Squid Game 2 Takes Over Global Clubs: Music Director Jung Jae-il Reacts, “It’s Surprising and Gratifying”
Netflix’s smash hit Squid Game 2 continues to make waves, with its mission song, the Korean nursery rhyme Round and Round (Donggeulge Donggeulge), unexpectedly becoming a hit in overseas clubs.
A recent TikTok video captured a French DJ remixing the familiar tune into an EDM track at a foreign nightclub, where crowds enthusiastically danced to the reimagined melody. The unexpected phenomenon has gained global attention, with Squid Game 2 music director Jung Jae-il expressing his surprise and gratitude.
French DJ playing EDM version of Squid Game Song in a club. / Courtesy of TikTok Account @yanissmusic
In an interview on January 16, Jung shared, “Director Hwang Dong-hyuk decided early on to use Round and Round for a game scene. Its innocent melody contrasts dramatically with the betrayal and tension in the show, creating a striking effect.”
Jung added, “We incorporated mechanical sounds to push boundaries and heighten immersion. It wasn’t just about using a familiar song but amplifying the emotional impact.”
Season 2 also features variations of key tracks from Season 1, alongside new compositions. Jung highlighted how music like Shin Hae-chul’s To You and Puccini’s Nessun Dorma were preselected by Director Hwang during the scripting phase. “We aimed to convey warmth even amidst tragedy through music,” Jung explained.
Squid Game 2, which premiered on December 26, has dominated Netflix’s global TOP 10 list for both English and non-English series. From January 6–12, the series amassed 26.3 million viewing hours and appeared in the TOP 10 across 93 countries for five consecutive days, cementing its worldwide popularity.
