Squid Game creator Hwang Dong Hyuk has revealed the extreme physical toll the Netflix hit series took on him. The director lost a total of 10 teeth due to stress while working on all three seasons of the show.
The final season, Squid Game Season 3, is set to release on June 27, 2025. Fans are eagerly waiting to see how the story of Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung Jae) and the Front Man (Lee Byung Hun) concludes. But behind the scenes, the making of the series was just as intense as the deadly games on screen.
Hwang shared that the pressure of filming caused severe dental issues. He lost eight teeth during Season 1 and two more while working on Seasons 2 and 3. The director admitted he hasn’t even replaced the missing teeth yet.
“I thought it was going to be okay, but this time I had to pull out two more teeth as well. I had to pull out about eight teeth in Season 1, and now I have two more out, and I haven’t put them back in yet.”
Filming Seasons 2 and 3 back-to-back was especially grueling. The production lasted nearly a year, with no breaks in between. Hwang described it as one massive project rather than two separate seasons.
“It was as if we were making one season, and we tried as best as we could to bring in Season 3 as fast as possible. The total amount was much larger, and we had to shoot for around one year, so it was very physically demanding.”
Stress can have serious effects on dental health. Experts say chronic stress leads to teeth grinding, jaw clenching, and gum disease. Over time, this can cause tooth loss, which is what happened to Hwang.
Despite the challenges, Squid Game Season 3 is shaping up to be the darkest installment yet. The new season will explore the ultimate showdown between Gi-hun and the Front Man, with higher stakes and more brutal games.
Hwang has previously described Season 3 as “darker and more brutal” than Season 2. The story will test the limits of human morality as Gi-hun fights to dismantle the deadly competition once and for all.
The first season of Squid Game became a global phenomenon when it premiered in 2021. The show’s success put immense pressure on Hwang to deliver equally gripping follow-ups. The physical and mental strain clearly took a toll on the director.
It's time to play the final games. Squid Game Season 3. June 27, only on Netflix pic.twitter.com/XumaHzT2HY
Fans have expressed concern for Hwang’s health after hearing about his dental struggles. Many praised his dedication to the series despite the personal cost.
“He literally gave his blood, sweat, and teeth for this show. That’s commitment.”
“I hope he takes a long break after this. No show is worth losing teeth over.”
With Season 3 just weeks away, the excitement is building. The final chapter promises shocking twists, emotional battles, and a conclusion to Gi-hun’s fight against the system.
Hwang’s sacrifice highlights the immense effort behind one of Netflix’s biggest hits. While the games on screen are fictional, the real-life challenges faced by the creator were anything but.
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