「我在拍攝《魷魚遊戲》時掉了九顆牙齒」：BBC 與節目導演在片場

The Korean drama Squid Game took the world by storm when it premiered in 2021. This gripping series revolves around contestants who are deeply in debt and must compete in deadly children's games for a chance to win a life-changing cash prize. Hwang Dong-hyuk, the show's creator, recently revealed that while filming the first season, he was under so much stress that he lost eight or nine teeth! Now, as he works on the second season, I asked him what made him decide to continue the story. Without missing a beat, he replied, 'Money. ' Despite the first season's massive success, Hwang admitted that he didn't earn much from it. He hopes that the second season will help him recover financially. Additionally, he felt that he hadn't fully told the story he wanted to share, which is another reason for making a sequel. The first season became Netflix's most-watched show, shining a spotlight on South Korean television and its unique storytelling. The series' dark themes, particularly its commentary on wealth inequality, resonated with audiences worldwide. However, since nearly all the characters were killed off in the first season, Hwang faces the challenge of creating new characters and games for the upcoming season. He expressed that the pressure he feels now is even greater than before, as expectations are sky-high. Three years after the first season aired, Hwang's outlook on the world has become more pessimistic. He pointed out the ongoing wars, climate change, and the growing divide between the rich and the poor. He believes that conflicts are no longer just between the wealthy and the impoverished; they are also intensifying between different generations, genders, and political groups. Hwang stated, 'New lines are being drawn. We’re in an era of us vs them. Who’s right and who’s wrong? ' In the second season, viewers can expect even more intense confrontations among the contestants. The show's set features a vibrant staircase painted in pink, blue, and yellow, which adds a playful touch to the otherwise dark narrative. As I explored the set, I discovered hints about how Hwang's feelings of despair will be woven into the new season. The previous winner, Gi-hun, will return to the game, determined to dismantle it and save the new contestants. Lee Jung-jae, who portrays Gi-hun, described his character as 'more desperate and determined' than ever before. The dormitory where contestants sleep has been split into two sections, one marked with a giant red X and the other with a blue circle. After each game, players will have to choose a side, deciding whether they want to end the contest early and survive or continue playing, knowing that only one will emerge alive. The majority decision will dictate the outcome, leading to increased factionalism and conflict among the players. Hwang aims to highlight the dangers of living in a world where people are forced to take sides, believing that this division fuels conflict. While many viewers were captivated by the shocking storytelling of Squid Game, others found the violence excessive and hard to watch. However, Hwang assures that the violence is intentional and serves a purpose. He is deeply concerned about the state of the world and often questions whether humanity can change its course. He candidly admitted, 'Honestly, I don’t know. ' Although the second season may not provide answers to these profound questions, it will fill in some plot gaps, such as the origins of the game and the motivations of the enigmatic Front Man. Lee Byung-hun, who plays the Front Man, revealed that viewers will learn more about his backstory and emotions. Hwang disclosed that Netflix only compensated him modestly for the show, which is estimated to have generated around £650 million. This has led to a complicated relationship between South Korean creators and international streaming platforms. While Netflix has invested heavily in the Korean market, many creators feel short-changed and argue that they lose their rights to profits when signing contracts. This issue is not unique to South Korea; creators worldwide face similar challenges. In the past, they could rely on box office sales or TV reruns for income, but this model has not been adopted by streaming services. In South Korea, outdated copyright laws further complicate matters, leaving creators unprotected. Recently, actors, writers, directors, and producers have banded together to advocate for change. Oh Ki-hwan, vice-president of the Korean Film Directors Guild, shared that many directors struggle to make a living and often work part-time jobs to support themselves. In 2022, Lee Jung-jae and Hwang made history by becoming the first Asians to win Emmy awards for their respective roles in Squid Game. Park Hae-young, a writer whose show 'My Liberation Notes' became a global hit after Netflix acquired it, expressed her joy at receiving international recognition. However, she also voiced concerns about the current streaming model, which makes her hesitant to invest her all into future projects. She stated, 'Without that, what's the point of working so hard? ' Park and other creators are urging the South Korean government to reform copyright laws to ensure fair profit-sharing. The government acknowledged the need for change but emphasized that the industry must resolve the issue. A Netflix spokesperson claimed that the platform offers competitive compensation and guarantees creators solid pay, regardless of their show's success. Hwang hopes that by sharing his own struggles with pay, he can help spark a conversation about fair compensation in the industry. The second season of Squid Game is set to premiere on Netflix on December 26, 2024.