Squid Game Creator Reveals Why He Isn’t As Rich As You’d Think Despite Netflix’s Massive Success
What does this say about the future of creativity in streaming?
“Squid Game” turned into a global obsession, but the real plot twist might be happening behind the scenes. While fans were trading red-green tracksuits for Halloween costumes and turning the games into endless memes, the man who built the whole nightmare, Hwang Dong-hyuk, was stuck watching the money not quite land the way you’d expect.
Here’s the complicated part: Netflix’s massive success did not automatically translate into massive earnings for Hwang. When Netflix acquired the series, he gave up intellectual property rights and got only the upfront payments from his original contract. On top of that, he spent a decade fighting rejections, dealing with financial hardship, and even losing teeth during production, which makes the “why isn’t he rich?” question feel even more brutal.
And now, with Season 2 on the horizon, the story is bigger than the games on screen, it’s about what creators keep when the spotlight moves on.
A Phenomenon with Limited Rewards
"Squid Game" was hailed as a masterpiece, blending brutal survival games with critiques of social inequality. Fans across the globe turned its characters, symbols, and games into cultural staples, from memes to Halloween costumes.
Netflix raked in enormous profits, with the show contributing significantly to its subscriber growth and cementing its reputation for innovative international content.
For Hwang, however, the financial returns didn’t match the acclaim. When Netflix acquired "Squid Game," Hwang forfeited intellectual property rights, receiving only upfront payments under his initial contract. "Even though the first series was such a huge global success, honestly, I didn’t make much," he admitted.
This lack of residuals highlights the broader issue of how streaming services compensate creators, with Hwang pointing out that while he isn’t destitute, he’s far from sharing in the windfall Netflix enjoyed.
Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesStruggles and Successes Behind the Camera
Hwang’s decade-long effort to make "Squid Game" included numerous rejections, financial hardship, and even physical tolls—he lost several teeth during production due to stress. His hesitation to produce a second season stemmed from these struggles.
Still, he decided to continue the story, motivated by both a desire to complete the narrative and the need to better compensate himself for the first season's success.
Netflix
When Netflix grabbed “Squid Game” after that first global hit, Hwang’s payout looked way smaller than the hype.
The same decade of rejections, financial stress, and physical damage, including teeth lost during production, is why this deal stings even more.
The Bigger Picture
"Squid Game" not only reflects societal inequalities on screen but also off-screen, in the way creators are compensated. Hwang’s story is a reminder of the challenges behind the entertainment industry’s biggest successes. As he gears up for Season 2, audiences will eagerly watch not just the show but also the broader conversation it sparks about fairness in creative industries.
What do you think about Hwang’s story and the balance between art and profit? Comment down your thoughts or share this article for all your family and friends to see—let’s keep the conversation going!
Hwang’s “not as rich as you’d think” reveal also hits like the Golden Globes roast joke that was too harsh and leaked.
His hesitation about Season 2 makes total sense when the first success came with so few residual rewards.
The Business of Streaming
Haidt emphasizes that understanding this model is vital for creators.
Seth Godin, a renowned marketing expert, argues that the success of shows like "Squid Game" illuminates the need for creativity over mere profitability. Godin states, 'In a world where everyone is shouting, the real win is to be heard.' This perspective encourages creators to invest in their brand identity.
Moreover, he advocates for understanding audience engagement as a way to enhance visibility and monetization. Building a loyal community can lead to greater financial success in the long run.
As audiences gear up for Season 2, Hwang’s comments turn the show’s inequality theme into a real-world conversation about fairness in creative deals.
By fostering resilience and embracing feedback, creators can better position themselves for future opportunities. The landscape may be tough, but with the right mindset and strategies, success can be more equitable.
Nobody wants to lose teeth and still feel like they got paid like the games were rigged.
Netflix’s money mystery feels tame compared to famous couples who survived scandal and still lasted.
