Squid Game 2: Poetic Justice Ending for All

Season 1 of Squid Game debuted in September 2021 and quickly became Netflix’s most-watched series in 94 countries. In addition to generating nearly $900 million for Netflix, the series amassed an astounding 1.65 billion viewing hours in its first four weeks. Squid Game also garnered significant critical acclaim, receiving numerous awards and nominations, including 14 Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Notably, it was the first non-English-language series to be nominated for Outstanding Drama Series.

Like many others, I eagerly awaited the release of Season 2 and binge-watched all seven hour-long episodes in one sitting. However, the general consensus was that the second season did not live up to the first, primarily due to its ambiguous ending, which left audiences with more questions than answers. While I partially agree with this critique, I delved deeper into the relationship between director Hwang Dong-hyuk and Netflix. This exploration provided clarity on why the season ended the way it did and why Hwang’s decision to prolong Season 3 to resolve lingering questions ultimately makes sense.

The Challenges Behind Season 2
The ending of Squid Game Season 2 left several plot points, character arcs, and cliffhangers unresolved. This led some fans to speculate that Hwang had yet to develop a conclusion for his story and that the series was being extended purely for profit. However, my research into the show's origins, combined with insights into South Korea’s work culture and artistic standards, revealed a more complex reality.

South Korea’s work culture is often characterized by hierarchical structures, long hours, and high standards, which can create stressful environments. Many visitors to South Korea express admiration for the country, yet those who have lived and worked there often recount mixed experiences. These challenges were magnified for Hwang during the production of Squid Game. The director Hwang Dong-hyuk struggles to bring the series to life to reflect broader systemic issues within South Korea's entertainment industry and its partnership with global corporations like Netflix.

When Hwang initially sold Squid Game to Netflix, he forfeited all intellectual property rights and received no residuals. According to Hwang, while the show brought him fame and provided enough income to sustain him, it did not make him wealthy. Netflix, on the other hand, gained full control of one of the most successful franchises in the world.

The Exploitation of Korean Talent
The Los Angeles Times reported on the harsh realities of South Korea’s TV and film industry. For instance, production crews often face gruelling work hours, with some shoots exceeding 130 hours per week. A “day rate” in the industry is loosely defined, with a single “day” encompassing unbroken stretches of filming, sometimes lasting over 24 hours. Although the South Korean government introduced laws capping the workweek at 40 hours (with up to 12 hours of overtime), many production companies ignore these regulations.

Netflix’s involvement has exacerbated these issues. By outsourcing production to South Korean companies, Netflix benefits from lower labor costs while creators and workers see little financial gain. The LA Times highlighted a staggering amount of unpaid labour, with one producer recounting being paid a flat monthly rate of approximately $3,400 while working 90–100 hours per week. Writers also face inequities; they typically receive a one-time payment upfront, with no residuals, even though shows can take years to produce.

Netflix defended its practices, stating, “We pay fair, highly competitive rates with our K-Content creators and set clear standards for our Korean production partners, who produce all our shows and movies. These standards meet or exceed Korean law.” The company also claimed its investments have created thousands of local jobs. However, many creators feel exploited. One writer told the LA Times, “At first, it was exciting to think that people all around the world would watch my shows. But now I’m thinking, ‘So what? I’m not getting anything out of it.’”Netflix emphasizes compliance with legal standards and the creation of local jobs, but that doesn't necessarily address how creators feel about the value and recognition they receive. This statement highlights a disconnect between financial compensation and the emotional or professional fulfillment of global success. For a writer or creator, having their work reach a global audience can be a dream come true. But if the financial compensation or profit-sharing doesn't match the scale of their work's success, it leads to a sense of exploitation. This speaks to broader issues in creative industries, where creators often struggle to claim their fair share of the wealth their content generates.

Hwang’s Struggles and Fight for Fairness
Hwang Dong-hyuk wrote the script for Squid Game in 2009, but it took a decade for Netflix to recognize its potential. While it is understandable that Netflix took a risk on an unproven creator, the unprecedented success of Season 1 should have prompted renegotiations for subsequent seasons. Unfortunately, this did not happen, highlighting the power imbalance between creators and large corporations.

Season 3 of Squid Game has reportedly been delayed due to Hwang’s demands for fair compensation. This act of resistance reflects a growing push among creators to fight against exploitative practices. Hwang’s stance not only advocates for his rights but also sets a precedent for future creators to retain control of their intellectual property and negotiate fair terms.

A Lesson for Creators
As much as I anticipate the release of Season 3, I admire Hwang’s courage to stand his ground. His decision underscores the importance of valuing creative integrity and ensuring fair treatment in an industry where the rich often get richer at the expense of creators.

For aspiring creatives, the story of Squid Game serves as a cautionary tale: read contracts thoroughly, advocate for fair terms, and retain as much control over your work as possible. In the end, protecting your intellectual property and ensuring equitable compensation is vital for fostering a sustainable and respectful creative industry.