Netflix’s Squid Game is taking the entertainment world by storm. Meet the man behind the global Netflix phenomenon- the creator, writer, and director of Squid Game- Hwang Dong-hyuk.

The show draws inspiration from Hwang’s childhood. He reminisces how the titular game- Squid Game, was very physically demanding. Many would get injured, have their clothes torn, or begin crying every time it was played.

The writer talks about how Squid Game would be the last game of their day. Squid Game was also the last game, the final level of the show. Some characters were based on Hwang’s life. Three of the four main characters- Seong Gi-hun, Sang-woo, Il-nam are based on, and named after, the creator’s friends from childhood to university.

The parallel lives of Gi-Hun and Hwang Dong-hyuk

In the show, Gi-hun and Sang-woo are childhood friends that grew up in the same neighborhood. Their familial relationships and lives heavily reflect the way Hwang grew up.

Hwang was born in Ssangmun-dong, raised by a single mother and a grandmother who worked as a vegetable vendor. Gi-hun, the protagonist of Squid Game, also lives with his single mother.

When did Hwang envision Squid Game?

Over 10 years ago, Hwang Dong-hyuk got the idea for “Squid Game“. At that time, no one was really interested in the show and he was told that “This story is too strange, it’s too distanced from reality.”

The same people now tell him that they think they would play the games if they existed. Hwang claims that some even say that “this game must secretly exist somewhere in the world already.” He laments over how sad it is that over the last decade, the world has become more suited to Squid Game.

Success and its consequences

With Squid Game gaining popularity the way it is, Hwang certainly is proud of his creation. He said, “I feel like I’ve become BTS. It’s as though I’ve created a “Harry Potter” or “Star Wars” franchise.”

Being the sole creator, writer, and director of the series, Hwang was under a lot of pressure. And this was evident in his health. Hwang reveals he lost six teeth while filming due to stress.

“On my left side, I still don’t have two molars.” His busy schedule was apparent as he says, “I need to get implants but I haven’t had the time.” Imagine that!

Will there be a Squid Game 2?

Hwang Dong-hyuk speaks of the “loose ends” in the first season of Squid Game. He talks about wanting to explore these “loose ends” in the second season if there is to be one. The frontman’s backstory, everyone’s favorite detective Jun-ho’s story, and who can forget the ddak-ji man played by South Korean superstar Gong Yoo.

How excited are you for a possible second season of Squid Game? Let us know in the comments!