The buzz around the second season of the wildly popular Korean drama Squid Game has taken an intriguing turn. Reports are circulating that the show's lead actor, Lee Jung-Jae, is allegedly seeking a substantial pay raise. To be precise, he is said to be asking for a whopping $1 million per episode.

Lee Jung-Jae. Reimagined by AI. Ylyth Magazine AIPix. 2023

The Pay Raise Controversy

It all started when South Korean news outlet Dispatch reported Lee Jung-Jae's salary request for the upcoming season. According to them, the actor is seeking over $1 million for each episode, which would total up to a staggering $13 million given the 13 episodes planned for the second season.

According to the same report, "Netflix cannot afford to overlook Lee Jung-jae's request," given the actor's pivotal role in the series and the massive success of the first season.

The Wider Context

The salary controversy has sparked a wider discussion about the treatment of creators in the age of streaming. The first season of Squid Game, a low-budget series, proved to be a massive success for Netflix, reportedly generating nearly $1 billion in value.

However, the series creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, has not reaped the same benefits. The report states that he "forfeited all intellectual property rights and received no residuals" despite Netflix's significant earnings from the series.

This disparity has sparked discussions about the need for creators to be better compensated for their work. It has also raised questions about the power that streaming platforms have over creators.

What to Expect in Squid Game Season 2

While the salary controversy rages on, Netflix has announced the full cast for the upcoming season of Squid Game. Alongside Lee Jung-Jae, the series will see the return of original cast members Wi Ha-jun, Gong Yoo, and Lee Byung-hun.

New additions to the ensemble include Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Park Gyu-young, Jo Yuri, Kane Ae-sim, Lee David, Lee Jin-uk, Choi Seug-hyun a.k.a. T.O.P. and Roh Jae-won.

Despite the ongoing salary controversy, fans around the globe are eagerly awaiting the return of the popular Korean drama. Whether or not Lee Jung-Jae's request is met, one thing is clear: the anticipation for Squid Game season 2 is at an all-time high.

Conclusion

The salary controversy surrounding Lee Jung-Jae is a complex issue with no easy answers. However, it has raised important questions about the treatment of creators in the age of streaming. It is clear that there is a need for greater transparency and fairness in the way that creators are compensated for their work.