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‘Squid Game’ Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk Reflects on Success & What’s Next

Squid Game creator interview/ Hwang Dong-hyuk next project/ Squid Game Season 3/ societal themes in Squid Game/ Netflix global hits/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator of Netflix’s hit series Squid Game, shares insights on creating the show, its societal themes, and his future plans. As Season 2 premieres, Hwang discusses the challenges of managing a large cast, evolving societal commentary in the story, and his dream of working with Hollywood talent like Jake Gyllenhaal. With Season 3 already filmed, Hwang teases it will surpass Season 2 in quality.

Hwang Dong-hyuk poses for a portrait to promote the second season of “Squid Game” on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP)

Hwang Dong-hyuk Opens Up About Squid Game: Quick Looks

  • Season 2 Highlights:
    • Centers on societal struggles with debt among younger characters.
    • Focuses on the desperation and gambling tendencies of today’s youth.
    • Premieres Thursday, continuing the deadly competition’s dark themes.
  • Future Projects:
    • A feature film set 10-20 years in the future, described as darker, crueler, and quirkier than Squid Game.
    • Hwang expresses interest in directing a Hollywood film, citing Jake Gyllenhaal as a dream collaborator.
  • Season 3:
    • Already filmed and promises to be even better than Season 2.

‘Squid Game’ Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk Reflects on Success & What’s Next

Deep Look

Reflecting on Squid Game’s Success

Hwang Dong-hyuk never imagined the massive global success of Squid Game, which he originally conceived as a two-hour film 15 years ago. After failing to gain interest from financiers, he reworked the concept into a series, eventually landing at Netflix. The show’s success has surpassed his wildest dreams.

“If you love something and want to create something, it might not work now, but the time might come later,” Hwang said, reflecting on his journey.

Season 2’s Fresh Perspective

Season 2 dives deeper into societal issues, particularly the financial struggles of younger generations. Hwang noted the evolving nature of debt and job insecurity among youth in their 20s and 30s, drawing connections to cryptocurrency and online gambling trends in South Korea.

“When I created Season 1, I thought you had to be middle-aged to be up to your neck in debt. But now, young people feel like working hard doesn’t even get them to the middle class,” Hwang explained.

A Grueling Production Process

Managing Squid Game’s sprawling cast is no small feat. Hwang admitted that seeing characters “die” brought him some relief on set.

“I’d say, ‘Oh no! How sad!’ but inside, I was smiling,” he joked.

Exploring New Horizons

With Season 3 of Squid Game already completed, Hwang is turning his attention to a new feature film set 10-20 years in the future. While keeping details under wraps, he hinted that the project will be even darker and more satirical than Squid Game.

Hwang also expressed interest in working on a U.S. production. “I’d love to work with Jake Gyllenhaal,” he said, though he acknowledged his comfort lies in writing and directing in Korean.

What’s Next for Squid Game

While Hwang is cautious about revealing details, he confidently stated, “Season 3 is better than Season 2.”

Fans can expect a continued exploration of societal despair and human nature, delivered with the same intensity and originality that made the first season a global phenomenon.


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