As the final season of Squid Game launches on Netflix, Prague has become one of the global stops in the streaming giant’s promotional blitz. Since June 27, two towering statues of the dolls Young-hee and Cheol-su—recognizable figures from the South Korean series—have been installed directly on the Vltava River between Charles Bridge and Střelecký Island.
The statues, featuring the characters holding a jump rope, serve as a chilling callback to a deadly game featured in the show’s third season. While tourists and locals alike are taking to pedal boats for a closer look, this Prague installation is just one part of an international marketing effort for a series that has defined Netflix’s global success story.
Prague joins global Squid Game campaign
The Prague installation of Young-hee and Cheol-su is part of a sweeping international campaign marking the release of Squid Game’s third and final season, which premiered on Netflix on June 27. The series has remained a massive draw for viewers worldwide since its debut in 2021. Season 3 quickly shot to the top of Netflix’s charts, ranking number one in over 90 countries, including the Czech Republic.
In Prague, the two statues are stationed on floating pontoons in the Vltava, with the best views from the Čapadlo embankment or from the water by paddleboat. The scene they recreate—a rotating jump rope operated by the two dolls—is a reference to the penultimate game from the latest season, in which remaining contestants must leap over a moving bar while crossing a narrow bridge.
Although the installation is static—visitors won’t need to jump over the rope—the figures’ eerie presence mirrors the tone of the series. As of early this week, they were still visible on the river, though it remains unclear how long they will stay in place.
International phenomenon comes to a close
Created by South Korean director Hwang Dong-hyuk, Squid Game became Netflix’s most-watched series after its debut in 2021. Despite the creator initially planning only a single season, its runaway popularity led to two additional chapters. Season 2 premiered in December 2024 and left viewers on a cliffhanger, setting up a high-stakes conclusion in season 3.
The final installment, composed of six episodes, was produced back-to-back with the second season and wraps up the story of protagonist Seong Gi-hun, played by Lee Jung-jae. This season deepens the show’s signature exploration of survival, capitalism, and morality under extreme pressure. In the episode featuring the Young-hee and Chul-su challenge, the tension is both psychological and physical, echoing the themes that have defined the series.
To mark the release, Netflix staged large-scale promotional events around the world. In Seoul, South Korea, a “Squid Game Parade” drew thousands and featured cast appearances, videomapping displays, and immersive installations. Other locations have included Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Warsaw, London, Tokyo, and New York. Attractions vary—from photo walls and props to interactive jump rope zones guarded by actors in the show’s signature pink uniforms.
While Prague’s display is more modest in scale, it is notable for its prominent and scenic placement on one of the city’s busiest tourist routes. According to local media, the installation has proven popular among visitors renting paddleboats, with dozens seen navigating around the dolls throughout the weekend.
Netflix has not publicly confirmed how long the statues will remain in Prague, though they are expected to stay in place at least through early July. Meanwhile, fans can look forward to additional Squid Game-related activity in the Czech Republic: composer Jung Jaeil, who scored the series, is scheduled to perform at the Colours of Ostrava music festival from July 16-19, where Netflix reportedly plans to open a themed activation zone.
As Squid Game comes to a close with its third season, its cultural impact remains far-reaching—from the streets of Seoul to the waters of the Vltava.
