TV
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk Teases 'Squid Game 3' with New Twists and Games
On the 9th, a production presentation for Netflix's original series 'Squid Game 3' was held at Seoul Dragon City in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Attendees included director Hwang Dong-hyuk and actors Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Wi Ha-jun, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-uk, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Jo Yu-ri, Chae Gook-hee, Lee David, and Roh Jae-won.
'Squid Game 3' follows the story of Gi-hun, who re-enters the game with his own motives and loses his closest friend, the Front Man who hid his identity within the game, and the final fate of the participants who survived the brutal game. Following the first season in September 2021 and the second season in December 2024, the series reaches its conclusion with season 3.
Director Hwang stated, "Five years have passed. We have done our best with the staff and actors. Please watch until the end and support us." Regarding season 3, he hinted, "After losing most of his comrades and close friends at the end of the rebellion, Gi-hun falls to the bottom due to guilt and despair over his mistakes, and the story is about how he rises again. It will be interesting to see how the battle of beliefs between Gi-hun and the Front Man concludes." He added, "The message I wanted to convey through seasons 2 and 3 was more of a 'question'. In a post-capitalist society where excessive competition and human desires are constantly stimulated, can humans create a better future amidst frustration and defeat? Can we pass on a sustainable world to future generations? I wanted to pose these questions."
'Squid Game' is known for its irony of turning innocent childhood games into terrifying death matches. Regarding the games in season 3, Director Hwang explained, "You might have seen in the trailer a game where participants cross a high bridge and fall if caught by a rope. Such games will appear." He continued, "There will be a game where participants are chased in a maze-like space and a game involving cars. While you might expect games like tag, hide and seek, and cops and robbers, those elements are included to some extent. New games will also be introduced." He also mentioned, "The games are based on childhood games, and there are hidden games not shown in the trailer."
Season 3 introduces a new character, Chul-soo, as a counterpart to the character Young-hee. Director Hwang shared, "I wanted to show that there is also a boy character, so I introduced him in season 3."
Reflecting on the journey, Director Hwang said, "It took about six years from when I started writing this work to this moment. I dedicated that time and effort. A miraculous event that I never imagined happened. Everyone dreams of success, but you don't create a work thinking about such success. An unbelievable event unfolded. I had a precious experience over six years. I went abroad, received awards, and met fans. As an individual and creator, the experiences I had with these great actors and the work will be a foundation for my growth. The moments of filming were the most precious moments." He added, "I recently went to the U.S. to receive an award and said this: I will prepare my next work based on the many processes and emotions I experienced over six years, without being too intoxicated by the sparkle and spotlight of success."
Director Hwang also mentioned, "Seasons 2 and 3 were written together. We didn't create season 3 based on the reaction to season 2. The unresolved questions from season 2 will be addressed in season 3." He expressed his hope, "I want to hear that the things set up in season 2 were well resolved. It would be great to hear that it concluded well, true to 'Squid Game'."
'Squid Game 3' will be released on Netflix on the 27th.
By Ji-won Kim, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr
