Squid Game creator still can't believe show's global success

As they tease the much-anticipated second season of Squid Game, the cast and creator of the hit South Korean survivalist drama are still trying to wrap their heads around its global success, which saw its debut season in 2021 become the most-watched series on Netflix.

- Alison de Souza

LOS ANGELES - As they tease the much-anticipated second season of Squid Game, the cast and creator of the hit South Korean survivalist drama are still trying to wrap their heads around its global success, which saw its debut season in 2021 become the most-watched series on Netflix.

And ahead of the show's return on Dec 26, when it continues its tale of cash-strapped contestants in a deadly tournament of children's games, they marvel at the huge fan turnout at the Los Angeles premiere on Dec 12.

At the event, more than 1,700 excited fans don the same green tracksuits worn by the characters and compete in a 4.56km race - a nod to the 45.6 billion won (S$42.8 million) up for grabs on the show - to win a seat at a preview of the first episode.

"I can't believe I'm watching this," says South Korean creator-showrunner Hwang Dong-hyuk, 53. He is surveying the giant crowd gathered on a college athletic field to play recreations of games from the series, such as the iconic Red Light, Green Light.

Hwang, who writes and directs the series, is similarly taken aback at the warm reception it has enjoyed.