Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, 〈Squid Game〉 Season 3 "I wanted to leave a better world for future generations"

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk of the Netflix original series 〈Squid Game〉 revealed behind-the-scenes stories related to the ending of Season 3 and emphasised the message contained in the work. On the 30th, he met with reporters at a café in Jongno-gu, Seoul, and stated that the conclusion of Season 3 stemmed from concerns about future generations.

Director Hwang initially envisioned a happy ending where Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) survives the game and reunites with his daughter in America. However, he explained that during the writing process, he became focused on the question, 'What kind of world will we leave for future generations?' and thus changed the ending. He expressed concern about current issues such as social inequality, economic and climate crises, stating, "The world is becoming an increasingly difficult place to live in." He further emphasised, "It is time for the older generation to stop their greed for more and strive to leave a better world for future generations."

This awareness of issues was reflected in 〈Squid Game〉 Seasons 2 and 3, where Kim Jun-hee (Jo Yu-ri) was introduced as a symbol of future generations with the child she gave birth to. He explained that Gi-hun's unfinished line at the end of Season 3, "We are not just words. We are people. People are..." poses the question to viewers about 'What should a person be?'. Director Hwang added, "I wanted to leave the answer to 'What is a person...' blank for viewers to fill in, and that was completed with Gi-hun's sacrificial actions."

He also provided interpretations of the relationship between the game host Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) and Gi-hun. Director Hwang analysed, "The Front Man was a righteous police officer but became a figure who abandoned his humanity and entered the world of darkness," suggesting that he would have felt inferior to Gi-hun, who is different from him. He added, "He wanted to corrupt Gi-hun by drawing him into the game, but at the same time, he hoped that Gi-hun would overcome the trials." He interpreted the scene of the game hall explosion as a recognition of Gi-hun's victory and the Front Man's defeat.

Regarding the protagonist Seong Gi-hun, he emphasised that he is "an ordinary person, not a hero with special abilities." Director Hwang explained, "I believed that it is ordinary people, not a few leaders, who change the world, which is why I set Gi-hun as that symbol."

He also mentioned the story of police officer Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-jun), who received criticism from some viewers for undermining tension. Director Hwang explained, "Originally, I envisioned a scene where Jun-ho arrives on the island and joins Gi-hun to end the game, but as the direction of the script changed, Jun-ho's arrival was delayed." He added that he wanted to include the scene where Jun-ho confronts the Front Man.

In the final scene of Season 3, where the Front Man meets Gi-hun's daughter in LA and witnesses Americans playing Ddakji, he clarified that it is not a hint towards an American version production. Director Hwang stated, "Originally, I thought of an ending where Gi-hun goes to America and meets another recruiter," explaining that it signifies that while the Korean game has ended, the system that has spread worldwide is still ongoing.

Regarding the production of a spin-off, he stated, "I have not heard anything officially," denying the rumours that he would be directing it. However, he expressed respect for David Fincher, who is mentioned as a potential spin-off director, leaving the door open to seriously consider it if an offer comes.

Director Hwang, who has been working on the 〈Squid Game〉 series for six years since Season 1 in 2021, expressed that he is physically and mentally exhausted and stated that he has no plans for his next project yet. He mentioned, "I had an implant six months ago and lost a lot of weight," adding, "I need to recharge for now." He hinted that his next project would be a theatrical film but also revealed his concerns about the pressure of box office success.

Director Hwang gained the title of a global director through 〈Squid Game〉, but he also reflected that he learned humility. He stated, "After Season 1 was released and became number one worldwide, I sometimes pinched myself," adding, "This work once made me feel proud, but through the process of contemplating its message, it became a work that humbled me."