Netflix series ‘Squid Game Season 2’ (directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk) has suffered from counterfeit merchandise. Professor Seo Kyung-deok of Sungshin Women’s University posted photos related to ‘Squid Game Season 2’ on his SNS on the 7th. These are some of the products being sold on platforms like Temu and AliExpress.

He pointed out, “After searching Chinese online shopping malls, it’s unacceptable to not only engage in illegal viewing but also establish an income structure through illegal merchandise.” Netflix is actually banned in China, leading to the assumption that most Chinese viewers accessed the show through illegal downloads or other abnormal routes.

Furthermore, merchandise using the ‘Squid Game’ IP has been produced. Professor Seo emphasized, “The most significant issue is the unauthorized use of the cast members’ publicity rights.” It is not the first time that illegal merchandise has been sold on Chinese online shopping malls.

Similar damages were reported at the time of the release of ‘Squid Game Season 1’. Masks, tracksuits, and jumpsuits from ‘Squid Game’ were sold. According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), most of these goods originated in China.

Meanwhile, ‘Squid Game Season 2’ centers on the story of Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) participating in the game again and battling Front Man (played by Lee Byung-hun). Season 3 will be released later this year.

<Photo Source = Professor Seo Kyung-deok’s SNS>