The Terrifying Global Journey Of The 'Squid Game' Statue: 7 Shocking Facts About Young-hee's Real-Life Appearances

The menacing, motion-sensing figure of Young-hee, the 'Squid Game' doll, has transcended its role as a fictional executioner, becoming a global cultural landmark. As of December 2025, the statue—the terrifying face of the 'Red Light, Green Light' game—continues its worldwide tour, popping up in the most unexpected and high-profile locations to promote the series' ongoing success and upcoming seasons. Far from being a simple prop, the colossal figure has been meticulously deployed by Netflix to fuel the show's topical authority, generating buzz from the streets of New York to the rivers of Prague, proving that the 'Squid Game' phenomenon is far from over.

The latest updates confirm that the giant animatronic doll is central to a massive global promotional push, tied directly to the immersive 'Squid Game: The Experience' and highly anticipated developments for Squid Game Season 2 and Season 3. This article dives into the most current facts, revealing Young-hee's true origins, her recent shocking appearances, and the subtle changes that hint at her terrifying future in the series.

Young-hee's Biography and Origins: The Doll That Became a Legend

The 'Squid Game' statue is not just an anonymous figure; she has a name and a detailed backstory, which adds a chilling layer to her presence. The doll is officially named Young-hee (영희 Yeong-hui), a name deeply rooted in Korean culture.

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• Full Name: Young-hee (영희)
• Nickname: The Doll, The Red Light, Green Light Doll
• Inspiration: Young-hee and her counterpart, Cheol-su, are characters that historically appeared in Korean elementary school textbooks throughout the 1970s and 1980s, similar to 'Jane and John' in Western primers. This intentional choice by creator Hwang Dong-hyuk turns a nostalgic childhood figure into a symbol of terror.
• Function: A large, motion-sensing female animatronic doll.
• Game Role: The sole judge and executioner in the first challenge, 'Red Light, Green Light,' using her motion sensor eyes to detect movement and trigger immediate elimination.
• Original Prop Location: The actual doll used for filming Season 1 was reportedly borrowed from a horse carriage museum in Jincheon County, a rural area north of Seoul, South Korea. After the show's success, the doll was returned to its original, now-famous location.
• Statue Height (Promotional): Replicas vary, but some promotional statues, like the one seen in Bangkok, reach a colossal 12 meters (nearly 40 feet) tall.

The 4 Most Shocking Global Appearances of the Young-hee Statue (2024–2025)

Netflix has strategically used colossal replicas of the Young-hee doll to promote the franchise, turning public spaces into temporary, unsettling game arenas. These appearances are not random; they are carefully timed to coincide with major events and season announcements, solidifying the show's status as a global cultural phenomenon.

1. The Bangkok River Spectacle (December 2024)

In one of the most visually stunning and recent promotional stunts, a massive 12-meter-tall statue of Young-hee was spotted on a barge floating along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand. This colossal figure was positioned directly in front of the iconic Wat Arun temple, creating a surreal juxtaposition of ancient Thai history and modern dystopian horror. The event was part of a "final season spectacle" and an immersive event at Lan Khon Mueang, inviting the public to participate in a real-life version of the series' challenges.

2. New York City's Immersive Experience (October 2024)

The terrifying doll was a central feature of the highly anticipated 'Squid Game: The Experience' in New York City. This immersive, real-life event, running in late 2024, allows fans to play iconic challenges like 'Red Light, Green Light,' the 'Glass Bridge,' and the 'Marbles game' under the watchful eye of a Young-hee replica. The statue’s presence outside the venue, often guarded by masked officials dressed in the show’s iconic red jumpsuits, served as a chilling invitation to test one's nerves.

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3. The Prague Season 3 Tease (Mid-2025)

Looking ahead, reports indicate that towering replicas of the Squid Game dolls are set to appear on Prague's Vltava River in July 2025 to promote the forthcoming Squid Game Season 3. This tactic demonstrates Netflix's commitment to sustained global marketing, using the statue as a recognizable, fear-inducing symbol to generate excitement for the next installment of the series. The statue's appearance in the Czech Republic highlights its reach into Central European markets.

4. The Paris Season 2 Activation (November 2024)

In November 2024, an event was held in Paris, France, to promote the forthcoming Squid Game Season 2. Attendees, often dressed in the show's signature green tracksuits, were invited to play games under the menacing gaze of the robotic Young-hee doll. This European activation further cemented the statue's role as the primary, instantly recognizable icon for the franchise worldwide.

The Future of the Young-hee Doll: Season 2 Changes and Cultural Impact

The statue's story is still being written, both in the real world and within the narrative of the show. The relentless global promotion of Young-hee is a testament to the statue's power as a marketing tool, but its in-show evolution is perhaps even more intriguing.

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The Real-Life Original vs. The Replicas

The original doll used in the series, located in Jincheon County, is a fascinating piece of trivia. Its existence as a pre-existing ornament at a local museum before being borrowed for the show adds a layer of uncanny realism to the production. The massive, 15-foot high promotional replicas, while not the original, perfectly capture the unsettling design and scale that made the character so memorable.

Hints of a Season 2 Design Change

One of the most talked-about rumors surrounding the upcoming season is a potential design modification for the Young-hee doll. Speculation suggests that the animatronic might look "different" in Season 2, reflecting a new level of sophistication or a shift in the games' theme. The appearance of a new, male doll, Cheol-su, has also been hinted at, suggesting Young-hee may no longer be the only terrifying childhood figure overseeing the deadly challenges. This design change, if true, will be a major talking point for fans and a key entity in the show's evolving lore.

A Symbol of Dystopian Critique

The Squid Game statue has become more than a mere prop; it is a powerful symbol of the show's core themes: economic desperation, childhood innocence corrupted, and the surveillance state. Its towering, unblinking presence in major cities—from New York to Bangkok—serves as a constant, unsettling reminder of the show's critique on capitalism and debt, making the fictional world feel terrifyingly real. The statue’s journey is a masterclass in topical authority, ensuring that the 'Squid Game' franchise remains at the forefront of global entertainment conversations.