Hwang Dong-hyuk, the mastermind behind the global hit series "Squid Game," humorously downplays reports of the toll filming the first season took on him, admitting to losing "eight or nine" teeth due to stress. Speaking during the production of the eagerly awaited second season, Hwang reflects on the pressures that have accompanied the success of his dystopian drama on Netflix.
Initially hesitant about creating a sequel, he candidly attributes his decision to pursue a second season to financial necessity. Despite the first season’s unprecedented global reception, Hwang revealed that he hadn't realized substantial profits from the phenomenon. “Even though the first series was such a huge global success, honestly I didn’t make much,” he states. With a hefty cash prize awaiting players in the next installment, he hopes to remedy this.
In the first season, his story arc concluded with most characters meeting a grim fate, forcing him to introduce new contestants and a fresh set of challenges. The darker socio-economic commentary that resonated worldwide will continue as Hwang’s views on the state of the world have grown bleaker. The second season will explore various modern conflicts, he argues, emphasizing societal division—a nod to an increasingly polarized era.
The set displays glimpses of the intense psychological dilemmas faced by the characters. Contestants will now choose sides after each game, contributing to further conflict and echoing the director's commentary on current social dynamics. Hwang believes that the tribal mentality permeating society is driving discord and tension.
Though past criticisms of gratuitous violence in the series linger, Hwang assures that this aspect is deliberate. He remains concerned about humanity's capability to navigate critical global issues, contemplating, “Do we humans have what it takes to steer the world off this downhill path?”
As explained by Lee Jung-jae, the lead actor, the emotional weight of the story has only intensified, describing his character's return as more desperate than before. Additionally, viewers will learn more about the enigmatic Front Man as his backstory unfolds, providing context to his choices and motivations.
Despite Hwang's journey to success being arduous—spanning a decade filled with financial strains and initially modest compensation from Netflix—he's motivated by the potential for change within the industry. An ongoing discussion about fair compensation for creators is gaining momentum, with Hwang’s openness reflecting broader concerns among South Korean creators about contractual terms with streaming platforms.
The growing discontent with profit-sharing has prompted a collective response among industry professionals advocating for a shift in copyright laws. Though Netflix claims it offers competitive compensation, the sentiment among creators suggests widespread frustration remains.
With the second season scheduled for release on December 26, 2024, anticipation continues to build. Hwang's light-hearted confession about his recurring dental issues serves as a reminder of the personal sacrifices that often accompany creative ambition in today’s demanding entertainment landscape.
