Director of Squid Game on the reason for a season 2 despite losing about 8 teeth in its premier season

The director of the popular TV show(series) Squid game was asked about why reports on the filming the first season was so stressful, he revealed that it cost him six teeth, creator Hwang Dong-hyuk chuckles and corrects, “It was eight or nine.” Hwang is speaking from the set of Squid Game Season 2, where he’s continuing his apocalyptic thriller, which follows contestants in high-stakes children’s games with deadly consequences, all for a massive cash prize.

Initially, Hwang had no plans for a second season, even swearing he wouldn’t create one. So, what changed? “Money,” he says plainly. Despite the first season’s worldwide success, Hwang admits he didn’t earn much, and this new season is a way to gain proper compensation for his work. “And I didn’t fully finish the story,” he adds, explaining part of his motivation to revisit the narrative.

The first season of Squid Game was Netflix’s most successful show, bringing global attention to South Korean television and its exploration of wealth inequality, a theme that resonated deeply with audiences. However, since most characters met their end in the first season, Hwang is now working with a fresh cast, new games, and heightened audience expectations.

“The stress I feel now is much greater,” he admits. Three years after the debut season, Hwang feels more pessimistic about the world, with rising tensions fueled by wars, climate change, and a widening wealth gap. Beyond the conflict between rich and poor, he sees divisions becoming more complex, involving clashes between generations, genders, and political ideologies.

Reflecting on the present-day atmosphere, Hwang observes, “New lines are being drawn. We’re in an era of us vs them. Who’s right and who’s wrong?” With these timely themes, Squid Game Season 2 promises to bring more than just high-stakes drama, continuing its reflection on society’s darker sides.