‘Squid Game’ Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk “Exhausted” Making Netflix Show

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As a seasoned film enthusiast with a soft spot for shows that pack a punch, I can’t help but feel a twinge of empathy for Hwang Dong-hyuk, the genius mind behind the global phenomenon that is Squid Game. The success of his masterpiece has catapulted him into a realm where the weight of expectation and the relentless machine of capitalist exploitation are as brutal as the games themselves.

They say the only thing as bad as failure in show business is success. The industry is rife with cautionary tales and monkey’s paw wishes that fill hungry creatives’ hands with gobs of money – but at what cost? When Netflix’s Squid Game became a sleeper hit, show creator Hwang Dong-hyuk perhaps unknowingly flipped the big red power switch on an IP merchandising machine that makes C-Suite ice-chewers who call all art “content” start to salivate. Having a singular creative vision for a massive property is extremely stressful and a gargantuan amount of work, which can breed a sense of resentment inside the creator.

Since the production of the second and third seasons have been completed simultaneously (both written and filmed), Dong-hyuk shared with Variety his desire for a break from “Squid Game”:

I’m completely drained and worn out. Frankly, I can’t help but feel exhausted by ‘Squid Game.’ It seems like all I do is create and promote it, and I’ve had enough for now. Consequently, I’m not giving much thought to my next project at the moment. Instead, I’m daydreaming about escaping to a secluded island where I can have some peace and quiet, free from any interruptions like phone calls from Netflix.

When something becomes globally famous, it’s rarely thought about that a small economy might also be part of the package. A flurry of promotional activities, merchandise, attractions, events, and games, all linked to one’s work, are initiated. The aim is to keep the momentum going by producing more of the spectacle. Interestingly, Hwang initially intended for Squid Game to be a one-season production.

Originally, I hadn’t planned on creating a second season due to the demanding nature of writing, production, and direction for the series. Frankly, I didn’t envision tackling another one.

The Irony Of Squid Game’s Success

In a somewhat direct critique of capitalist structures that push a struggling group into ruthless competition, the commercialization of the show feels quite grim. As earnings dwindle across multiple sectors to cater to shareholders, the escalating production of merchandise linked to the Squid Game franchise becomes increasingly unsettling. What adds to this unease is the introduction of Squid Game: The Experience – a collection of games, promotions, and pop-ups designed to immerse fans in the tension and intensity of the series. This industry trend towards financially exploiting this dystopian world feels troubling.

In a nation where countless individuals are just a medical crisis from financial collapse and finding a stable middle-class career is challenging, using savings for children’s education to immerse oneself in the struggle and uncertainty depicted by Squid Game seems rather ironic. To quote Captain Barbossa – it’s time to accept that you’re already living in a ruthless capitalist rat race…you’re already in one.

By November, a staggering 2.8 billion hours of viewing time had been accumulated for the survival competition series, indicating a thriving fan base. The highly anticipated second season of the popular show Squid Game is set to premiere on December 26th exclusively on Netflix.

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2024-12-20 00:34