Players take note. You're about to take on a new challenge - but first, do you speak Korean? In preparation for the second season of one of Netflix's most popular Korean thriller series, Squidward, the streaming giant announced on Tuesday that it has partnered with language learning app Duolingo to help viewers learn Korean ahead of its Dec. 26 premiere. Additionally, the two companies released an exclusive TikTok filter inspired by the show's Red Light and Green Light games.
The partnership brings more than 40 keywords and phrases from the show to the Duolingo app, including the sweet treat "dolgana," which appeared in the third episode of Season 1. There will also be lessons teaching viewers phrases such as "Trust no one," "Let's play a game," and "You're eliminated." These phrases are integrated into regular Korean lessons and are designed to enhance the learning experience by referencing phrases from the show.
Duolingo Chief Marketing Officer Manu Orssaud explained that the goal of this new product is to help learners connect more closely with the series.
According to Orssaud, the company has seen a 40% increase in the number of Korean language learners thanks to Squid Game. Since its launch in 2021, the series has attracted a huge following and now has 330 million viewers and 2.8 billion hours watched.
The new TikTok Game filter adds another layer of fun, allowing users to test their Korean skills with a voice-activated challenge that features Duo (Duolingo’s owl mascot) in a pink guard outfit. Users must pronounce phrases accurately to eliminate players trying to survive the well-known red light, green light game storyline.
Netflix is going all out to promote Squidward, which isn't surprising considering the investment the company invested in the first season's marketing. Promotions this year include a contest in Los Angeles on December 12 where fans can compete for a spot at the U.S. premiere, which will be attended by director Hwang Dong-hyuk and a number of actors, including Lee Jung-jae, who plays protagonist Sung Ki-hoon. Fans in select regions (New York, Madrid, Seoul and Sydney) can also watch Squidward: The Experience, allowing them to participate in popular games from the show.
On December 17, a new mobile game "Squidward Unleashed" developed by its gaming division NetflixGames will be released.