A story conceived over a decade ago, the highly-anticipated Netflix series Squid Game officially begins on September 17.
Ahead of the global launch, the cast and director conveyed stories about Squid Game at the press conference hosted by Netflix. Director Hwang Dong Hyuk together with lead stars Lee Jung Jae, Park Hae Soo, Heo Sung Tae, Wi Ha Jun and Jung Ho Yeon graced the said event.
Squid Game tells the story of people who participated in a cryptic survival game with a prize of 45.6 billion won at stake. But it is not just an ordinary game, because risking life is pertinent to become the ultimate winner.
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In the drama presentation, Director Hwang divulged finishing the first draft in 2008. However, at that time the concept was ahead of its time so it was temporarily shelved. Fortunately, the fruition of his revolutionary story is finally set for unveiling.
“That was the time when I had just debuted. At that time, I frequented comic book store. I was not able to get investors because of its overall picture. After a decade, the deadly game in the story is quite reflective of what’s happening in the world. About two years ago, I expanded the story and now we are here.”
“You will not be disappointed by the script.”
Relaying the inspiration for the series, Director Hwang explained: “squid game” was something he used to play when he was a child. He shares the series tells the story of people who used to play as children and comeback as an adult.
“I used squid came as the title because this was the game that was the most physical among the games that I used to play as a kid. It was also one of my favorite games and I also felt like it could be the most symbolic children’s game that shows various aspects of the very competitive society we live in today.”
Praising the amazing script, the main cast all confessed that it was one of the deciding factors that pushed them to join the series. Lee Jung Jae remarked his desire to work with Director Hwang for a long time so he was happy to be part of the project.
“When I read the script there are various emotions at various situations that are all really played out in an intriguing way. I thought it would be really a fascinating story and I was really wondering how these games would be brought to life. But every day on the set it was filled with excitement and I really had a lot of fun.”
Citing the persuasive story development, Park Hae Soo revealed his yearning to work with Director Hwang.
“It depicted many different figures. How each character developed it was all just so charming and very intriguing. This unique universe that the director created and how these games were going to be brought to the screen, I really wanted to see it myself. So, it was a project that I really wanted to be a part of.”
Likewise, model Jung Ho Yeon, who will be marking her acting debut, shares she read the exciting script in one sitting. Wi Ha Jun concurs with the originality of the story and expressed happiness working with wonderful people.
Grand Set Design Matching Innovative Story
Shot from summer till winter, Director Hwang explained putting a lot of effort into the set design. The actors he worked with also raved on the game sets. “The set is something that I did not expect. I thought CGI will be used but it was built in real life,” said Lee Jung Jae. Applauding the art team for the first time, Heo Sung Tae acknowledged the tantamount effort given to the set design.
Director Hwang explained his preference for using the least amount of minimum computer graphics. Aside from that, he also relayed that the art and music used in the series came from the ’70s and ’80s.
“I want to bring the physical element so I invested in large-scale sets. I want to do something different.”
Further explaining the filming process, the director shared he was given creative freedom by Netflix. But he opted to not exaggerate the explicit scenes but wanted to make the audience feel that it is inevitable.
Responding to the challenge of appealing to a global audience, he vouched for a charm that will hook the general audience.
“If you look in the games, some can be recognized by the global audience while some are unique to Korea. But the games are childish so anyone who watches the rules can easily understand.”
Characters Risking Their All For 45.6 Billion Won
Conveying pertinent details about their characters, the cast members affirmed inescapable affinity to the game while acting on the series.
Lee Jung Jae imparted how it literally felt real. He said, “We talked about the set already but there are other elements like the actors bringing out resonating stories.”
Similarly, Park Hae Soo who mentioned wearing the same clothing and being immersed in the game left him a sense of belonging.
Ruminatively explaining the message they want to impart, Director Hwang hints at the point prevalent in the current times that can be learned in the series.
“We are in a severe competition. When you watch the show, it will not be what you experience daily, a virtual one so you can enjoy it. It leaves ruminative lesson to ponder on why we need to be so competitive.”
Responding to press questions, the cast and director take turns providing information about the characters. Except for Wi Ha Jun’s character, all have been pushed to the edge and in dire need of money, thus leading them to join the game.
When asked for their opinions if they will do a mysterious survival game with 45.6 billion prize money but your life at stake; all agree to donate to the charity and also splurge on their own and their loved ones’ happiness.
Witness the enthralling Squid Game on Netflix beginning September 17!
Photos/Video: Netflix
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