Filming the second series of the critically acclaimed Netflix series Squid Game brings renewed pressure for its creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, who humorously reveals that he lost not just six, but “eight or nine” teeth due to the stress of the first season. Now back on set, he reflects on the journey that led to the follow-up for a show that became a cultural phenomenon after its release in 2021.
Hwang admits that until recently, he had sworn off making another season. “Money,” he states flatly when asked what changed his mind, stressing that despite the tremendous global success of the first series, the financial return was underwhelming. As he embarks on the second season, he acknowledges an urgent need for compensation, especially after realizing he hadn’t concluded the narrative he intended to share.
The initial series resonated with international audiences, highlighting themes of wealth disparity and social injustice. However, the death of numerous characters left Hwang with the challenge of introducing a fresh ensemble of participants while meeting soaring expectations. “The stress I feel now is much greater,” he confesses, drawing attention to current global crises ranging from war to inequities that intensify feelings of division among different societal factions.
The set, characterized by its quirky aesthetics, mirrors Hwang's gloomy outlook. The premise of the new season involves a returning champion, Gi-hun, who seeks to dismantle the deadly game. Players will now choose sides based on their decision to continue the deadly contest or abandon it in pursuit of survival—an artistic choice meant to scrutinize today's increasingly polarized world.
Despite critiques of violent storytelling, Hwang underscores the thoughtful nature behind the gruesome elements of the series. He expresses a deep concern, questioning human capacity to shift towards a more hopeful future amidst pervasive conflict. In this new season, audiences will see more about the masked antagonist known as the Front Man, with plans to explore his background and motivations, offering depth to a character previously shrouded in mystery.
Throughout the creation of Squid Game, Hwang grappled with challenging industry dynamics, especially regarding financial compensation. He previously faced hardships financing the show for a decade, which has led to a mixed relationship that many South Korean creators share with international streaming platforms like Netflix. Creators argue that their projects lack fair representation in profit-sharing models, causing widespread discontent regarding contract terms and diminishing returns.
As a wave of creators form collectives to advocate for equitable pay, Hwang's transparent discussion of his circumstances promises to kindle dialogue about fair compensation in the industry. With the second season set to premiere on December 26, 2024, he hopes to not only entertain but also provoke critical conversations surrounding creator rights. However, looking at the challenges ahead, Hwang finds himself again troubled, jokingly hinting that he may soon lose a few more teeth to the stress of it all.
