Vietnamese Viewers Call for Boycott of ‘Squid Game 2’ Over Controversial War Reference

Some Vietnamese internet users have declared a boycott of Netflix’s global hit Squid Game Season 2. The controversy stems from a line spoken by actor Kang Ha Neul, who plays the character Kang Dae Ho. In the series, Kang Dae Ho says, “My father was a Vietnam War veteran,” which has sparked backlash among local viewers.

Vietnam’s Tuoi Tre Online reported on December 27 (local time) that the Vietnam Cinema Department has started reviewing Squid Game Season 2 and is expected to make an official statement soon.

According to the report, the deputy director of the Vietnam Cinema Department commented, “We are aware of the controversy surrounding Squid Game Season 2. We are currently reviewing its content by the Film Law, and the results will be announced soon.”

Mixed Reactions to Squid Game Season 2 Boycott Among Vietnamese Netizens

Some Vietnamese netizens have criticized the line spoken by Kang Ha Neul’s character in Squid Game Season 2, where he mentions, “My father was a Vietnam War veteran.” Many argue that the line touches on painful memories of the Vietnam War, with some calling for a boycott of the series and others suggesting that the show’s portrayal of war-related violence justifies the mass killings that took place during the conflict.

On the other hand, some netizens argue that the Vietnam War has been referenced in many films and documentaries, and simply mentioning it in this context shouldn’t be a valid reason for a boycott. They suggest that the line is a symbolic reference to honor the character’s background rather than a political statement.

The Vietnam War, which lasted from 1955 to 1975, occurred in a divided Vietnam following the First Indochina War. South Korea sent 320,000 troops at the request of the U.S. military to support the South Vietnamese government during the conflict. The war, which resulted in millions of deaths, left deep trauma in the collective memory of the Vietnamese people.

Meanwhile, Squid Game Season 2, released on December 26 last year, has achieved an impressive 68 million viewing hours (calculated by dividing total watch time by the series’ total runtime) within just four days of its release, claiming the top spot on Netflix’s Global Top 10.

The second season follows Seong Gi Hun (played by Lee Jung Jae) as he returns to the deadly games seeking revenge. In a fierce confrontation, he faces off against the Front Man (played by Lee Byung Hun). As the real games begin anew, tensions rise, and the stakes increase.

The star-studded cast includes Lee Jung Jae, Lee Byung Hun, Im Si Wan, Kang Ha Neul, Wi Ha Joon, Park Gyu Young, Lee Jin Wook, Park Sung Hoon, Yang Dong Geun, and Kang Ae Shim. Squid Game Season 3 will premiere on Netflix in the second half of this year.