Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk endured immense challenges to deliver one of television's greatest dystopian dramas—including the physical toll of losing teeth. That's correct. Hwang recently disclosed that he has lost additional teeth since beginning work on Season 3.
"I believed it would be manageable, but this time I needed to have two more teeth extracted," the creator told Entertainment Weekly. "About eight teeth were removed during Season 1, and now two more are gone. I'm currently waiting for my dental replacements."
Initial reports indicated Hwang lost six teeth early in the series, but in November 2024 he clarified the number was closer to eight or nine. Although the final season—confirmed by Hwang as the series conclusion—was somewhat less stressful, it still resulted in further dental issues for the creator.
"Having already established the universe and visual style, Seasons 2 and 3 were comparatively easier than Season 1," he explained to EW. "The challenge was simultaneously filming and writing both seasons. We essentially produced one continuous season, working diligently to complete Season 3 as quickly as possible. The scale was substantially larger, requiring approximately one year of filming, which proved extremely physically demanding."
Recently, Hwang discussed potential spin-off ideas for the Squid Game universe. "A spin-off would explore events between Seasons 1 and 2," Hwang revealed to Indiewire at the Gotham Awards. "There's a three-year gap between these seasons that I'd like to depict in detail."
Squid Game Season 3 premieres globally on Netflix June 27, 2025.
