The finale of Squid Game Season 1 left fans wondering things like: “How will Gi-hun take down the competition?” And: “Did Jun-ho survive?” New episodes will return viewers to the ruthless contest, where 456 cash-strapped players engage in deadly versions of children’s games in the hopes of winning a fortune. But don’t despair, series creator and director Hwang Dong-hyuk has promised one of viewers’ most pressing questions — an actual cliff-hanger — will be answered at the beginning of the Squid Game Season 2, which premieres on Dec. 26.   

“You will get the answer to your burning question about whether Jun-ho died or made it out alive when he fell off that cliff,” Hwang tells Tudum. “And if he did make it out alive, how did he do that?” 

The sneak-peek video above reveals the secret of the detective’s fate — along with a two-year time jump into the future of Squid Game. Wi Ha-jun, who plays police detective Jun-ho, is “so thankful” director Hwang decided to bring his character back for the series’ action-packed return. However, there are still obstacles ahead for Jun-ho, who must return to regular life after uncovering shocking secrets about Squid Game, including his brother’s involvement. Much to Jun-ho’s horror, his sibling In-ho is the calculating Front Man (Lee Byung-hun). 

“He now knows the truth, but he can’t get any support from his captain and continues to struggle alone because he has no evidence,” Wi told Netflix. “This solo journey in his life is exhausting. He is faced with the mission of uncovering the truth, exposing gross injustices, searching for his brother, and saving people from a dangerous organization.” 

As we see in the clip, Jun-ho has been coping with his “shaky” circumstances with an unexpected career decision and constant “brooding.” At least In-ho isn’t alone when it comes to persisting amid the darkness. Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) is also leading his own complicated fight to end Squid Game forever. The video gives us a glimpse at Gi-hun’s grim new living quarters and the ways he’s adapted to life after Squid Game. In Season 2, he’ll be more determined than ever to achieve his goal of ending the competition, no matter the sacrifice. 

Lee Jung-jae is proud of the emotional transformation fans will see his character undergo in Season 2 — even if the actor was nervous to step back into the shoes of such a “traumatized individual.” “[Coming back to Squid Game], I felt a swirl of emotions, which included joy, but [also] anxiety. I was afraid,” he admits to Tudum. “I also had expectations, and I wanted to make sure that I entertained the audience once again with Season 2.” 

The sneak peek gives us a taste of the thrills ahead as Gi-hun realizes someone has come calling on his hideout, even if he can’t see them among his many security cameras. Once Gi-hun opens the door, he’s confronted with the most chilling sight possible: Front Man waiting on the other side. Lee Byung-hun, who plays the Front Man, says his character’s upcoming face-off with Gi-hun is the heart of Season 2. 

“[Front Man] wants to enlighten Gi-hun — to teach Gi-hun and make him think the same way he does about the world and mankind,” Lee Byung-hun tells Tudum. “On some level, subconsciously, [the Front Man] looks at Gi-hun, who refuses to let go of the hope that he carries for the world and for humanity, [in a way that] that reminds him of himself.” 

So who will win in the battle between the Front Man and Gi-hun? And what new dangers are ahead for the heroes and villains of Squid Game? To find out, you’ll have to watch all seven episodes of Squid Game Season 2 when it premieres on Netflix on Dec. 26. 

Meanwhile, keep coming back to Tudum for all your Squid Game news. It’s the only way to truly stay in the game. 

Looking Back at Squid Game Season 1