When the first Season of Squid Game came out in 2021, it took the world by storm and quickly became one of the best and most novel dystopian fiction ever. Three years later, we’re now enjoying Squid Game Season 2, which is the direct follow-up to the first season’s cliffhanger ending. However, not everyone is enjoying Squid Game— its director, Hwang Dong-hyuk, isn’t exactly keen on any more Squid Game.
Hwang Dong-hyuk recently stated in an interview with Variety that while Squid Game is having much success globally, he’s actually sick and tired of his creation. The Squid Game director even yearns for a much-needed vacation and break from the series.
“I’m so exhausted. I’m so tired. In a way, I have to say, I’m so sick of Squid Game. I’m so sick of my life making something, promoting something.
So I’m not thinking about my next project right now. I’m just thinking about going to some remote island and having my own free time without any phone calls from Netflix… Not the ‘Squid Game’ island.”
To add to that, Hwang Dong-hyuk claimed that he wouldn’t want to do it again. It’s worth noting that Squid Game Season 2 was split, and the other half was turned into Season 3, meaning everyone involved in the production team was practically working on two projects before they knew it. That could also explain why it took three years for the follow-up to be released.
Hwang Dong-hyuk’s Hardships with Squid Game
Even with just the first season, Hwang Dong-hyuk sacrificed so much of himself due to the stress. The 53-year-old director says he lost six teeth in the process of writing, directing, and producing the first Season of Squid Game.
Apparently, Hwang Dong-hyuk was also scared of going to the dentist and had to endure his dental problems, which were presumably exacerbated by the stress of Squid Game’s production.Â
One would think that the esteemed Korean director, who has even won an Emmy for Squid Game (the first ever for an Asian director) would be extremely rich by now. Sadly, Hwang Dong-hyuk has also detailed that Netflix didn’t give him a bonus despite the overwhelming success of the series.
In Netflix’s defense, the streaming giant had to comply with South Korean laws. Now, it’s not clear what Hwang Dong-hyuk plans after Squid Game Seasons 2 and 3, but he’s presumably taking a break due to exhaustion.
