From 'Squid Game' to 'Killing Old People Club': Hwang Dong-hyuk's Next Netflix Frontier

Alright, so if you, like millions around the globe, were completely captivated (and perhaps a little disturbed) by the phenomenon that was "Squid Game," then buckle up. The brilliant mind behind it all, Hwang Dong-hyuk, isn't resting on his laurels. Not even for a moment, it seems! He's not just thinking about Season 2; he’s already got a whole new, utterly intriguing (and frankly, a bit unsettling) project brewing with Netflix. And honestly, it sounds like it might just push boundaries even further.

The working title? Get this: "Killing Old People Club," or "K.O.P. Club" for short. Yeah, you read that right. He spilled the beans recently at MipTV in Cannes, where he picked up a rather well-deserved International Emmy for "Squid Game" – making history as the first non-English language series to ever snag that Outstanding Drama Series award. Quite an achievement, isn't it?

Now, about "K.O.P. Club"... It's inspired by a novel from the legendary Umberto Eco, which immediately adds a layer of intellectual depth, doesn't it? Hwang himself has been quoted saying it’ll be "even more violent" than "Squid Game." Just let that sink in for a second. More violent? From the man who gave us red light, green light with fatal consequences and glass bridges? It certainly sparks curiosity, even if it also sends a shiver down your spine. He even joked, with a wry smile I imagine, that he might need to "hide from old people" after it premieres. A dark sense of humor, much like his work, perhaps?

Of course, everyone's still buzzing about "Squid Game" Season 2. And fear not, it's absolutely happening! Hwang confirmed that the second season is indeed in development, with a hopeful eye on a late 2024 release. That's still a bit of a wait, but knowing his meticulous approach, it’s bound to be worth it. The first season, if you recall, practically took over the world, becoming Netflix's most-watched series ever, racking up a staggering 1.65 billion hours viewed in its first 28 days. Simply mind-boggling numbers!

So, there you have it. Hwang Dong-hyuk isn't just a one-hit wonder; he's a creative force with a vision that clearly isn't afraid to explore the darker, more challenging corners of the human experience. Whether you're eagerly awaiting more "Squid Game" or bravely preparing for the "K.O.P. Club," one thing is for sure: his next move on Netflix will undoubtedly be a conversation starter. And probably keep us up at night, too.