Real Or Fake? “Squid Game” Director Comments On Whether Or Not Gi Hun’s Dalgona Candy Trick Actually Works

Netflix‘s Squid Game is the hottest K-Drama around. With many twists and turns, it keeps viewers on the edges of their seats each episode.

One of the most nerve-wracking moments was undoubtedly the second game. The contestants each chose a shape which corresponded to the design on their dalgona candy, a popular childhood snack in South Korea. Their challenge was to carve out the shape within 10 minutes without cracking it.

Needless to say, it wasn’t an easy task. In the nick of time, protagonist Gi Hun (Lee Jung Jae) discovered a trick to pass: he licked the back of the candy to make it thinner and thus easier to remove.

The question many viewers had after watching it was, “How legitimate is this hack?” In an interview with Netflix Korea, writer-director Hwang Dong Hyuk revealed that it’s actually a very real way to easily accomplish the game. In fact, the idea came from him!

It’s a trick I used when I was young. It’s how I won the grand prizes which was not good news for the dalgona guy.

— Hwang Dong Hyuk

To be one hundred percent sure that his past trick was still applicable, the director even tried it himself the night before filming.

I wanted to test and se if it really worked. I brought some to my hotel room the day before and licked it alone all night long.

— Hwang Dong Hyuk

Just remember his parting words: “It actually works if you lick it for a few minutes.” So if it doesn’t work the first time, try again!

Check out the full interview below for more Squid Game facts.