Getty Image / Anthony Wallace
Squid Game became a global phenomenon when it made its debut on Netflix back in 2021.
The story of how it took creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, 10 years just to get a green light is one of the better feel good stories in entertainment.
However, it appears his deal with one of the top streaming services in the world is rubbing people the wrong way. Mainly due to the fact Dong-hyuk claims he isn’t being paid nearly enough money as we all thought.
According to The Los Angeles Times, “Squid Game raised Netflix’s internal value by some $900 million.” Unfortunately, the same report claims Dong-hyuk “forfeited all intellectual property rights and received no residuals.”
To put it simply, Hwang Dong-hyuk no longer owns the rights to the show he created.
Hwang Dong-hyuk recently commented on the situation. After struggling to find a deal for about a decade, he jumped at the opportunity to sign a contract with Netflix.
But now it seems he may have some regrets about it, per IGN. Here’s what he had to say about it.
“At first it was exciting to think that people all around the world would be able to watch my shows. But now I’m thinking, ‘So what? I’m not getting anything out of it.'”
All of this came to light as The Los Angeles Times was covering a story about how “Netflix has profited from Korean dramas while the creators make very little.”
IGN reports that Netflix does not have a deal with the Korea Television and Radio Writers Association, which means the streaming giant can negotiate contracts with creators at will.
“According to the report, residuals are typically negotiated through the Korea Television and Radio Writers Association, but Netflix has no agreement with the group. Instead, writers typically receive their money up front, with rates starting at around $30,000 and going as high as $150,000. Shows can take between two to three years to create, but writers receive no more money in that time.”
It’s an issue that hits home with the ongoing writers strike in Los Angeles right now. But Netflix responded to criticism, claiming they pay “fair rates” for creators, per The Los Angeles Times.
“”We pay fair, highly competitive rates with our K-Content creators and set clear standards for our Korean production partners, who produce all our shows and movies. These standards meet or exceed Korean law.”
It’s a bit of a shame to see creators receive the short end of the stick. Especially when a show like Squid Game becomes popular worldwide.
Maybe some changes will be made in the near future. But for now, it doesn’t seem like Hwang Dong-hyuk will be receiving more money.
Squid Game is set to air a second season on Netflix, but there is no official release date yet. Despite payment issue, the show will still likely garner millions of views once season two is released.