Netflix Goes to Extreme Lengths to Keep 'Squid Game' Secrets Safe | Be Korea-savvy

Netflix Goes to Extreme Lengths to Keep ‘Squid Game’ Secrets Safe


"Squid Game" Season 2 (Image courtesy of Netflix)

“Squid Game” Season 2 (Image courtesy of Netflix)

SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Korea Bizwire) — The global fight against spoilers has taken a new turn, with Netflix implementing extraordinary security measures for its hit series “Squid Game” Season 2, including astronomical penalty clauses and strictly limited script access for its cast members.

“I didn’t know anything that happened after my character died,” said Lee Seo-hwan, who plays the role of Jung-bae, a longtime friend of the protagonist Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae). “When I casually asked about upcoming episodes during a company dinner, the atmosphere suddenly changed. Everyone’s expressions shifted, and it felt like I instantly sobered up. Then complete silence.” 

The production company, Firstman Studio, took unprecedented steps to maintain the show’s secrecy. According to CEO Kim Ji-yeon, cast members were only given access to their specific portions of the script, which could only be viewed digitally on monitored devices. Even outdoor filming locations were kept strictly confidential, with the studio location in Daejeon being revealed to the press only on the day of a media event.

The contractual obligations surrounding confidentiality were so strict that most cast members, including Lee Byung-hun, refused to discuss the show with their families despite being technically permitted to do so. “My son kept asking about the plot, but I knew if he found out, every elementary school student in the country would know,” Lee explained.

The security measures extended to rehearsals, with cast members practicing their scenes in secluded locations. Jo Yu-ri, who performs in a ttakji-flicking game sequence, revealed she had to find isolated spots to practice due to concerns about being seen. Lee Seo-hwan similarly practiced gunfight sequences in empty apartment complexes, joking that “anyone who saw me might have mistaken me for a spy.” 

The production’s strict confidentiality policy recently came under scrutiny after cast member Park Gyu-young posted behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram that allegedly revealed spoiler content. The incident has raised questions about potential penalties, particularly given Netflix’s previous handling of similar situations. The streaming giant notably withheld a 300 million won prize from a contestant on “The Influencer” for sharing results with acquaintances before the show’s release.

Netflix has maintained that such confidentiality measures are “crucial mechanisms for preserving the creative efforts of all participants and ensuring viewers can experience the intended entertainment value of the production.”

As anticipation builds for Season 3, industry observers are closely watching how Netflix will address Park’s social media post, especially given that the platform’s public-facing nature could potentially have broader implications than previous confidentiality breaches.

Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com) 

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