Director Hwang Dong-hyuk (54) revealed the behind-the-scenes story of the making of 'Squid Game'.
The Netflix series 'Squid Game Season 3' depicts Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), who loses his best friend in a game he re-enters with his own purpose, and the Frontman (Lee Byung-hun), who hides his identity while participating in the game, along with the final fates of the participants who survived the brutal game.
Director Hwang, who gained attention with the 2011 film 'Silenced', has been recognized for the high quality of his works, including 'Miss Granny' and 'The Fortress'. He rose to global fame as a director through 'Squid Game', his first drama and OTT project.
The first season of 'Squid Game', released in 2021, set the record for the most views across all Netflix TV series in both English-speaking and non-English-speaking countries, creating a global sensation. It swept six categories at the Primetime Emmy Awards, the most prestigious awards in American broadcasting, including Outstanding Directing, Outstanding Lead Actor, and Outstanding Guest Actress.
The subsequently released Season 2 also reached the number one spot in viewership rankings within its first week and ranked third in Netflix's TV show category based on cumulative views, following 'Squid Game 1' and 'Wednesday'.
When asked about his feelings after the release, Director Hwang said, "I feel relieved. It took about six years from when I started writing. Season 1 started without expectations and became a huge success, while Season 2 had a lot of expectations, which was burdensome. Now that it’s all done, I feel like I can put down my load. When will I ever create a work that receives such high expectations? I am grateful."
Season 3 has received sharply divided reactions since its release. The British daily The Guardian pointed out, "The brutality has intensified, violence continues unabated, and the satire is gradually disappearing," stating that "there are visual spectacles, but it is not as sharp as before." Variety expressed disappointment, saying, "There is a lack of new characters, and the structure is repetitive."
On the other hand, the British Telegraph praised it as "a satisfying conclusion beautifully wrapped in a ribbon stained with blood," while Metro called it "a true masterpiece that instills hope that goodness exists even in the darkest moments."
In response, Director Hwang mentioned that he did not look for reactions after the release, saying, "I was busy with overseas promotions and hardly slept for a month. If I looked for reactions, I felt I wouldn’t be able to rest. So I tried not to look at the reactions as much as possible and heard various responses from those around me. There are people who liked it and those who expressed dissatisfaction. I understand all reactions."
He continued, "During Season 1, there were no expectations, and it was shocking and fresh. People were satisfied with the game and the social message, which led to positive reactions. However, expectations were high, and everyone wants different things. Some want more entertaining games, while those who want philosophical messages desire more of that, and fans of the characters hope they are well-developed. There can be different reactions from those whose expectations were met and those whose were not. I understand all of that."
He added, "There are high expectations for how this series should end. There were tremendous hopes, but almost everyone dies. I think that sense of betrayal is significant. That’s why the reactions are so extremely divided."
He also explained the reason behind the tragic ending of Gi-hun, who has led 'Squid Game'.
Director Hwang said, "When I first thought about Seasons 2 and 3, I considered a happy ending. I imagined Gi-hun surviving, finishing the game, and meeting his daughter. But after starting to write, my thoughts changed. I reconsidered the message I wanted to convey through Gi-hun's journey and what story I wanted to tell."
He continued, "I thought the world was becoming a difficult place to live in, with economic crises and inequalities exacerbated by COVID-19, and the threat of war increasing. While everyone worries about the climate crisis and the future of the planet, isn’t there a growing sense of nationalism? I wanted to talk about what we want to pass on to future generations while witnessing a world that cannot stop despite climate issues."
He added, "Young people these days are losing their dreams and hope. I thought about what we should pass on to future generations if we stop being selfish and let go a little. So I felt that a baby, symbolizing the next generation, should appear. A being like our remaining conscience. I thought Gi-hun sacrificing for that baby connected with the story I wanted to tell."
Furthermore, regarding the game structure, he said, "It gets darker as it goes on. There’s a saying that the deeper the night, the brighter a small spark appears. I wanted to give a hellish feeling at the end. I wanted to show Seong Gi-hun lifting a light in a place where all characters are dark and devoid of humanity. I structured the final game to give a sense of hopelessness as it progressed."
Above all, Director Hwang emphasized, "'Squid Game' is not a hero story."
He stated, "At the end of Season 1, the Frontman mocks Seong Gi-hun, asking, 'Was the hero game fun?' I didn’t want to tell a story where one hero can change the world. Gi-hun cannot be that kind of person from the start. I believe his final action is the best heroic act he can perform. I think it is the ordinary people, not one person's leadership, who can change the world. So, while it’s frustrating, Gi-hun symbolizes that."
He continued, "The world has become a difficult place to live for many reasons. Everyone has become less generous. The willingness to embrace others or different things has diminished. It is said that donation amounts are decreasing. Articles come out at the end of the year stating that today’s donations are less than last year’s. It feels like things are gradually getting harder. Nowadays, when I walk around, I see many empty stores, and wealth is concentrated among those who have it. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, reportedly spent $70 billion on his wedding, while people's feelings of deprivation and defeat are intensifying. I wonder if that’s why people expect more heroes. I think they hoped for something to break through in the work. That’s why I think people feel more frustrated and troubled while watching."
[Yang So-young, Star Today Reporter]
