Hwang Dong Hyuk, the director of Squid Game Season 2, has addressed concerns surrounding the so-called sophomore slump that often affects popular Netflix series follow-up seasons. He’s committed to delivering a sequel that meets—and possibly exceeds—the immense expectations set by its record-breaking predecessor.

Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk opens up about this season’s new games, new cast and his dystopic vision that now feels frighteningly close to home: “I wanted to pose the question: Is the majority always right?

For Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator of Squid Game, the most popular show in Netflix Inc.’s history, writing and directing all nine of its dark, startling episodes was so intense that he lost seven or eight teeth during the process.