Squid Game Creator Had To Sell Laptop Due To Financial Crisis, Faced Rejection For 10 Years
Written and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, "Squid Game" is a Netflix show that follows a group of 456 people from all walks of life who are invited to play a series of children's games with life-threatening consequences to having a chance to win a 45.6 billion won (USD 38.7 million) prize.
From being rejected for years to then delivering a show that has become a global hit, the success story of Squid Game has lessons for each one of us. It's essential to hold on to a dream if you genuinely believe in it because who knows, it can change your life forever.
Netflix
Squid Game has claimed its position as a 'smashing global hit' in less than three weeks.
Netflix
Written and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, "Squid Game" is a Netflix show that follows a group of 456 people from all walks of life who are invited to play a series of children's games with life-threatening consequences to having a chance to win a 45.6 billion won (USD 38.7 million) prize.
The nine-episode survival drama, which premiered on September 17, has become one of the most popular non-English shows on the streamer.
Netflix
There has been increasing in viewership and popularity for the series. Apart from breathtaking visuals, the show has a captivating plot and a gripping narrative to tell people.
Netflix
But did you know that cracking it in the streaming world wasn't easy for the creator of Squid Game?
Netflix
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk originally pitched the script more than ten years ago but was rejected by many studios. A report in Wall Street Journal claims that studios labeled the concept as "too grotesque and too unrealistic."
Hwang Dong-hyuk came up with the idea for Squid Game while living with his mother and grandmother. However, he was forced to put the script on hold and sell his laptop for cash.
¡®Squid Game¡¯ creator Hwang Dong-hyuk wrote the show in 2009 but was rejected by studios for 10 years.
¡ª The Numbers Game (@Tngtweets1) October 4, 2021
He once had to stop writing the script + sell his $675 laptop due to money struggles.
Today, it¡¯s #1 in 90 countries + set to become the most-watched show in Netflix history. pic.twitter.com/RbFr8JeW1m
Hwang also said that he firmly believes that classist issues became more evident during turbulent times that people faced during the pandemic. That is why Netflix decided to purchase the show two years ago.
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Mr. Hwang was quoted as saying, "The world has changed. All of these points made the story very realistic for people compared to a decade ago."
Squid Game has been subtitled in 31 languages and dubbed in 13. Not many know that the show has been on a consistent top #1 position on popular streaming platform Netflix in over 90 countries.
Netflix
The trailer for Squid Game surpassed the viewership of trailers of Bridgerton and Lupin, with more than 17 million views.
Netflix
Minyoung Kim, Netflix's VP of content for Korea, South East Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, was quoted in a WSJ report saying, "never seen anything grow as fast and aggressive as Squid Game." Well, no dream is too small to let go of.
You can watch the series here.
