Squid Game spoilers follow.
Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has explained why it took more than 10 years for the show to be made.
The South Korean survival drama has become one of the biggest Netflix series of all time in a matter of weeks with its gripping and, at times, shocking depiction of a brutal competition.
In a recent chat with The Korea Times, Hwang revealed that he actually came up with the idea to mix childhood games with deadly consequences for the losers back in 2008.
"I came up with which games to use in the story about 10 years ago. And it was, to begin with, the red light, green light game that makes a big impact with shocking mass death," the writer explained.
Related: Squid Game includes heartbreaking detail that non-Korean speakers probably missed
He went on: "I thought players fighting like warriors using the shapes, which form a ring, would demonstrate the irony of it being a children's game, as well as the players' desperation."
At the time, Hwang shelved the project because he felt it would be too far-fetched for viewers to believe – but reevaluated a few years ago after noticing a change in culture.
"After about 12 years, the world has changed into a place where such peculiar, violent survival stories are actually welcomed," he said.
"People commented on how the series is relevant to real life. Sadly, the world has changed in that direction. The series' games that participants go crazy over align with people's desires to hit the jackpot with things like cryptocurrency, real estate and stocks. So many people have been able to empathise with the story."
Related: Squid Game foreshadowed all those horrific deaths – did you notice?
Those who have watched Squid Game were likely left wanting more because of its elusive ending. Hwang isn't ruling out making a second season, but has warned it may not be happening quickly.
Squid Game is currently available to stream internationally on Netflix.
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