‘Squid Game’ creator Hwang Dong-hyuk returns for Season 2, driven by financial motivation

Hwang Dong-hyuk, creator of Squid Game, returns for Season 2, citing financial motivation despite health struggles.

Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk revealed that financial motivation led him to produce Season 2 of Netflix’s hit series, despite enduring significant stress and health challenges during the production of Season 1.

In a June 2022 interview with Variety, Hwang initially said six teeth fell out due to stress from filming; however, he recently clarified to the BBC that he lost “eight or nine.” While he had considered avoiding a sequel due to the toll on his health, the potential payday convinced him otherwise.

Hwang shared that he was paid upfront for Season 1, with no additional compensation for the show’s global success, although Netflix has stated it provides “competitive” pay regardless of success.

Season 2, premiering on Dec. 26, follows Player 456, Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), as he reenters the deadly game, this time with the goal of ending it once and for all.