Lee Jung-jae returns role as Seong Gi-hun in the second season of 'Squid Game.' Photo from Squid Game's X account

(UPDATE) The highly anticipated second season of the South Korean survival drama series "Squid Game" is set to premiere on December 26, Netflix announced Thursday.

The streaming giant bared the premiere date in a nearly minute-long video posted on its social media channels, showing contestants from the deadly games sprinting through an athletics venue, culminating in the appearance of the Front Man character.

"It's been three years. Do you want to play again?" asked the Front Man, who oversees the games and is portrayed by Lee Byung-hun.

In a statement posted on X, "Squid Game" director and writer Hwang Dong-hyuk said the series would end with a third season in 2025.

"The fierce clash between their (protagonist Seong Gi-hun and the Front Man) worlds will continue into the series finale with Season 3, which will be brought to you next year," Hwang said.

"We'll do our best to make sure we bring you yet another thrill ride. I hope you're excited for what's to come," he added.

Photo from Squid Game's X account

In a press release, Netflix said the second season follows “Squid Game” winner Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) as he attempts to put an end to the vicious sport.

“The path toward taking down the organization [behind ‘Squid Game’] proves to be deadlier than he imagined: to end the game, he needs to re-enter it,” the streamer said.

READ: T.O.P, Jo Yuri among new stars joining 'Squid Game 2'

Apart from Jung-jae and Byung-hyun, the returning cast members include Wi Ha-jun and Gong Yoo.

The second season also boasts a powerful lineup of new cast members, including Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Lee Jin-wook, Park Gyu-young, Choi Seung-hyun (formerly T.O.P of the boy band Big Bang) and Jo Yuri.

"Squid Game" follows hundreds of financially challenged people who compete for cash in deadly versions of children's games.

The show's first season premiered in 2021 and collected six awards at the 2022 Emmys, including a historic win for Lee Jung-jae in the best drama actor category.

For more news and features on K-pop, K-drama, and K-stars, visit the Hallyu Corner microsite.