The Chilling Irony: 5 Deep Secrets Hidden In The "Round And Round" Squid Game 2 Lyrics

The global phenomenon of Squid Game returned with a vengeance in Season 2, and with it came a new, hauntingly catchy tune: "Round and Round" (둥글게 둥글게). This Korean children's song, which serves as the theme for the deadly Mingle Game, has captured the world's attention since its debut in the 2024 season. Its simple, joyful melody provides a chilling contrast to the brutal reality of the tournament, a signature stylistic choice that heightens the show's psychological horror and social commentary. This article dives deep into the lyrics, the history of the song, and the genius behind its use in the newest chapter of the Netflix hit.

The use of innocent childhood melodies, a technique perfected in the first season with the "Red Light, Green Light" song, is amplified here. "Round and Round" is not just background music; it is a critical narrative tool that underscores the irony of the players' desperate situation, forcing them to participate in a game of 'unity' that inevitably leads to elimination and death.

The Creative Minds Behind "Round and Round"

The song "Round and Round" (둥글게 둥글게) has a rich history that predates its terrifying use in the Mingle Game. Understanding its origins is key to grasping the depth of its irony in Squid Game Season 2.

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Original Creators of the Korean Nursery Rhyme

• Original Composer: Lee Soo-in (1939–2021). A highly respected and prominent figure in Korean music, Lee Soo-in was best known for his work with choral music and children's songs for over two decades.
• Birth/Death: Born in Uiryeong County, South Gyeongsang, Lee Soo-in dedicated his life to creating music that fostered joy and unity among children.
• Original Lyricist: Jeon Geun.
• Significance: The song has been a beloved part of South Korean childhood for generations, teaching themes of friendship, clapping, singing, and dancing together.

The Musical Architect of Squid Game

• Name: Jung Jae Il (b. May 7, 1982).
• Role in Squid Game: Music Director and Composer for the series, including the arrangement of "Round and Round" for Season 2.
• Notable Works: He is an internationally acclaimed composer known for his scores in major films, including the Oscar-winning masterpiece Parasite (2019) and Bong Joon-ho's Okja (2017).
• Musical Style: A multi-instrumentalist who began his career playing guitar in a death metal band before expanding into film scoring and classical compositions. His diverse background allows him to blend innocent melodies with unsettling, complex orchestrations, a technique central to the Squid Game soundtrack.

The Full "Round and Round" (둥글게 둥글게) Lyrics and Translation

The lyrics themselves are simple, a direct call to joyful, communal play. This simplicity is precisely what makes the Mingle Game so disturbing. The players are forced to engage in a deadly version of a game meant to build fellowship.

Korean Lyrics (Hangeul)

둥글게 둥글게 (짝)
빙글빙글 돌아가며 춤을 춥시다
손뼉을 치면서 (짝)
노래를 부르며 (짝)
랄랄랄라 즐거웁게 춤을 춥시다

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English Translation

Round and round, clap!
Let's spin around and dance together.
Clapping our hands, clap!
Singing our songs, clap!
La la la la, let's joyfully dance.

5 Deep Secrets Hidden in the Mingle Song's Irony

The masterful use of "Round and Round" is a microcosm of the show's entire thematic structure. The song is a brilliant piece of musical storytelling that enhances the tension and emotional devastation of the Mingle Game.

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1. The Twisted Meaning of 'Unity'

The original song is a lesson in unity, encouraging children to hold hands, circle up, and dance as one. In the Mingle Game, the players are forced to "mingle" and pair up, but this unity is a cruel facade. The game is designed to force them to choose a partner, knowing that one of them will inevitably be eliminated or killed. The 'circle' of friendship becomes a circle of death, a continuous, inescapable loop of despair.

2. The Unsettling Contrast of Tone

Composer Jung Jae Il’s arrangement of the song is key. While the melody remains bright and major, a subtle, underlying tension is present in the instrumentation. The contrast between the cheerful, almost childlike vocal performance and the high-stakes, life-or-death scenario creates a profound sense of cognitive dissonance for the viewer. This musical irony is a powerful psychological tool, making the violence feel even more shocking and unnatural.

3. The 'Round and Round' Cycle of Poverty

The literal phrase "Round and Round" can be interpreted as a commentary on the inescapable financial and social cycles that trap the players. They enter the game to escape debt and poverty, but they are simply spinning "round and round" in a deadly, rigged system. Even if they win, the trauma and moral cost remain, suggesting that escaping the cycle of despair is nearly impossible in their society. The game itself is a continuous loop, starting over and over again for new players.

4. The Loss of Innocence and Childhood

Every Korean player would instantly recognize "Round and Round" as a cherished memory of their childhood. By weaponizing this familiar, comforting tune, Squid Game strips away the last vestiges of the players' innocence. The games are a perversion of childhood play, highlighting how the desperation of adulthood—driven by debt and survival—corrupts and destroys the purest memories of youth. The song becomes a soundtrack to a stolen past.

5. The Global Cultural Impact of Korean Nursery Rhymes

Similar to the global sensation of the "Red Light, Green Light" doll and song in Season 1, "Round and Round" instantly became a viral cultural entity. Its inclusion is a deliberate nod to Korean culture (Hallyu) while simultaneously subverting it for dramatic effect. The song's explosive popularity overseas demonstrates how a simple, local nursery rhyme can be transformed into a globally recognized symbol of horror and dark entertainment, further cementing Squid Game’s place in the modern cultural zeitgeist. The Mingle Game itself, a variation of a common children's ring game, is now forever linked to the show's dark themes.

Topical Authority: The Mingle Game and Song's Legacy

The Mingle Game and its accompanying song, "Round and Round," solidify Squid Game's formula of using nostalgia to inflict maximum emotional damage. While the first season’s games were about elimination, the Mingle Game in Season 2 introduces a new layer: forced collaboration and betrayal under the guise of an innocent activity. The music is the emotional anchor for this betrayal.

The song acts as a constant, upbeat reminder that the players are trapped in a playground of death, orchestrated by the Front Man and the VIPs for their amusement. The enduring legacy of Jung Jae Il's work is his ability to take a piece of cultural history—a song about joy and community from the esteemed composer Lee Soo-in and lyricist Jeon Geun—and transform it into a piece of contemporary, chilling art that perfectly encapsulates the show’s themes of capitalism, debt, and the perversion of human nature.

Ultimately, the "Round and Round" lyrics are not just words; they are a tragic mirror reflecting the players' lost hope. Every "clap" (짝) and every joyful "la la la la" is a punch of irony, ensuring the Mingle Game and its soundtrack will be remembered as one of the most unsettling moments of Squid Game Season 2.