Squid Game Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk: From Rejections to Netflix’s $900M Hit

Squid Game Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk

Today, Netflix’s Squid Game reigns as its most-watched series, with an astounding $900 million revenue. Yet, its creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, endured a decade of rejection and financial challenges before achieving this global success. At one point, Hwang had to sell his $675 laptop to afford rent, showcasing the sacrifices behind his visionary masterpiece.

Hwang first conceptualized Squid Game in 2009, inspired by Japanese comics like Battle Royale and Liar Game. However, for ten years, studios and investors rejected the project, calling it “too grotesque” and “overly complex.” A viral tweet from The Numbers Game highlighted his journey, bringing attention to his perseverance.

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Growing up in the working-class Ssangmun-dong district of Seoul, Hwang witnessed stark inequality, shaping the series’ narrative. The protagonist, Seong Gi-hun, reflects Hwang’s own struggles, while Cho Sang-woo embodies the societal pressures he experienced during his time at Seoul National University.

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Hwang envisioned Squid Game as a sharp critique of modern capitalism, portraying extreme competition through relatable, childhood-inspired challenges. Despite its personal and socially relevant themes, the script initially struggled to gain traction. Hwang admitted to shelving the project after a year of failed attempts to secure funding.

Finally, Netflix picked up Squid Game, premiering it on September 17, 2021. Within four weeks, the series became a global phenomenon, amassing 1.65 billion viewing hours and topping charts in 94 countries. Its modest $21.4 million investment yielded a staggering $900 million return.

Beyond commercial success, Squid Game has sparked cultural conversations on inequality, survival, and capitalism. Hwang’s perseverance turned his decade-long battle into a story that continues to resonate worldwide, proving the power of vision and determination.

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