiere, which will see director Hwang Dong-hyuk and various cast members in attendance, including Lee Jung-jae, who plays the protagonist, Seong Gi-hun. Fans in select locations (New York, Madrid, Seoul, and Sydney) can also check out “Squid Game: The Experience,” which allows them to participate in popular games from the show.
On December 17, “Squid Game: Unleashed” launches, a new mobile game developed by its gaming arm Netflix Games.
