Director Hwang Dong-hyuk Discusses the Release of Squid Game Season 2 Amid Political Turmoil

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk shared his thoughts on the upcoming release of Squid Game (오징어 게임) Season 2 during a press conference held on December 9 at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul. The event featured a star-studded lineup, including actors Lee Jung-jae (이정재), Lee Byung-hun (이병헌), Im Si-wan (임시완), Kang Ha-neul (강하늘), Wi Ha-jun (위하준), Park Gyu-young (박규영), Lee Jin-wook (이진욱), Park Sung-hoon (박성훈), Yang Dong-geun (양동근), Kang Ae-sim (강애심), Lee Seo-hwan (이서환), and Jo Yu-ri (조유리).

The release comes at a time of significant political unrest in South Korea, with widespread protests demanding the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol due to a recent state of emergency. Hwang expressed his heavy heart regarding the timing of the show's premiere, stating, "In such a situation, I felt a lot of weight on my heart. Like many others, I couldn't believe the announcement of the state of emergency and stayed up late watching the news. Just the other day, I watched the impeachment vote being broadcast live, and it made me furious that the entire nation has to take to the streets over such absurdity, facing anxiety and fear as the year comes to a close."

He continued, "Whether it leads to impeachment or voluntary resignation, I hope those responsible will take accountability, allowing the nation to have a happy and blessed end to the year. The release of Squid Game in this context might be its own fate. After watching, viewers may find connections to the conflicts, divisions, and upheavals happening in our country and around the world."

Squid Game Season 2 is set to premiere on Netflix on December 26, 2024, reaching over 190 countries worldwide.