Hwang Dong-hyuk
Capturing Society Through Cinema
Date: 15 March 2026
Location: Xiqu Centre, WestK, Hong Kong
Guest: Hwang Dong-Hyuk
Moderator: Eric Tsang CHU
HWANG Dong-hyuk: From Hong Kong Cinema to Squid Game
The first masterclass featured Korean director HWANG Dong-hyuk, best known for the global phenomenon Squid Game. His previous works include Silenced and Miss Granny.
Speaking about the films that shaped his creative vision, HWANG highlighted the influence of Hong Kong cinema. “Hong Kong films from the 1980s and 1990s were incredibly popular in Korea. Many people from my generation grew up watching them.”. He recalled rushing to cinemas with classmates after school exams to watch Hong Kong films, noting that films starring Jackie CHAN and Sammo HUNG were especially beloved. Laughing, he added: “Hong Kong films are probably the ones I’ve watched the most in my life. I’ve seen A Better Tomorrow more than ten times. If I had to name my favourite Hong Kong film, Infernal Affairs is definitely one I admire greatly.”
Reflecting on the development of Squid Game, HWANG revealed that the story was originally conceived as a feature film. “The project began as a film idea, but when it evolved into a series I had much more space to expand the characters and the world. The earliest version didn’t include the Player 001 storyline — that was added later in the series.”. He also introduced a detective character, allowing viewers to enter the world behind the game and glimpse the lives of those operating it.
HWANG spoke candidly about his mindset when choosing a filmmaking career: “When I decided to pursue filmmaking, I had already prepared myself for the possibility that I might become a loser.”. Yet that mindset strengthened his determination to continue telling stories through cinema. He encouraged young filmmakers in the audience: “Anyone can learn film techniques. What truly matters is whether you have a story you want to tell the world.”
ASIAN FILM AWARDS ACADEMY
The Asian Film Awards Academy is a non-profit organization founded by the Busan International Film Festival, the Hong Kong International Film Festival and the Tokyo International Film Festival. In addition to presenting the annual Asian Film Awards, the Academy organizes screenings, exchange programmes and professional development initiatives to promote Asian cinema and nurture industry talent.
Our year-round events and programmes are held with the objectives to promote Asian films to a wider audience, expand the film market within Asia, and build and sustain connections among Hong Kong and international film professionals. Masterclass Series – in conversation with filmmakers, Journey to the fest – Student Visit to International Film Festivals, Asian Cinerama – Film Roadshow, and Young Film Professionals Programme – overseas training and work-placement, are examples of our year-round programmes. These programmes couldn’t have been held successfully without the financial support of the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and Film Development Fund of the HKSAR Government. AFAA has worked to promote, educate, inform and develop knowledge, skills and interest in Asian cinema among the industry, students and audiences in Asia and beyond with the support of film festivals and cultural organizations.
CULTURAL AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CCIDAHK)
Under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) (formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK)) is a dedicated office, aiming to spearhead the development of cultural and creative industries in Hong Kong.
FILM DEVELOPMENT FUND
The Film Development Fund (FDF) was first set up by the Government in 1999 to support projects conducive to the long-term development of the film industry in Hong Kong, including: part-financing small-to-medium budget film productions; enhancing efforts to promote Hong Kong films in the Mainland and overseas; enhancing initiatives to train talents in various aspects of film production and distribution; and enhancing the interest and appreciation of Hong Kong films by the local audience.
