Squid Game Director Reveals Struggles Filming Season Two
The Squid Game director reveals his filming struggles for the show’s second season, facing intense stress and health impacts as he brings his vision to life. Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator, shares that he lost nine teeth due to stress while directing. The themes in Squid Game remain relevant, examining societal divides and reflecting a polarized world.
Squid Game Director’s Filming Struggles
Hwang’s challenges with Squid Game go beyond the screen. Despite the global success of season one, financial rewards were limited. “Doing the second series will help compensate for the success of the first,” Hwang explains. The financial strain is a familiar story for South Korean creators, who often receive one-time payments from streaming platforms like Netflix without sharing in the long-term profits.
To explore more about Hwang’s journey, visit BBC News.
Exploring Societal Divisions in Season Two
In the new season, returning character Gi-hun aims to dismantle the deadly game, navigating a world marked by factionalism. Hwang illustrates the dangers of societal division, noting, “We’re in an era of us vs. them.” By intensifying these themes, Squid Game continues to captivate and challenge global audiences.
For further analysis on these themes, see Kenkou Land’s article.
Streaming Challenges for Korean Creators
Hwang’s pay struggles highlight issues within the streaming model, especially in South Korea, where contracts often require creators to relinquish copyright. Traditional film models typically offer royalties, while streaming offers only upfront payments. This has led Korean creators to call for reforms, pushing for fairer compensation aligned with global success. Writer Park Hae-young, known for My Liberation Notes, also voices concerns over the financial sustainability of streaming projects.
Release of Squid Game Season Two
Squid Game season two will release on December 26, 2024, and promises to answer key questions about the Front Man and the game’s origins. Actor Lee Byung-hun, who plays the Front Man, reveals, “This season will show more of the Front Man’s past.”
As Hwang wraps up filming, he jokes about needing another visit to the dentist, highlighting the sacrifices made to bring Squid Game to life once again.
