‘Squid Game’ returns as Hwang Dong-hyuk grapples with stress and a complex new story

Three years after Squid Game took the world by storm, its creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, is back on set for the second season. Reflecting on the physical toll the show’s success has taken, Hwang recalled losing nearly nine teeth due to the stress of creating the first season. Despite the immense pressure, he’s returned to bring fans deeper into his dystopian world, though he admits money played a significant role in his decision to continue the story.

“When the first series was a global hit, honestly, I didn’t make much,” Hwang told the BBC, explaining that financial compensation and unfinished storylines motivated him to create a second season.

A darker and more intense storyline awaits

Hwang’s new season follows the previous winner, Gi-hun, who re-enters the deadly game to dismantle it from the inside. This time, contestants must pick sides after each game, dividing themselves into factions that force life-and-death decisions—a storyline Hwang Dong-hyuk believes captures the divisive nature of today’s world.

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The director is exploring themes of widening wealth gaps, climate change, and generational conflict, believing that “new lines are being drawn” along various social divides. Hwang’s creative approach aims to expose the dangers of tribalism, a growing force he sees playing out in real-world conflicts.

A love-hate relationship with streaming giants

While Squid Game’s first season was Netflix’s most-watched show, Hwang received only a modest payment, raising questions over how international streaming platforms compensate creators. South Korea’s outdated copyright laws mean creators like Hwang don’t benefit from their work’s success, sparking debates over fair compensation.

South Korea’s film and television creators have responded by forming a coalition, pressing for changes to protect their rights. Netflix responded, stating it provides “competitive” compensation, yet many creators argue they should receive a share of profits, especially for globally successful shows. This movement has attracted support from top creators, who see these changes as necessary to ensure fair recognition and remuneration.

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South Korean creators unite for change

Hwang’s public candor about his financial struggles has brought global attention to the issue. Alongside Hwang Dong-hyuk, other South Korean creators like writer Park Hae-young, whose show My Liberation Notes became a global hit, have voiced their reluctance to invest years into projects that offer no promise of financial security.

“Usually, I’ll spend four or five years making a drama in the belief that, if it’s successful, it could somewhat secure my future,” said Park, who feels the current model makes such dedication unsustainable.

Looking ahead to Squid Game’s new season

In addition to a deeper storyline, the new season will reveal more about the sinister game itself, including the backstory of the mysterious Front Man. Actor Lee Byung-hun, who plays the Front Man, said viewers will finally see his face, adding layers to a character that remains enigmatic and unsettling.

Despite the mounting stress and renewed dental issues, Hwang remains hopeful his efforts to spotlight the challenges faced by creators will lead to fairer compensation in South Korea and beyond. The second season of Squid Game is set to release on Netflix on December 26, 2024.