@article{ART003268443},
author={Chang, Shin Yeol and LEEKUNSEOK},
title={An analysis of the Chinese subtitles of 『Squid Game2』},
journal={The Journal of Study on Language and Culture of Korea and China},
issn={1738-0502},
year={2025},
number={78},
pages={107-140},
doi={10.16874/jslckc.2025..78.004}
TY - JOUR
AU - Chang, Shin Yeol
AU - LEEKUNSEOK
TI - An analysis of the Chinese subtitles of 『Squid Game2』
JO - The Journal of Study on Language and Culture of Korea and China
PY - 2025
VL - null
IS - 78
PB - Korean Society of Study on Chinese Languge and Culture
SP - 107
EP - 140
SN - 1738-0502
AB - This study aims to analyze the Chinese subtitles (Simplified and Traditional) of the Netflix drama 『Squid Game』 Season 2, released in January 2025, to comprehensively evaluate their translation quality and identify current trends in Chinese translation for Korean video content. Building on the analysis of Season 1, this follow-up research focuses on mistranslations, awkward phrasing, the translation of various cultural elements (culturalia), and the handling of controversial dialogue. The analysis confirms that, unlike Season 1, the Simplified (mainland China) and Traditional (primarily Taiwan) subtitles were distinctly separated during production, indicating a conscious effort to cater to regional linguistic preferences. The problem of awkward literal translation of Sino-Korean words (Hanja) was largely resolved; conversely, the shared commonality of Chinese characters maximized translation effectiveness in certain areas. Furthermore, the numerous cultural elements in the drama were effectively conveyed through the adoption of diverse translation strategies. However, a drawback remains: swear words and vulgar language were generally euphemized or toned down, similar to Season 1. This phenomenon appears to stem not from technical translation issues, but from the broadcast regulations and customary ethical tolerance levels in China and Taiwan. Overall, instances of mistranslation or awkward phrasing were minimal and did not significantly impede the viewing experience. In conclusion, the Chinese translation quality for 『Squid Game』 Season 2 is significantly improved compared to Season 1 and is assessed as the highest quality the author has encountered among all Korean-Chinese video translations to date.
KW - Squid game 2;Korean-Chinese translation;Cultural Elements translation;slang translation;netflix translation
DO - 10.16874/jslckc.2025..78.004
ER -
Chang, Shin Yeol and LEEKUNSEOK. (2025). An analysis of the Chinese subtitles of 『Squid Game2』. The Journal of Study on Language and Culture of Korea and China, 78, 107-140.
Chang, Shin Yeol and LEEKUNSEOK. 2025, "An analysis of the Chinese subtitles of 『Squid Game2』", The Journal of Study on Language and Culture of Korea and China, no.78, pp.107-140. Available from: doi:10.16874/jslckc.2025..78.004
Chang, Shin Yeol, LEEKUNSEOK "An analysis of the Chinese subtitles of 『Squid Game2』" The Journal of Study on Language and Culture of Korea and China 78 pp.107-140 (2025) : 107.
Chang, Shin Yeol, LEEKUNSEOK. An analysis of the Chinese subtitles of 『Squid Game2』. 2025; 78 : 107-140. Available from: doi:10.16874/jslckc.2025..78.004
Chang, Shin Yeol and LEEKUNSEOK. "An analysis of the Chinese subtitles of 『Squid Game2』" The Journal of Study on Language and Culture of Korea and China no.78(2025) : 107-140.doi: 10.16874/jslckc.2025..78.004
Chang, Shin Yeol; LEEKUNSEOK. An analysis of the Chinese subtitles of 『Squid Game2』. The Journal of Study on Language and Culture of Korea and China, 78, 107-140. doi: 10.16874/jslckc.2025..78.004
Chang, Shin Yeol; LEEKUNSEOK. An analysis of the Chinese subtitles of 『Squid Game2』. The Journal of Study on Language and Culture of Korea and China. 2025; 78 107-140. doi: 10.16874/jslckc.2025..78.004
Chang, Shin Yeol, LEEKUNSEOK. An analysis of the Chinese subtitles of 『Squid Game2』. 2025; 78 : 107-140. Available from: doi:10.16874/jslckc.2025..78.004
Chang, Shin Yeol and LEEKUNSEOK. "An analysis of the Chinese subtitles of 『Squid Game2』" The Journal of Study on Language and Culture of Korea and China no.78(2025) : 107-140.doi: 10.16874/jslckc.2025..78.004
