Lee Byung-hun and Lee Jung-jae Stunned by 'Squid Game' Director’s Controversial Claim: “You’re Just Depressed...”

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk’s audacious statements during recent interviews about 'Squid Game' Season 2 have not only sparked public debate but also left the series’ lead actors, Lee Byung-hun and Lee Jung-jae, visibly taken aback.

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, the mastermind behind Netflix's global sensation 'Squid Game', has found himself at the center of a media storm due to his sharp remarks in recent interviews. As the highly anticipated second season approaches, Hwang's comments have sparked criticism, with some accusing him of challenging viewers.

In an interview with InStyle magazine last month, Hwang spoke candidly about 'Squid Game' Season 2. Joining him were lead actors Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun. During the conversation, Hwang declared, “I’ve been saying this a lot lately—if 'Squid Game' 2 isn’t entertaining, then nothing in this world is.”

The remark drew mixed reactions, even from his cast. Lee Jung-jae responded with a stunned “Wow,” while Lee Byung-hun jokingly tried to calm him down with a “Whoa, whoa.” Undeterred, Hwang continued with a bold statement: “If you don’t find this fun, you’re just depressed.” At the time, the series hadn’t yet premiered on Netflix, making his confidence all the more striking.

Hwang's no-holds-barred attitude didn’t stop there. In a January 2 interview with Korean outlet OSEN, he expressed gratitude for the series' immense success. Within just two days of its release, 'Squid Game' Season 2 topped Netflix rankings in 93 countries worldwide. “I’m truly thankful,” he said. “Ultimately, a show’s popularity is reflected in viewing hours, and it’s clear people around the world love 'Squid Game' and have been eagerly waiting for it.”

However, he also voiced his frustrations with domestic reception. “Even a stray dog gets 50% support in its own home,” he said, hinting at harsher critiques from Korean viewers. “It feels like coming home and not being able to relax. I wish for just a little more support.” His comments came amidst ongoing controversies surrounding cast members like Choi Seung-hyun (T.O.P from BIGBANG) and Park Sung-hoon, which had fueled local criticism.

This isn’t the first time Hwang has made headlines for his direct responses. Back in 2021, when 'Squid Game' Season 1 took the world by storm, NBA legend LeBron James mentioned he wasn’t satisfied with the show’s ending. In an interview with the Guardian, Hwang addressed the critique with humor. “LeBron James is great, and he’s entitled to his opinion. I respect that, and I’m grateful he watched the whole series. But I’m not changing my ending. That’s my ending.”

He cheekily added, “If he has a better ending in mind, he can make a sequel to Space Jam: A New Legacy. And then I’ll watch it and text him, ‘It was great—except for the ending.’”

Hwang’s bold statements continue to divide opinion, but one thing is certain: he’s as uncompromising in interviews as he is in his storytelling.