Director Hwang Dong-hyuk Talks ‘Squid Game’ Sequel

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk has revealed his inspiration for the Netflix hit series, Squid Game.

The new series has shot into the top ten most-watched series on Netflix in the US and UK. It is the first Korean show to achieve such streaming success and has secured a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Squid Game follows hundreds of debt-ridden people, offered the chance to play a series of deadly children’s games in the hopes of securing the $40 million prize.

In an interview with Variety, Hwang said comic books and animations heavily influenced his idea for the show.

“I freely admit that I’ve had great inspiration from Japanese comics and animation over the years,” said Hwang.

“When I started, I was in financial straits myself and spent much time in cafes reading comics including ‘Battle Royal‘ and ‘Liar Game‘. I came to wonder how I’d feel if I took part in the games myself. But I found the games too complex, and for my own work focused instead on using kids’ games.”

Hwang added that the series premise was a play on the idea of modern capitalism, using characters who were ‘ordinary’ and relatable.

“I wanted to write a story that was an allegory or fable about modern capitalist society, something that depicts an extreme competition, somewhat like the extreme competition of life,” he said. “But I wanted it to use the kind of characters we’ve all met in real life.”

Asked about the possibility of a second season, Hwang responded: “I don’t have well-developed plans for Squid Game 2. It is quite tiring just thinking about it. But if I were to do it, I would certainly not do it alone. I’d consider using a writer’s room and would want multiple experienced directors.”

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