Lost Teeth and Minimal Pay Amid the Series’ Global Success
Hwang Dong Hyuk, the creator of Netflix’s global phenomenon Squid Game, recently opened up about the personal toll he endured while filming the first season. In an interview with BBC’s Jean Mackenzie on the set of Squid Game 2, Hwang revealed that the immense stress caused him to lose several teeth.
“It was eight or nine,” said Hwang, correcting earlier rumors that claimed he lost six teeth during production.
Hwang’s candid admission has left fans and netizens astonished, particularly about the effects of stress on physical health.
Stress and Its Effects
Netizens expressed shock, with many unaware that stress could lead to such severe health problems, including tooth loss. Stress is known to exacerbate conditions like tooth decay, gum disease, and jaw-related disorders.
The creator noted that the COVID-19 pandemic added to the production challenges, amplifying his stress levels.
Minimal Pay Despite Global Success
Despite Squid Game becoming a record-breaking hit, Hwang disclosed that he didn’t earn significant financial benefits from its success.
“Even though the first series was such a huge global success, honestly I didn’t make much,” he shared.
Hwang explained that he received no royalties or ownership of the intellectual property. His decision to work on Squid Game 2 stems partly from wanting proper compensation for his efforts on the first series and completing the story.
“So doing the second series will help compensate me for the success of the first one too. And I didn’t fully finish the story,” he added.
Season 2 Release Date Confirmed
Squid Game 2 is set to premiere on Netflix on December 26, 2024.
