*Hwang reveals the immense stress of creating ‘Squid Game’ led to significant personal and professional sacrifices, highlighting the broader issues faced by South Korean creators in the evolving media landscape.*
**'Squid Game' Creator Discusses Loss, Pressure, and the Future of South Korean Cinema**
**'Squid Game' Creator Discusses Loss, Pressure, and the Future of South Korean Cinema**
*Hwang Dong-hyuk opens up about the challenges of filming the second season of the hit series and the ongoing struggles of South Korean creatives in the streaming age.*
In an exclusive interview on set, 'Squid Game' creator Hwang Dong-hyuk candidly discusses the toll of his acclaimed series. "It was eight or nine teeth I lost while making the first season," he admits, laughing off the stress-induced casualty. Now, as he films the second season, the stakes have been raised significantly- not only for him personally but for a new cast caught in the web of high expectations.
Released in 2021, 'Squid Game' catapulted South Korean television into the global spotlight. Hwang's portrayal of stark wealth inequality resonated deeply with audiences worldwide, yet he confessed, making the first season didn’t yield substantial financial benefits. “I might not have thought about a second season, but money and the need to complete the story changed my mind,” he states matter-of-factly.
The new season retains the grim aesthetic of its predecessor but introduces fresh dynamics. As Gi-hun, the previous winner, returns to the deadly games in an attempt to dismantle the system, players face dire choices reflected in the game mechanics. Contestants will be divided based on their decisions—a commentary on modern societal divisions, Hwang suggests.
While the new season promises action and deeper storytelling, it arises from a darker view of the world, with Hwang suggesting current global tensions and inequalities weigh heavily on him. “We’ve entered an era of division. Who’s right and who’s wrong?" he poses, hinting at the thematic complexity of this season.
In contrast, actor Lee Byung-hun, portraying the masked Front Man, reveals a deeper exploration of his character, aiming to provide viewers with insight into his motivations rather than sympathy. However, the strong critique of systemic issues is something Hwang takes seriously and believes is imperative in art.
Despite the acclaim, Hwang and other South Korean creators face a challenging relationship with platforms like Netflix, often receiving a fraction of the profits their shows generate. As Netflix continues to dominate, creators have voiced their frustrations about compensation and copyright laws. The situation has led to collective efforts among South Korean filmmakers and writers to advocate for change, hoping to secure better compensation structures for their work.
The South Korean government has acknowledged the need for a revised compensation system, but change remains stagnant as the industry grapples with issues of equity. As for Hwang, he hopes his candor regarding the financial struggles of his profession will shed light on these critical issues.
With newfound pressure mounting and his health suffering, Hwang humorously remarks, “I’ll probably have to pull out a few more teeth soon.” Nevertheless, fans can look forward to 'Squid Game' season two hitting Netflix on December 26, 2024, a fractious exploration of humanity that promises to be as gripping as its predecessor.
Released in 2021, 'Squid Game' catapulted South Korean television into the global spotlight. Hwang's portrayal of stark wealth inequality resonated deeply with audiences worldwide, yet he confessed, making the first season didn’t yield substantial financial benefits. “I might not have thought about a second season, but money and the need to complete the story changed my mind,” he states matter-of-factly.
The new season retains the grim aesthetic of its predecessor but introduces fresh dynamics. As Gi-hun, the previous winner, returns to the deadly games in an attempt to dismantle the system, players face dire choices reflected in the game mechanics. Contestants will be divided based on their decisions—a commentary on modern societal divisions, Hwang suggests.
While the new season promises action and deeper storytelling, it arises from a darker view of the world, with Hwang suggesting current global tensions and inequalities weigh heavily on him. “We’ve entered an era of division. Who’s right and who’s wrong?" he poses, hinting at the thematic complexity of this season.
In contrast, actor Lee Byung-hun, portraying the masked Front Man, reveals a deeper exploration of his character, aiming to provide viewers with insight into his motivations rather than sympathy. However, the strong critique of systemic issues is something Hwang takes seriously and believes is imperative in art.
Despite the acclaim, Hwang and other South Korean creators face a challenging relationship with platforms like Netflix, often receiving a fraction of the profits their shows generate. As Netflix continues to dominate, creators have voiced their frustrations about compensation and copyright laws. The situation has led to collective efforts among South Korean filmmakers and writers to advocate for change, hoping to secure better compensation structures for their work.
The South Korean government has acknowledged the need for a revised compensation system, but change remains stagnant as the industry grapples with issues of equity. As for Hwang, he hopes his candor regarding the financial struggles of his profession will shed light on these critical issues.
With newfound pressure mounting and his health suffering, Hwang humorously remarks, “I’ll probably have to pull out a few more teeth soon.” Nevertheless, fans can look forward to 'Squid Game' season two hitting Netflix on December 26, 2024, a fractious exploration of humanity that promises to be as gripping as its predecessor.
