“Squid Game 2” Tops Global Rankings, Overtaking a 300 Billion Won Movie in Popularity

Kinolights, a content community, unveiled the integrated content rankings for the the final week of December.

#1: Squid Game 2

“Squid Game 2“, which premiered on December 26, claimed the top spot on the weekly integrated content rankings.

This second season, which returns after three years, has been eagerly anticipated by fans. It centers around the intense rivalry between Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) and Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), characters beloved in Season 1, and the restart of the deadly games. The suspenseful story of Gi-hun seeking revenge and rejoining the game has captivated viewers.

“Squid Game 2” has taken the world by storm, achieving first place in Netflix’s global Top 10 rankings. The series has topped charts in 93 countries, including the United States, France, Mexico, the UK, Hong Kong, and Turkey, signaling a global sensation.

However, while the show has garnered massive attention, reactions among viewers and critics have been mixed. Some fans have expressed disappointment, saying that it wasn’t as engaging as the first season, criticizing the large number of characters that made the plot feel cluttered. On the other hand, some viewers have praised the expanded storylines, with the growing conflict between Frontman and Gi-hun making it more exciting.

#2: Harbin

Taking second place in the rankings is “Harbin,” a high-budget film that was released on December 24. The movie, set in 1909, portrays a thrilling chase between individuals heading to Harbin for a singular purpose and those pursuing them. Leading actor Hyun Bin also praised the film, stating that it’s a work he will show to his son.

Within five days of its release, Harbin surpassed 2 million viewers, becoming a box-office success. Its rapid growth is comparable to that of “Avatar: The Way of Water.”

#3: The Tale of Lady Ok

The third spot was claimed by the JTBC drama “The Tale of Lady Ok.” The story revolves around Ok Taeyeong (Im Ji-yeon), who creates a fake identity and marries to survive in a high-stakes game of deception, with a life-risking survival plot involving Yein (Choo Yeong-woo). The drama reached its highest viewership rating of 9.4% on episode 8, leaving fans curious about whether it can break the 10% barrier in the coming episodes.

However, the series also faced harsh criticisms due to alleged “forced LGBTQ+ plotlines”.

#4: Light Shop

In fourth place is the Disney+ original series “Light Shop,” which revolves around mysterious events happening at a unique lighting store. Combining mystery and suspense, it draws viewers into its eerie atmosphere and takes viewers by storm.

Additionally, the post-credits scene teases a possible connection to the series “Moving,” expanding the “Kang Full” universe, sparking further interest.

#5: The Fiery Priest 2

SBS drama “The Fiery Priest 2” occupies the fifth spot. The sequel to the 2019 drama follows Kim Hae-il (Kim Nam-gil), a priest who investigates a drug case in Busan. The series ended with a high rating of 12.6%, concluding on a strong note and creating a devoted fanbase. The sequel continues with action-packed sequences and humor, focusing on Kim Hae-il’s passionate character.

Nevertheless, there were some let down by how Season 2 progressed, pointing out unrealistic developments and overshadowing comedy.

Other notable entries include Coupang Play’s original series “Family Plan” in 6th place, followed by MBC’s “When The Phone Rings,” “Home Alone,” “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” and “Hidden Face,” which ranked 7th to 10th.

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