On August 1st, at a press conference held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Jongno-gu, Seoul, director Hwang DongHyuk of ‘Squid Game 2’ spoke directly about the allegations of favoritism in casting. Director Hwang stated, “It’s unfair. I felt very wronged,” clarifying his stance on these allegations. He shared that during his early days, he had reluctantly accepted proposed castings, which he later regretted. “I believe no one is as opposed to accepting such things as I am,” he emphasized, highlighting his principle and philosophy of strictly excluding favoritism in casting.
Director Hwang explained, “Even before ‘Squid Game’, and now again, no actors were cast due to personal connections or because of someone. Every role was cast with the actor deemed most suitable for the character, either directly by me or through auditions.” This principle was applied without exception in ‘Squid Game 2’, and he reiterated, “I want to say it’s a huge misunderstanding; it’s truly frustrating.”
Additionally, regarding the emergence of similar content after ‘Squid Game’, Director Hwang expressed, “I grew up influenced by various survival genres,” and stated that the creation of such works is a joyous thing for a creator. He added that if his work had a positive influence, it would be an honorable moment. His hope that “a good and positive impact is made on other creators” underscores the importance of the message conveyed through his work.
‘Squid Game’ is a Netflix series depicting an extreme survival game with a prize of 45.6 billion won, and based on the success of Season 1, it promises even more intense storytelling in Season 2. Season 2 will focus on the confrontation between GiHun (Lee JungJae), who returns with a vow for revenge, and the Front Man (Lee ByungHun) who faces him. With the departure of key characters, new actors such as Yim SiWan, Kang HaNeul, Park GyuYoung, Lee JinWook, Park SungHoon, and Yang DongGeun join, heightening anticipation for the newly unfolding story. Attention is focused on how ‘Squid Game 2’ will unfold its new developments and how Director Hwang’s creative philosophy will be realized.
