The massive success of Squid Game on Netflix, which became the platform’s most-watched series, has not only brought international acclaim to South Korean television but also highlighted some of the hidden challenges faced by its creators. As Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk prepares for the release of the highly anticipated second season, he reflects on the immense pressure that shaped the creation of both the show and its follow-up.
Hwang, speaking candidly on set, reveals the personal toll the first season took on him. In a lighthearted moment, he corrects an earlier report about losing six teeth during filming, clarifying, “It was eight or nine,” laughing through the admission. His stressed-out journey is a stark contrast to the show’s playful and high-stakes premise, where debt-ridden contestants battle for a life-changing cash prize in brutal childhood games.
At one point, Hwang had sworn off making another season, despite the first series becoming a cultural phenomenon that thrust South Korea’s entertainment industry into the global spotlight. But what changed his mind? “Money,” he admits. Despite Squid Game’s worldwide success, Hwang confesses that he didn’t make much from it. He is hopeful that the second series will rectify this, providing him with financial compensation for the grueling journey and the show’s global impact. Additionally, he acknowledges that the story wasn’t fully concluded in the first series, which left him eager to continue.
Squid Game’s commentary on wealth inequality and its shocking portrayal of human desperation resonated deeply with viewers across the globe, cementing its place as a pop culture milestone. But with such success comes an even greater burden to deliver. Hwang confesses that the stress of producing the second season is “much greater,” especially as the world around him grows increasingly divided. Wars, climate change, and widening wealth gaps are just some of the issues that fuel Hwang’s concerns. In a deeply reflective moment, he points out the generational, gender, and political conflicts that dominate modern discourse, emphasizing the growing tribalism that influences both society and the fictional world of Squid Game.
The show’s new season promises to explore this divide further. The story will follow Gi-hun, the first season’s winner, who returns to the game, not as a contestant but as someone determined to end the deadly contest once and for all. Lee Jung-jae, who plays Gi-hun, describes his character’s evolution, saying that Gi-hun is now “more desperate and determined.” The set itself gives a glimpse of this shift, with new games designed to fuel tension and factionalism among the contestants. In the dormitory, players are divided into two sides red and blue and forced to choose between continuing the deadly games or attempting to survive.
Hwang sees this setup as a reflection of the growing divides in the real world. The game’s structure, which forces contestants to pick sides, highlights the dangers of living in a world increasingly driven by tribalism and polarized ideologies. While some may find the violence in Squid Game disturbing, Hwang insists that it serves a purpose. He constantly grapples with the question of whether humanity can overcome its darkest tendencies, a question that will resonate throughout the second season.
In addition to exploring new thematic elements, the second season will also delve deeper into the enigmatic character of the Front Man, played by Lee Byung-hun. The actor reveals that fans will get a closer look at the Front Man’s past, his motivations, and the emotions behind his actions—though it is unlikely viewers will warm to the character.
Hwang’s journey from struggling filmmaker to global sensation is a testament to the challenges of the modern entertainment industry. Despite his success, Hwang remains frustrated with the financial structure of streaming platforms, particularly Netflix. Creators in South Korea and beyond are pushing for fairer compensation models, as streaming services often demand the relinquishing of rights without offering long-term financial security. Hwang hopes that by sharing his own struggles with Squid Game’s profits, he can spark a much-needed conversation about creator compensation in the age of streaming.
As Hwang continues to grapple with the physical and emotional toll of making Squid Game, he jokes that his teeth are once again aching, hinting at yet another dental visit in the near future. Nevertheless, Squid Game fans can rest assured that the second season, set for release on Netflix on December 26, 2024, will be filled with the same intense drama, heart-stopping games, and social commentary that made the first series a global sensation.
