At the point when Squid Game debuted on Netflix in September 2021, it quickly turned into a worldwide peculiarity, enthralling crowds with its convincing story and unfazed scrutinize of imbalance. Be that as it may, behind the victory of Netflix’s most-watched series lies a ten-year venture set apart by dismissal, flexibility, and a relentless confidence in a particular vision. The tale of Hwang Dong-hyuk, the brains behind Squid Game, is a demonstration of determination and the extraordinary force of confiding in one’s art
2008: A Spark of Inspiration
Hwang Dong-hyuk, a struggling filmmaker in Seoul, lived with his mother and sold his laptop to pay bills. While reading manga like Battle Royale and Liar Game in a café, he was struck with an idea that would one day change his life.
The Foundation of ‘Squid Game’
Hwang’s childhood in the common region of Ssangmun-dong, where obligation and disparity were cruel real factors, vigorously impacted his story. Characters like Seong Gi-hun reflected his battles, while Cho Sang-woo mirrored the tensions he faces as a Seoul National University graduate
From 2009 to 2019, Korean studios over and over dismissed Hwang’s content, considering it “excessively mind boggling,” “excessively fierce,” and “excessively ridiculous.” Notwithstanding the difficulties, Hwang kept pitching while at the same time coordinating different movies, fuelled by his confidence in the story’s true capacity.
In the mid-2010s, Netflix expanded its Asian division, investing $700M in Korean content between 2015 and 2020. Unlike local studios, Netflix sought unconventional stories. Content officer Kim
Minyoung recognized the script’s brilliance and gave Hwang the creative freedom he needed.
Production began in 2020 with a $21.4M budget—a modest figure by Netflix standards. Hwang’s dedication to detail was unparalleled:
Full-scale sets for each game.Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.
Costumes are imbued with hidden meanings.
Meticulously crafted visuals.
Hwang endured immense stress during filming, even losing several teeth, but his vision remained intact.
On 17th September 2021, Squid Game debuted on Netflix. With dubbing in 16 languages and subtitles for global audiences, the show became a worldwide sensation:
On 17th September 2021, Squid Game debuted on Netflix. With dubbing in 16 languages and subtitles for global audiences, the show became a worldwide sensation:
- Number one in 94 countries.
- 1.65 billion viewing hours in four weeks.
- $900M in generated value.
The show’s universal themes of survival and inequality resonated globally. It sparked viral TikTok challenges, sold-out Halloween costumes, and brand merchandise. Studios that once rejected Hwang now sought collaborations, and Netflix pledged $2.5B in future Korean content.
Lessons from Hwang’s Journey
Hwang Dong-hyuk’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of persistence, trust, and self-belief. For over a decade, he faced rejection and doubt, but he remained steadfast, honing his craft and trusting in his vision.
His journey teaches us that success often requires patience and resilience. Building trust with collaborators who value your creativity can turn dreams into reality. And, most importantly, believing in your craft—even when others do not—is the key to transforming “no” into a resounding “yes.”
Hwang’s triumph is more than a testament to his talent; it’s an inspiration to anyone striving to turn their passion into a legacy.
Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.
