It's undeniable that Squid Game has emerged as a significant revenue generator for Netflix. This South Korean-produced phenomenon has raked in over nine hundred million dollars for the streaming service since its debut. The immense success has not only secured a second season confirmation but also paved the way for a reality show challenge. Regrettably, it appears that the creator of this runaway hit, Hwang Dong-hyuk, has not benefited from the astronomical profits that Squid Game generated for Netflix.
According to a recent LA Times report, Dong-hyuk received a fixed payment when he sold his series to Netflix, which means he hasn't been able to receive any ongoing royalties from the substantial earnings Squid Game amassed. Furthermore, the contract Dong-hyuk signed relinquished his rights to all intellectual property associated with the captivating game. Despite these circumstances, Dong-hyuk did achieve an Emmy win for the first season of Squid Game and is poised to return as both the director and Executive Producer for the highly anticipated second season.
Squid Game Creator's Comments on Pay
When Squid Game burst onto the scene, Hwang made the following statement to The Guardian regarding his initial payment from the streaming service: "I'm not excessively wealthy. However, I have enough. I have enough to provide for my basic needs. Besides, Netflix isn't offering me any bonuses. They compensated me according to the original contract."
Squid Game has recently found itself embroiled in controversy, not only due to the television series itself but also the upcoming Netflix reality show, "Squid Game: The Challenge." Slated to debut on the streaming platform later this year, the show features 456 contestants engaging in games reminiscent of those portrayed in the Korean drama. Despite contestants voicing concerns about subpar working conditions and some even alleging that the reality game show was rigged, Netflix remains resolute in its plans to bring the series to its platform in 2023.
In response to the LA Times article, Netflix issued a statement addressing Dong-hyuk's original compensation: "We offer fair and highly competitive rates to our K-Content creators, adhering to clear standards for our Korean production partners who produce all our shows and movies. These standards not only comply with but exceed Korean law."
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