Director of 'Squid Game' 2 expected criticism

Reflecting on modern society, Hwang Dong-hyuk emphasizes anger should be aimed “upward” — at masterminds behind system

The second season of Netflix’s global juggernaut "Squid Game" has sparked debate since its release, dividing critics and fans alike. While the show remains the talk of the town, its sequel to the groundbreaking original has faced both accolades and backlash.

A week into its debut, murmurs of discontent have arisen, with detractors lamenting a perceived stagnation in storytelling and a lack of the first season’s ingenuity. Some have called the new games uninspired, bereft of the thematic depth or fresh insights that elevated "Squid Game" to its iconic status.

Yet, for series mastermind Hwang Dong-hyuk, these critiques come as no surprise.

Speaking during a recent group interview, the director reflected on the colossal shadow cast by season one.

“Season one was a project that came out without any expectations, wasn’t it?” said Hwang, during a group interview held on Thursday.

“I think the reaction was much more intense for the first season because of the surprise and freshness it brought to the world," he said.

Despite the polarizing response, Hwang appeared to take the critiques in stride.

From unmet expectations of sharper societal critique to the longing for dopamine-fueled spectacle, judging from the responses he got for "Squid Game" season one, Hwang said he knew the spectrum of fan demands was nearly impossible to reconcile.

"I understood that some level of disappointment would arise,” he acknowledged, adding that the decision to carry over the narrative into a third season likely exacerbated some viewers’ frustrations.

Among the more pointed critiques is the arc of Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), whose paradoxical journey has left audiences divided. Initially reentering the death games to save everyone, Gi-hun's later choices to sacrifice a few for the greater good raised eyebrows. Hwang, however, said he saw this as central to the character’s evolution throughout the three seasons.

Moreover, according to Hwang, Gi-hun’s ill-fated rebellion, a futile effort to upend the system that took place at the end of season two, serves as a microcosm of societal frustration.

For Hwang, this subplot is a reflection of the futility of fighting back in today's fractured world.

“I think over the time I’ve written and worked on 'Squid Game,' things have changed in a negative direction," he said.

“The anger, which should be directed upward, is instead aimed sideways or downward," he added, asserting that “The real fight isn’t among us — it’s against those running the game."

As Hwang heads to the US for the Golden Globes, where the series has earned a nomination for best drama, Hwang admitted he isn’t anticipating a win for the series. The 82nd Golden Globes takes place in Los Angeles, US, on Monday.

"I believe (a work's) message is very important. Since neither the characters’ arcs nor the message was fully developed (in season two), I thought it would be difficult to take the new season to an awards ceremony. So, I had almost no expectations, and when it did get selected, I was genuinely shocked," he said, adding, “As for winning an award, I’m not expecting it. I haven’t even prepared an acceptance speech.”

Looking ahead to season three, potentially slated for 2025 release, Hwang teased a darker, more emotionally intense continuation.

“Season three will feature new games, and they’ll be quite shocking,” he revealed, adding that the last season will push the boundaries of human depravity and resilience. “There will be scenes far more emotionally intense than those in seasons one and two. I think it’s wise to be mentally prepared for that.”