Squid Game Creator Reveals Struggles, Hopes for Fair Pay Reform in Season 2

• Nov 11, 2024

The creator of Squid Game, Hwang Dong-hyuk, recently opened up about the challenges he’s faced while filming the highly anticipated second season of the show. Speaking from the set, Hwang revealed that the pressure from the first season’s overwhelming success was so intense that he lost “eight or nine” teeth during production. This physical toll reflects the deep stress that came with making a global phenomenon and his struggle to balance artistic integrity with financial pressure.

Initially, Hwang had no plans to create a second season, but he changed his mind for one simple reason: compensation. Although Squid Game became Netflix’s most successful show, Hwang admits he earned little from its popularity. He shared that this new season allows him to finally benefit financially from his creation’s impact, adding, “I didn’t fully finish the story either,” indicating that he felt there was more left to explore.

Set for release in December 2024, Season 2 will follow the previous winner, Gi-hun, as he returns to the game with a mission to take it down and rescue other contestants. New rules in this season force players to choose sides after each game, with one faction opting to exit early and another determined to continue, fully aware that only one can survive. This element, according to Hwang, mirrors the increasing tribalism and societal divisions he observes in the real world. “We’re in an era of us versus them,” he said, reflecting on today’s conflicts across generations, genders, and political lines.

Hwang’s reflections on the world’s state are woven into Squid Game, adding depth to its violence and competition. He questions whether humanity can “steer the world off this downhill path,” a concern that fuels the story’s darker themes. This season also promises answers to long-standing mysteries, particularly around the Front Man’s backstory, revealing his motives and personal struggles. Actor Lee Byung-hun, who plays the masked antagonist, shared his excitement about the chance to portray the character without a mask, letting viewers connect with his complex journey.

However, Hwang’s struggles underscore a broader issue for Korean creators, who are often underpaid despite their work’s global appeal. While Netflix’s investment has boosted South Korean television’s international standing, creators like Hwang feel shortchanged due to contracts that force them to give up copyright ownership. This problem is further complicated by outdated South Korean copyright laws, which leave creators without a share of streaming profits. Many creators, including writers like Park Hae-young, are now calling for reform, hoping to secure fair compensation for their contributions to the industry.

In response to this, South Korean creators have banded together, forming a collective to advocate for their rights. Although the government acknowledges that the compensation system may need adjustments, it has so far left the matter to the industry to resolve. Netflix claims to offer competitive pay, but Hwang’s experience highlights a system where even a global hit like Squid Game offers little financial reward to its creator.

As Hwang prepares for Squid Game Season 2’s release, his hope is that his story will raise awareness and drive change. “My teeth ache again,” he remarked, sharing that the stress of filming may lead to more dental issues. But his commitment to the story, and to changing how creators are compensated, remains strong. Season 2 will premiere on December 26, 2024, offering fans a deeper look into the game’s sinister world and the social issues driving its creator.