Squid Game director Hwang Dong Hyuk 'thanks' those who rejected his script multiple times, know why
South Korean survival drama Squid Game is no longer just a Netflix series, instead it has become a global phenomenon. The show received immense love and support from global audiences and recently bagged yet another accolade. On June 2, director Hwang Dong Hyuk was honoured with the Creator Tribute Award at the 2025 Gotham Television Awards. During then, he included a veiled reference to those who initially doubted the series' script.
Squid Game's script got rejected multiple times
Director Hwang Dong Hyuk revealed that he had a hard time convincing production companies to accept the script of Squid Game, during the acceptance speech of his Creator Tribute Award at Gotham Television Awards 2025. He mentioned the past happening in a witty manner. Hwang Dong Hyuk started his speech by saying, 'It feels like the miracles keep coming.' He showcased his humility and expressed his raw feelings to the show's success by calling it a "miracle."
He then mentioned how much the award meant to him and thanked not just the Netflix staff, the cast and his mother, but also "everyone who rejected the Squid Game script back in 2009." Mentioned the reason for his comment, he stated, "Without those rejections, today's Squid Game wouldn't have been possible.' The speech has two possible explanations. It might indicate the director's subtle jab at those who doubted the show's potential
Alternatively, it could be a genuine expression of gratitude for the motivation that drove him to rework and improve the script.
Squid Game's previous Gotham Television Awards win
The popular drama also received another (Breakthrough Series Over 40 Minutes) award at Gotham Television Awards back in 2021, after its first season got released. Reflecting on his first win at the award show, Hwang Dong Hyuk said, 'At the time, I said, 'All of this feels like a miracle,' and now, four years later, just being back here again is a miracle in itself.' With the release of the season finale of Squid Game being right around the corner, the 2025 win becomes all the more special. Fans are hoping for season 3 to live up to the reputation of the previous instalments.
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