As Squid Game returns with its highly anticipated second season, the show stays true to its formula of reimagining simple childhood games as high-stakes, life-or-death competitions. One of the standout moments in this season is the introduction of Gonggi, a beloved Korean children’s game, now turned into a nerve-wracking challenge in episode 4.
In this episode, contestants face a brutal pentathlon where teamwork and individual skill collide. Teams of five are literally bound together, requiring synchronized movement between challenges while each member takes on a different traditional game solo. Among these is Gonggi, a game rooted in Korean culture that tests quick reflexes and precision. The stakes? Completing the entire circuit in under five minutes. Fail, and the consequences are dire.
Squid Game 2: What is Gonggi?
Often compared to Western games like jacks or marbles, Gonggi is a traditional Korean pastime played with five small stones or marbles, historically known as gonggitdol. While modern variations use colorful plastic pieces, the essence of the game has remained unchanged across generations and regions. With its origins in Korean schoolyards and homes, the game holds cultural significance, with regional names like jjagebatgi in North Gyeongsang and Datjjakgeoli in South Jeolla.
In its traditional form, Gonggi progresses through five increasingly challenging levels:
- Level 1: Toss one stone in the air, pick up another from the ground, and catch the airborne stone before it falls. Repeat until all stones are collected.
- Level 2: Pick up two stones at a time, raising the stakes with added precision and speed.
- Level 3: Gather three stones in one motion, while handling a single stone separately, requiring careful planning.
- Level 4: Collect all four stones at once while juggling the fifth in the air, demanding flawless coordination.
- Level 5: Toss all five stones into the air, flip your hand palm-down, and catch as many stones as possible on the back of your hand before repeating the motion to catch them all again.
While traditionally, the score depends on how many stones are caught, Squid Game’s sinister twist forces players to achieve a perfect sequence with zero errors. A single mistake sends them back to the beginning, starting the entire sequence over—a grueling requirement under the ever-present pressure of a ticking clock.
By featuring Gonggi, Squid Game highlights one of Korea’s most cherished childhood games, offering global audiences a glimpse into the nation’s rich cultural heritage. The transformation of this innocent pastime into a harrowing ordeal is a stark reminder of the show’s trademark approach: blending nostalgia with terror.
As Squid Game season 2 unfolds, it continues to elevate simple playground games into complex, dangerous spectacles. The inclusion of Gonggi not only introduces viewers to a slice of Korean tradition but also serves as a poignant metaphor for the pressures of competition and survival. While it’s thrilling to see these cultural elements on a global stage, the deadly twist ensures that no childhood memory remains untouched by the series’ dark and twisted lens.