Dj Vnyash
Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator of Squid Game, returns to the set of the globally successful show with high expectations for its second season. Reflecting on the intense stress of the first season, which reportedly caused him to lose several teeth, Hwang laughs and confirms, “It was about eight or nine.”
While filming the second season, where debt-stricken players compete in deadly children’s games for a life-changing prize, Hwang reflects on his journey and the personal costs involved. Initially, he had no intention of revisiting the stress of creating the show, but when asked about what changed his mind, he candidly answers, “Money.”
Although the original series became a global hit, Hwang acknowledges that his earnings didn’t reflect its success. With the second season, he hopes to be fairly compensated for both seasons, noting that the story isn’t fully complete yet.
Squid Game is Netflix’s most popular show, which has helped elevate South Korea’s TV industry and provided a sharp critique of wealth inequality. However, the pressure of meeting audience expectations, along with the introduction of new characters and games, has heightened Hwang’s stress. “The pressure now is much greater,” he admits.
As Hwang observes a world grappling with economic disparity, climate change, and conflict, these themes continue to shape the series’ storyline. He reflects on the growing division in society: “We’re in an era of ‘us vs. them.’ Who’s right and who’s wrong?” In the new season, the previous winner, Gi-hun, returns to dismantle the deadly game. This time, after each game, contestants must decide whether to end the contest to survive or continue, knowing only one can emerge victorious. These stakes are intended to highlight the growing division in today’s polarized world.
Addressing the criticism over the violence in the series, Hwang explains that each scene serves a purpose. “When making this series, I constantly asked myself, ‘Do we humans have what it takes to steer the world off this downhill path?’ Honestly, I don’t know.”
The second season will explore some of the unresolved mysteries, including the origins of the masked Front Man. Lee Byung-hun, who plays the character, hints at more scenes where his mask is removed, allowing him to convey the character’s complex emotions.
Hwang’s journey to bring Squid Game to life was a difficult one, involving years of financial struggles before Netflix’s involvement. While the streaming giant has helped bring South Korean entertainment to a global audience, creators often feel underpaid, with many streaming contracts requiring them to give up copyright, preventing them from profiting from their successes. This issue has sparked a movement among South Korean creators, pushing for fairer compensation and better copyright protection, along with government reforms to ensure profit-sharing.
Hwang’s openness about his own challenges has highlighted the need for fair compensation in the industry. As filming wraps up, he shares that his teeth are aching again and that he may need to extract a few more.
