Written and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, Squid Game is the newest Korean Netflix show taking the world by storm. The first Korean series to reach the top of the charts on the streaming platform in the US and UK, its plot follows 455 debt-ridden players signing up to compete in six traditional Korean playground games to win a cash prize of 45.6 billion won (approximately 1.3 billion baht). However, the catch is if you lose, you get eliminated—for good. The blood-spattered series might not be for everyone but if you can digest the first episode where players participate in a game known as “Red Light, Green Light” that results in more than half of them shot dead, then you’re good to go. Games include tug-o-war, honeycombs, marbles, glass stepping stones and the notorious squid game itself, each simple but eminently brutal.

Beyond the shock value, what makes the show so addictive are all the character revealing moments. Hwang Dong-hyuk sets up these compelling dilemmas that force characters to confront their morals and values. For example, would you betray your friend to escape death? It’s virtually impossible not to put yourself in the characters’ shoes when watching. 

Having worked in many film genres, this is Hwang’s first go at a series, and the director has said that he was able to exercise more freedom with the nine episodes than his usual features. Hwang actually came up with the idea for Squid Game back in 2008, from a comic book about players participating in an extreme game. “I wanted to create a sense of connection between the nostalgic games we played in our childhood and the sense of never-ending competition that modern adults feel,” he said. 

“There’s an irony in our most beautiful and innocent memories being changed into the most horrifying reality.”

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korean filmmaker revealed that he did not expect for the show to become this successful within a short amount of time. “It’s just a surprise. It’s incredible that all this craze happened within a week,” said Hwang. “As a creator, I’m so thrilled that my work has caught the hearts of people all around the world. It might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Hwang believes it’s the “simplicity” of the show’s games that managed to capture the attention of a global audience. He continued, “I also think people are attracted by the irony that hopeless grownups risk their lives to win a kids’ game. The games are simple and easy, so viewers can give more focus on each character rather than complex game rules.”

Having written every single episode and also directed it, Hwang has spoken about the possibility of a sequel. However, the director emphasizes that collaboration with other creatives would be a prerequisite. “If I were to do it, I would certainly not do it alone. I’d consider using a writers’ room and would want multiple experienced directors.”