The day after the release of the Netflix series "Squid Game 2," related stock prices plummeted.
Artist United's stock was traded at 14,100 won on the KOSDAQ market at 9:18 a.m. on the 27th. The stock price dropped 24.03% (4,460 won) from the previous day. Artist United is the company where Lee Jung-jae, the lead actor of "Squid Game 2," is the major shareholder.
Artist Studio's stock price, which is set to merge with Artist United, also fell 26.77% (6,010 won) at the same time. Other stocks classified as themed stocks, such as Showbox, Dexter, and VFX Studio, are also recording double-digit stock price declines.
Since the global release of "Squid Game 2" at 5 p.m. the previous day, mixed reviews have led to a surge in selling. Some believe this is due to the characteristics of themed stocks. A financial investment industry official noted, "Typically, themed stocks rise when the outcome is uncertain, but drop when the actual results come out."
"Squid Game 2" depicts the fierce battle between Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae), who returns seeking revenge and participates in the game, and the Frontman (played by Lee Byung-hun). It consists of a total of seven episodes.