Korean hellfest Squid Game arrived in 2021, and swiftly became Netflix’s biggest ever show. Now comes season two, darker and funnier than before. Its creator and star talk dental disasters – and what it’s like to be a Jedi

For Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk, making the K-drama’s mega-hit debut season was like pulling teeth. Literally. The stress of single-handedly writing and directing the global phenomenon caused him to lose six gnashers.

With the feverishly awaited follow-up about to drop, how is his dental health this time? “I haven’t lost any teeth yet, look!” laughs Hwang over video call from Seoul, baring a full set to prove it. “Although I do feel the odd toothache, so I might visit the dentist soon. Maybe one or two will come out this time.”