When Netflix announced that a Squid Game reality competition spin-off was in the works, fans of the hit Korean survival drama were understandably surprised. The original series explored how capitalism and greed can destroy lives, and yet here the streamer was approving a real-life version, called Squid Game: The Challenge, in which 456 players will compete for a massive cash prize, seemingly missing the point of the show.
Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk was given the opportunity to comment on the spin-off after winning the Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for the show. He was asked about Squid Game: The Challenge backstage in the press room, and he doesn’t appear too worried about the prospect. He explained:
Yes, I am aware of the reality show being created. I actually met with the creator yesterday, and they had many questions for me. What I hope is that they will be carrying on my vision and intention as much as possible for the show.
Hwong Dong-hyul
While Hwang is upbeat about the spin-off, he understands why fans were concerned:
I think that even though our show does carry quite a heavy message, and I know there are some concerns of taking that message and creating it into a reality show with a cash prize, however I feel like whenever you take things too seriously, that’s really not the best way to go for the entertainment industry. Doesn’t really set a great precedent. So I would say that reproductions of such efforts are going to bring new meaning to the industry, and I hope that this is going to be a great new direction for the industry overall.
Hwong Dong-hyui
Squid Game: The Challenge is a 10-episode series being filmed in the U.K. English-language speakers from around the world were invited to apply for their shot at winning $4.56 million.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
