Squid Game has made a triumphant return with the release of its highly anticipated second season. The gripping thriller series, which first took the world by storm in 2021, has once again captivated audiences and left them on the edge of their seats.
The concept for Squid Game was born from the personal experiences of its creator and director, Hwang Dong-hyuk. Growing up in Seoul, South Korea, Hwang faced significant financial struggles, which later inspired the series. Reflecting on his journey, he shared with The Guardian: “I read Battle Royal and Liar Game and other survival game comics. I related to the people in them, who were desperate for money and success. That was a low point in my life. If there was a survival game like these in reality, I wondered, would I join it to make money for my family? I realised that, since I was a film-maker, I could put my own touch to these kinds of stories so I started on the script.”
The series follows financially desperate individuals who are invited to participate in a brutal survival game, with a staggering cash prize awaiting the ultimate winner.
In the series, the prize money is an astounding 45.6 billion won.
When converted to USD, 45.6 billion won amounts to approximately $31.42 million, according to Screen Rant.
With Season 2 now streaming, fans won’t have to wait too long for more. Season 3 is expected to premiere in 2025, as both seasons were developed simultaneously per Forbes.