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As I delve into the captivating story of Hwang Dong-hyuk, the visionary creator behind the global phenomenon that is Squid Game, I find myself deeply moved by his poignant journey and the profound message embedded within his masterpiece. Born from personal struggles, shaped by political unrest, and fueled by a desire to raise awareness about the harsh realities of capitalism, Hwang’s work resonates with millions worldwide.

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In the previous year, the mastermind behind the intense South Korean series titled “Squid Game“, Hwang Dong-hyuk, happened to stumble upon a YouTube video that momentarily halted his scrolling.

He mentions the African children playing a game similar to ‘Grandmother’s Footsteps’, which gained notoriety in the popular show, ‘Squid Game’. What struck him most was the unexpected global reach of the series. Interestingly, it’s a program that younger audiences are unable to watch.” (Or, “What amazed me the most was the unanticipated global impact of this series, which is not suitable for children.”)

1) Regardless if those children had seen the adult-rated TV series, the video clip – along with many similar ones – demonstrated that its impact was global. Even during the tail end of the Covid pandemic, a Korean adaptation of “The Hunger Games” became a worldwide sensation. Launched in late 2021, this tale about children competing in lethal games on an enigmatic island, where they wear green tracksuits and are burdened with debt, set new records for Netflix. It topped Netflix’s top ten charts in 94 countries globally, such as the USA, India, Brazil, and Turkey. Over 142 million households collectively spent more than 1.65 billion hours viewing it within its first 28 days. This was a genuine cultural phenomenon that sparked renewed interest in Korean culture around the world.

Hwang Dong-hyuk received an Emmy for Excellent Directing in a Drama Series, marking him as the initial Asian and Korean native recipient in this category. Notably, it was also the first time a non-English series emerged victorious. Remarkably, he’s still taken aback to witness African children emulating his production.

53-year-old Hwang expresses that he was taken aback when he truly realized the extent of our power and effect in today’s world.

Initially, Squid Game, an unexpected global phenomenon, was created without any anticipation for a second season or even a sequel at all. However, on Boxing Day, preparations are underway for the games to resume once more, with a third and concluding series scheduled for 2025. “During the production of season one,” shares Hwang, “I didn’t have any thoughts about being able to do a second series or if there would be a sequel at all. I was content if the story ended with the final scene of season one.

I didn’t make much money from series one

As the victor in those grueling games – a survivor among many after six harrowing days – I stood on the brink of boarding a plane, my winnings, 45.6 billion Korean won (approximately £25 million), within reach. But then, a change of heart. Three years have passed since that moment, and now, driven by determination, I seek out the creators of this sinister game, aiming to dismantle their cruel pastime once and for all.

Regarding director Hwang, he admitted that during the filming of the first series, he experienced such high stress levels that his teeth even began to loosen. Remarkably, the series’ incredible popularity has added even more weight on his shoulders.

He expresses that this period is undoubtedly the most hectic in his entire experience, lasting approximately two years now. Remarkably, despite the tremendous achievement of season one, he’s been tirelessly engaged in planning and producing the next season.

The acclaim and prosperity haven’t significantly altered his lifestyle, he remarks, as he’s been too busy to savor them. “I didn’t truly have the time or space in my life for any other transformations. I’ve been immersed and engrossed in the universe of Squid Game since 2019 for the past five years.

Hwang openly admits the reason for his return is financial. “It’s all about money!” he jokes. “Though the first season was an enormous global hit, I must admit I didn’t earn much from it. So, working on the second season will help balance out my earnings against its massive success.

As a movie enthusiast, I find it fascinatingly ironic that this creator’s work, which is deeply critical of late-stage capitalism and the lengths some people will go to for money, is itself fueled by the same system. He shares that the popular series Squid Game, with its powerful message, was always intended to convey a serious point to its viewers.

He shares, “At five years old, I sadly lost my father, which meant our family wasn’t financially stable. In fact, we struggled greatly.” This personal history resonates with the players in this game, all burdened by debt. “My mother faced numerous challenges to raise her children,” he continues. “I believe it’s fair to say that I have a deep understanding of poverty and juggling financial difficulties.

In the ’90s, when I started college, my generation was deeply immersed in the democratic movement in Korea. Consequently, much of my twenties were filled with contemplation and active involvement in protests. I found myself pondering over political messages and the concept of capitalism extensively during that time. This intellectual journey eventually shaped me into a filmmaker, one who is compelled to explore themes like global inequality and capitalism.

Though Squid Game’s initial season featured suspenseful cliffhangers that contributed to its irresistible binge-watching appeal, according to Hwang, its underlying intention was to provoke thought. Similarly, the upcoming second series aims to stimulate contemplation, given the numerous pressing issues in today’s global context.

I lost my father aged five. We struggled to make ends meet

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we produced Season 1, but when we started working on Season 2, the pandemic had ended. As for whether the world has improved since then, I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to give a positive answer.

Significantly, season two introduces an interactive voting system for the participants, which was produced and aired during the same year when several prominent global powers held significant elections. This wasn’t a coincidence.

Hwang expresses concern about the escalating conflict and division we’re experiencing globally, along with the pressing challenges humanity faces such as climate change, ongoing wars, and conflicts in various parts of the world. These issues have become prevalent worldwide, and they are themes that he aims to address in season two.

This doesn’t imply that Season 2 of “Squid Game” will transform into a broadcast of Radio 4’s “Moral Maze.” Instead, we find Gi-Hun returning with weapons and anger, which leads him back to the island and once again into the competition. Consequently, he encounters fresh games to engage in.

In the process of developing Season 2, we reintroduced a few games that weren’t included in Season 1, and due to our experience from creating Season 1, we also developed new ones, according to Hwang.

In my perspective as a movie reviewer, the director is keeping tight-lipped about the specific games featured in his upcoming film. He hinted that they’re reminiscent of childhood games, suggesting that they should be straightforward and immediately comprehensible to all viewers, much like the first season.

Indeed, simplicity is one of Hwang’s key principles, which may contribute to why Squid Game became a global phenomenon. As he puts it, “During season one, I aimed for simplicity. Whether it was the games or the symbols – the shapes, the masks, the sets – I wanted them to be very straightforward. The simplest elements can cross all boundaries. Simplicity is the key ingredient to its success.

2024-12-13 21:37

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