Behind the Scenes of Squid Game: Director Reflects on Stress, Success, and Unresolved Issues

As director Hwang Dong-hyuk embarks on the highly anticipated second season of Squid Game, he reveals the toll the first season took on him, both physically and emotionally. While the show achieved global fame, Hwang candidly discusses the financial struggles and industry challenges surrounding South Korean creators, aiming for a cultural shift in fair compensation.

In a recent interview on set, Hwang Dong-hyuk, the visionary behind Netflix's global phenomenon Squid Game, opened up about the harrowing experiences that marked the production of its first season. He humorously corrected a reporter's account, revealing it was not six, but “eight or nine” teeth that he lost due to stress while filming. With the eagerly awaited second season underway, Hwang reflects on the difficulties of the past and the reasons for continuing despite the pressure.

Initially reluctant to produce a sequel, Hwang cited financial motives as a deciding factor, admitting, “Even though the first series was such a huge global success, honestly I didn’t make much." He feels the second installment will help address this disparity and allow him to fully realize the story that started in the first season.

With Warfare, climate change, and escalating wealth inequality serving as the backdrop for his narrative, Hwang’s dissatisfaction with the world has inspired a darker tone for the new series. The plot thickens as the previous winner, Gi-hun, returns to disrupt the game and protect new contestants. In a novel twist, players must choose sides in a contentious new game mechanic, mirroring the division in contemporary society that Hwang wants to critique.

While the acclaimed show's storytelling is often critiqued for its graphic violence, Hwang insists that every element is intentional, designed to provoke thought about humanity’s struggles and capabilities to navigate an increasingly fractured world. He questioned, “Do we humans have what it takes to steer the world off this downhill path?”—a sentiment that underscores the thematic ambitions of Squid Game 2.

The return of fan-favorite characters and deeper narratives promises some answers about the motives behind the series' enigmatic Front Man. Actor Lee Byung-hun, who plays the masked figure, promises more insights into his character's background, possibly offering viewers a greater understanding of his actions, although likely not sympathy.

Despite the success, creators in South Korea grapple with financial disparities when working with streaming giants like Netflix. Hwang expressed frustration over how little he was compensated compared to the massive revenue generated by the show. This narrative of hardship is echoed across the industry as content creators band together, urging for fairer compensation and legal reforms to protect their rights.

Notably, the ongoing drive for reform resonates with writers and actors like Park Hae-young, who fear that without improved compensation structures, they may be less inclined to invest their best efforts into future projects. The South Korean government acknowledges the need for change but leaves the resolution in the hands of industry professionals.

As the Squid Game sequel prepares for its premiere on December 26, 2024, Hwang's resilience underscores not only the pressure of creative pursuits but also a critical call for change in the landscape of media production. Reflecting on his challenges, he quips about his aching teeth, saying he may need to face his dentist again soon as the industry's demands on him continue to mount.