Hwang conducted an interview at a bar in Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, where he discussed the global success of the second season of “Squid Game,” which topped the Netflix charts in 93 countries just two days later his exit.
He expressed gratitude: “Ultimately, the popularity of a work is measured by hours of viewing, and I am deeply grateful that so many people around the world love and are waiting for ‘Squid Game’.“
However, some of Hwang’s comments took on a sharper tone. Responding to criticism from Korean viewers, he noted: “Even a mutt gets half a meal at home, but it seems Korea has the harshest ratings. I feel less comfortable at home. I would like a little more support.”
This seemed to reflect his disappointment with the criticism leveled at “Squid Game” Season 2 following controversies involving cast members, such as T.O.P. and Park Sung-hoon.
Online reactions to his statements have been largely cold. Netizens commented: “Investors should start by banning Hwang from interviews”, “Who ignored public opinion against taking TOP despite the drug scandal?”, “These are not the Olympics; why ask for unconditional support?”, “He seems out of touch and arrogant” AND “If it’s not funny, people have the right to say so.”
This isn’t the first time Hwang’s remarks have sparked controversy. In a YouTube interview with InStyle last month, ahead of the release of season two, he boldly stated: “If “Squid Game” Season 2 isn’t fun, then nothing in this world is.“
Actor Lee Byung-hun even motioned for him to calm down, but Hwang added, “If you don’t find it funny, you’re probably just depressed.”
Furthermore, after NBA star LeBron James criticized the ending of the second season, Hwang responded in an interview with The Guardian, “Thanks for watching the whole series, but I won’t change the ending. If he has his own idea for a satisfying conclusion, he should create his own sequel. Then I look at it and say, “That was great, I just didn’t like the ending.”“
