The creator of Squid Game has defended his decision to use children’s playground games as a means of eliminating characters in the show. As the hit South Korean Netflix drama prepares for its third series, director Hwang Dong-hyuk addressed the controversy during an appearance on The One Show alongside cast members Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, and Park Gyu-young.
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Presenter Roman Kemp met the stars at a themed experience in East London, where he asked them about the success of the series and the backlash it has received. While Squid Game has become Netflix’s most-watched series with 330 million views worldwide, its violent themes — set against familiar childhood games such as marbles, hopscotch and Red Light, Green Light (known in the UK as Grandmother’s Footsteps) — have raised concerns, particularly given its popularity among children.
Hwang explained his creative choice by highlighting the stark contrast between childhood innocence and the fatal consequences depicted in the series. He said: “The big contrast between the innocence of children’s games and the brutal consequence of failure — death — is something I believe people around the world find compelling.” Actor Lee Byung-hun, who plays the mysterious Front Man, added: “We were concerned about how audiences would respond, but the story of losing one’s humanity resonates with social and political realities globally.”
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Park Gyu-young, who portrays the pink-clad guard Kang No-eul, commented on the show’s reception in its home country, saying: “People in Korea are really proud of the success of the series. I’m confident that K-content and K-culture will continue to thrive on the global stage.” Despite being rated 15 for graphic content and mature themes, the show has sparked debate due to its influence on younger viewers, many of whom mimic the games in school playgrounds.
