Director Hwang Dong-hyuk of the hit Netflix series Squid Game has shared his feelings about the reception of the show’s second season, particularly in Korea. While the series has achieved remarkable global success, topping Netflix’s global Top 10 chart for two consecutive weeks and leading rankings in 93 countries, the reactions from Korean viewers have been mixed, leaving the director somewhat disheartened.
Global Triumph and Local Disappointment
In a recent interview with HeraldPop, Hwang Dong-hyuk expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support from international audiences.
I’m incredibly grateful. All I can say is thank you. While various evaluations are important, in the end, a work’s popularity is often measured by viewing hours. It made me realize how many people worldwide love and have been waiting for Squid Game. In today’s era, where an overwhelming number of content options are available, local productions usually gain love within their country or region. But for a single country’s content to be ranked #1 globally—can that even happen? It’s miraculous. To think that a Korean-language production topped the charts in 93 countries feels like a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. I wonder if I’ll ever be able to achieve something like this again.
Hwang reflected on the show’s unprecedented global success, describing it as “a miracle” that a Korean production could reach the top spot worldwide in a time with so much diverse content available. He also acknowledged the pressure that comes with such achievements.
Having spent 5-6 years solely focused on Squid Game, I wasn’t fully aware of how much interest it was garnering around the world. But during this promotional tour, I’ve been able to feel that interest anew. While I’ve realized the heavy burden that comes with the crown, I’ve also had many happy memories. I believe I need to endure the criticisms as well.
Despite the global acclaim, Hwang expressed his disappointment with the less enthusiastic response from Korean viewers. He even used a proverb to illustrate his feelings:
There’s a saying that even a stray dog gets half a chance at home, but I feel like the evaluations in Korea are the harshest. It’s as if I came home, but my heart feels even less at ease. I just hope for a little more support.
The Weight of Expectations
Hwang’s comments highlight the complex dynamic between global and local reception. While Squid Game has clearly resonated with a vast international audience, the more critical reception in its home country has affected the director. He dedicated a significant portion of his life to the project, and while he appreciates the global success, he also values the support of Korean viewers. His words convey a sense of vulnerability and a desire for greater understanding and acceptance from his home audience.
Saikat Nandy is an entertainment news writer who covers the latest trends and stories from the world of showbiz, has a keen eye for spotting the most interesting and relevant topics, and delivers them to his audience with flair and humor. He is also a freelance blogger, content writer, and website designer who loves to explore new technologies and creative ideas.
