“Squid Game” creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has recently been awarded Creator Tribute at the Gotham Awards.

The special award was presented to Hwang by his lead actor Lee Jung-jae, who played Seong Gi-hun in the series. Lee described Hwang as “a storyteller with the imagination that changed the landscape of global TV.”

“Beneath the thrilling tension and unforgettable visuals, there were themes of strong criticism of inequality, despair, and the resilience of humanity. What director Hwang Dong-hyuk created was not just a drama. It was a mirror reflecting our current society with clear and piercing empathetic eyes. And the world responded with 265.2 million views for Season 1,” he expressed.

In his acceptance speech, Hwang thanked everyone who rejected “Squid Game” when he pitched it in 2009

“If even one person had said yes then, there would be no work as we know it today,” he joked. “I am grateful to everyone who supported and believed in my vision. And I want to thank the cast and staff who have been with me throughout Seasons 1 to 3.”

He also thanked Lee in his speech, saying, “Although you couldn’t save the other participants, you saved this show.”

Hwang did not end his speech without something to think about, as he spoke about the simplicity of the accolade, saying, “This trophy has a very simple design, is heavy, and solid. It is not a glamorous design like an Emmy or Oscar trophy. I’m not saying the ‘Gotham Awards’ trophy is ugly. It seems to say, ‘Don’t be blinded by the glamour of success.’ It seems to inform me of the weight of responsibility. I will never forget and will continue to move forward.”

Season 3 of “Squid Game” will be released on Netflix on 27 June.

(Photo Source: Lee Jung-jae IG, Chosun)

Netflix has recently dismissed rumour that Leonardo DiCaprio, the Hollywood A-lister who has an Academy Award somewhere in his mansion, will be appearing in season 3 of its hit Korean series, “Squid Game”.

Rumours of the actor making an appearance in season three was recently reported by OSEN, with the report saying that DiCaprio will have a very minor role in the said series. It was said that the actor had filmed the third season last year in secrecy.

In response to the rumour, Netflix responded via a rep, “The rumours are completely false. Reports of Leonardo DiCaprio’s involvement in ‘Squid Game’ Season 3 are entirely unfounded.”

It is noted that its lead actor Lee Jung-jae previously met with DiCaprio at the LACMA Art+Film Gala in 2021. When asked in a later event which American actor he wants to see in season 2, Lee simply responded, “Leonardo DiCaprio.”

Season 3 of “Squid Game” will be released sometime this year, with show creator Hwang Dong-hyuk saying that he expected it to be launched around summer or fall.

(Photo Source: Squid Game Netflix IG, Lee Jung-jae IG)

With season 2 of “Squid Game” ending with more anticipation from fans around the world, Netflix has decided to tease fans further by revealing a new killer doll for season 3.

On 1 January, the streamer posted a short clip showing the murderous giant girl doll Young-hee standing in front of another giant doll, but in a form of a boy in a green shirt.

“Everyone, say hi to Chul-su. Squid Game 3 coming 2025,” the streamer posted.

Season 2 sees Lee Jung-jae’s character Seong Gi-hun returning to the game with a plan to bring it down from the inside following his victory in season one.

It is noted that season 3 was announced by Netflix even before season 2 premiered late last year.

“Squid Game” creator Hwang Dong-hyuk recently admitted that he was stunned by the backlash he received after casting former BIGBANG member T.O.P in the second season of the show.

In a recent interview where he was asked about the rapper, real name Choi Seung-hyun, Hwang said that he did have some hesitation at first about the casting due to T.O.P’s past issue of substance abuse.

“Although I personally cannot be sure whether this decision is correct, this incident happened a long time ago and he has been punished by the law. It is not uncommon for artistes to make a comeback after marijuana incidents. There have been many similar cases in the past,” he said.

Hwang said that after careful consideration, he truly believed that T.O.P was ready to return to work based on his personal judgment.

Stressing that he has very strict standards, the showrunner said that he was impressed by T.O.P’s will and hard work, as well as his sincere attitude.

“I understand the doubts of the outside world, but this is the trust that I have established after many exchanges with him. I hope everyone will give their feedback after the work comes out. The work will eventually prove the value of the choice,” he added.

The second season of “Squid Game” will be launched on 26 December.

(Photo Source: Korea JoongAng Daily, Fandomwire)

Netflix finally has an airing date for its biggest series, “Squid Game”, which will be streaming on the platform this coming 26 December.

In a letter written by director Hwang Dong-hyuk, he revealed that not only will season two air after Christmas Day, the series will also have a third season, scheduled for a 2025 release.

“Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), who vowed revenge at the end of season one, returns and joins the game again,” Hwang wrote. “Will he succeed in getting his revenge? Front Man doesn’t seem to be an easy opponent this time either. The fierce clash between their two worlds will continue into the series finale in season three, which will be brought to you next year.”

He also promised to try and bring the audience yet another thrill ride and hopes that everybody will be excited for what’s to come.

The original show received critical acclaim and became the first Korean drama to top Netflix’s top ten weekly most-watched TV show charts globally.

ABOUT SEASON TWO 

Synopsis: Three years after winning Squid Game, Player 456 remains determined to find the people behind the game and put an end to their vicious sport. Using this fortune to fund his search, Gi-hun starts with the most obvious of places: look for the man in a sharp suit playing ddakji in the subway. But when his efforts finally yield results, the path toward taking down the organisation proves to be deadlier than he imagined: to end the game, he needs to re-enter it.

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, who made history at the 74th Primetime Emmys becoming the first Asian to win Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series, once again helms the series as director, writer, and producer.

Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-jun, and Gong Yoo reprise their roles from Season 1 with an impeccable list of new cast members in the new season.

After much speculations, it was revealed that ZE:A member Im Si-Wan is indeed joining the cast of the second season of Netflix’s hit series, “Squid Game”.

The Korean star will be joining several other new cast members, as Netflix announced at their Tudum event in Brazil on 17 June, including Kang Ha-Neul, Park Sung-Hoon, and Yang Dong-Gun.

Meanwhile, Lee Jung-Jae will return as Seong Gi-Hun/Player 456, as well as Lee Byung-Hun, Wi Ha-Jun and Gong Yoo.

Season 2 is set to premiere in 2024, with director Hwang Dong-Hyuk previously telling the media that they will begin shooting this year.

“Squid Game” became a phenomenon for Netflix, after pulling in 1.65 billion hours of viewing in 28 days. The series also enabled the show to receive multiple nominations at the Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, as well as the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

(Photo Source: Im Si-Wan IG, Sportskeeda)

Netflix neither denies nor confirms rumours that Im Si-Wan is set to play the lead in season two of the hit Korean series, “Squid Game”.

Earlier, sources reported that the actor will be starring in the lead, following news that both actors Lee Jung-Jae and Lee Byung-Hun will be reprising their roles as Gi Hun and the Front Man respectively.

However, in response to the rumour, Netflix Korea stated, “There is nothing we can confirm about ‘Squid Game’ season 2 and casting. We cannot say anything.”

The response was echoed by Im’s agency PLUM A&C, saying that it is an information that they cannot divulge.

The ZE:A member recently starred in the drama, “Summer Strike”. He is also to be seen next in the new movie, “Road to Boston”.

(Photo Source: Im Si-Wan IG)

Squid Game actor Oh Young-Soo has been indicted on charges of sexual misconduct.

The 78-year-old actor was brought to court on Thursday for indecent assault, after he was accused of inappropriately touching a woman’s body in 2017.

“Everything reported by the local media about Oh is actually not wrong,” an official from the Suwon District Prosecutor’s Office shared, without giving further details.

Following the news, Seoul’s Ministry of Culture decided to stop the government’s commercial broadcast featuring Oh.

On the other hand, the actor denied the allegations, saying that he held the woman’s hand to show her the way around a lake.

The victim reportedly filed a complaint against the veteran actor in December last year. However, the police closed the case in April this year without filing any charges.  The victim later appealed the case, which had since been investigated by the prosecutors.

In January, Oh became the first South Korean actor to win a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Player 001 in the hit Netflix series, “Squid Game”.

(Photo Source: Korea Times, AllKPop)

Yes, your dreams are finally coming true, as Netflix is now turning its hit Korean series, “Squid Game” into a real competition.

Without all the killings, that is.

On 15 June, the streaming giant announced on social media that it is now looking for contestants to join “Squid Game: The Challenge”.

According to its casting website, “With the largest cast in reality TV history, 456 real players will enter the game in pursuit of a life-changing cash prize of $4.56 million. Do you have what it takes to win Squid Game?”

“For this round, the Front Man is in search of English-language speakers from any part of the world. The stakes are high, but in this game the worst fate is going home empty-handed.”

Interested individuals can register to join the competition at SquidGameCasting.com.

Not much is being revealed about the upcoming reality show, or whether or not the giant (and scary!) doll will be featured as well, but it is safe to say that the $4.56 million cash prize is currently the largest cash prize ever offered in reality TV history.

Never one to disappoint fans, Netflix has recently released a brief teaser to announce the upcoming Season 2 of its hit drama series, “Squid Game”.

On 13 June, the streaming service posted on Twitter the said teaser, partially showing the animatronic doll heavily featured in the first season of the series and the child voice saying, “Mugunghwa kkoci pieot seumnida” as its eye moves about and showing the number 2.

“Red light… GREENLIGHT! Squid Game is officially coming back for Season 2!” the tweet read.

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk also released a statement regarding the upcoming series, writing, “It took 12 years to bring the first season of ‘Squid Game’ to life last year. But it took 12 days for ‘Squid Game’ to become the most popular Netflix series ever.”

“As the writer, director and producer of ‘Squid Game,’ a huge shout out to fans around the world. Thank you for watching and loving our show,” he added.

He also revealed that Seong Gi-Hun (the character played by Lee Jung-Jae) and the masked antagonist the Front Man (Lee Byung-Hun) will both return. There is no mention if the creepy animatronic doll (which is named Young-Hee) will return, though Hwang added that ‘her boyfriend’ Cheol-Su will be introduced in the upcoming season. So it can be presumed that there will be another deadly ‘Red Light, Green Light’ game. The two characters are based from the Korean textbooks in the 70s.