The finale of the ‘Squid Game’ series, which has captivated the world, is about to begin. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk requested, “Please continue to support us with love until the end,” while expressing his ambition, “I will continue to challenge myself without getting drunk on the taste of miraculous success, using this precious experience as motivation.”
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk opened up at the production presentation of Netflix's original series ‘Squid Game Season 3’ held at Seoul Dragon City in Hangangro 3-ga on the morning of the 9th, saying, “I wanted to ask questions rather than deliver a ‘message’.”
He explained, “Many people have seen the trailer, so they might have some idea of the development. The story is about how Seong Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae), who lost most of his friends, including his closest friend Jung-bae after the rebellion in Season 2, falls into guilt and despair and how he rises again.” He added, “It would be good to focus on the story about human faith and the difference in values between Seong Gi-hun and the Frontman.”
He further elaborated, “If there are many side effects occurring in a capitalist society, it would be the despair and frustration gained by endlessly stimulating excessive competition and human desires. Within that, I wanted to pose the question, ‘Can we create a better world? Can we pass on sustainable happiness to future generations?’”
Reflecting on his journey, Director Hwang said, “I have dedicated about six years to this work, from the moment I started writing it until now. Miraculous things that I never imagined have happened. Everyone dreams of success when creating a work, but I never dared to think of this level of success.”
He continued, “Due to this unbelievable miracle, I have had precious experiences. I have received awards abroad, met fans, and interacted with foreign media. Looking back, as an individual and a creator, the many things I felt while working with such great actors are truly precious. I believe it will be a great fertilizer for my growth,” and reflected, “The moments we filmed were the most precious.”
However, he also stated, “I think I need to prepare for the next work while engraving the many emotions and lessons I experienced during this process in my heart, without getting too intoxicated by the sparkle of success and the spotlight.”
Regarding the possibility of ‘Season 4’, he said, “There are no plans,” and added, “This is something we discussed and proceeded with Netflix. If you watch the work, you might think that Season 4 could come out, but I feel that it doesn’t necessarily need to be made.”
Nevertheless, Director Hwang hinted, “If you ask whether I will never return to ‘Squid Game’, that’s not the case... I am currently preparing another work. If the opportunity arises, I am considering a spin-off (not Season 4). There are parts that have become curious while creating, so I am thinking about making such stories.”
He added, “I am grateful that many people have been with our work until the last moment. We made it with all our sincerity and effort. Please continue to support us until the end.”
Lee Byung-hun stated, “If Seasons 2 and 3 are one story, then Season 3 is the climax,” adding, “Since it is a story with an ending, it will inevitably come across as very dramatic and intense in various ways. The full-fledged confrontation between ‘Gi-hun’ and the ‘Frontman’ will be depicted. I am also very much looking forward to it.”
He continued, “It feels bittersweet,” saying, “I feel that way every time a work ends. I have experienced Hollywood, but while directly seeing the American fandom through ‘Squid Game 3’, I received tremendous support and hospitality that I had never felt before. It was truly new to receive such hospitality for our country’s content. Even though I have lived as an actor for a long time, it was a fascinating and happy experience that I had never experienced before.”
Wi Ha-jun expressed, “I am happy to receive great love from around the world, and it is an honor to be part of a work that has elevated the value and status of Korean culture and arts worldwide,” adding, “We started filming Season 1 in May 2020, and it has already been five years. I can hardly believe how time has passed. I feel grateful that I have grown a little as an actor and as a person. I hope it will be a work that remains in many people's hearts for a long time.”
Park Gyu-young briefly greeted, “I think many people will be curious about the narrative of No-eul and Kyung-seok, so I would appreciate it if you could check the content coming out on June 27,” while Lee Jin-wook added, “After the rebellion, I become a dropout. After the rebellion, only those related to the Pink Guards can survive, and I am also curious about what happens to Kyung-seok. I will check it together.”
Previously, Lee Jin-wook revealed that he survives in Season 3 through a photo wearing the ‘Pink Guard’ outfit that Park Gyu-young accidentally posted on social media.
Director Hwang stated, “Everyone makes mistakes, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Just because someone made a mistake, we cannot hold it against them forever. A mistake is a mistake, and forgiveness is forgiveness, and we must bury the past and move forward, so I think it was just a happening,” and added, “There might have been viewers who felt upset or displeased due to the feeling of being spoiled in advance, but I hope you can see it as a mistake and feel that such spoilers are not significant enough to greatly hinder your enjoyment, as there are many fun elements.”
Director Hwang also congratulated the Korean original musical ‘Maybe Happy Ending’ for winning a total of six awards, including Best Director, Best Script, Best Music, Best Set Design, and Best Actor at the Tony Awards, saying, “I was surprised. I thought the same. I was thinking, ‘Since we have already won the Oscar and the Emmy, the only ones left are the Grammy and the Tony.’ In fact, since there was talk of BTS regarding the Grammy, I thought the Tony was the furthest away, but I learned today that Korean original musicals have achieved tremendous success on Broadway without us even knowing. I was happy and proud.”
‘Squid Game 3’ tells the story of Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae), who loses his best friend in the game he re-enters, and the Frontman (played by Lee Byung-hun), who participated in the game while hiding his identity, as well as the final fates of the participants who survived in the game.
It will be released on Netflix on the 27th.
