“This is not a Bear Gryllls survival show”: Squid Game: The Challenge Allegedly Forced Players to Play in Bone-cracking Cold, Made Them Keep Their Jackets Open

Squid Game: The Challenge allegedly injured contestants due to harsh conditions.

“This is not a Bear Gryllls survival show”: Squid Game: The Challenge Allegedly Forced Players to Play in Bone-cracking Cold, Made Them Keep Their Jackets Open

SUMMARY

  • Squid Game: The Challenge is a spinoff reality show based on the hit Netflix show.
  • The contestants were subjected to the harshest of conditions.
  • Multiple medics were also called throughout the filming of the reality show.
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Squid Game was an extraordinary production that captured the world’s attention with its gripping and original storyline. The series quickly became one of Netflix’s most successful projects, setting numerous records and resonating with audiences across the globe. Fans were drawn to the unique concept of the show, as well as its exceptional execution and immersive narrative.

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The protagonist
Squid Game

The success of Squid Game was a result of the hard work, talent, and dedication of everyone involved in the project. From the actors to the crew, everyone played a vital role in bringing the series to life and making it a global sensation. The show catapulted many of its cast members and creators to international fame, turning them into prominent figures in the entertainment industry. However, the spinoff game show called Squid Game: The Challenge was not as impressive. and ended up forcing players to play in a terrible cold setting, among other things.

Squid Game: The Challenge Contestants Had To Go Through Inhumane Conditions

A pivotal scene in Squid Game
A game in Squid Game

Netflix’s Squid Game: The Challenge reality show, which offered over $4.5 million in prize money, has been under fire due to reports of a challenging and potentially dangerous filming environment. The show, initially conceived as a real-life adaptation of the South Korean hit drama Squid Game, aimed to create a competition with high stakes but without the lethal aspects of the original series.

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However, according to a new article in Variety, contestants on Squid Game: The Challenge have described a distressing experience on set. Allegations include dangerous conditions, such as an unbearable filming schedule and extreme cold, leading to multiple trips to the hospital for some participants.

The reality show was first announced in June 2022, promising a unique and exciting competition. Unfortunately, the behind-the-scenes reports suggest a darker reality than anticipated, raising questions about the responsibility of the streaming platform and the welfare of its contestants.

Squid Game: The Challenge has faced accusations of harsh and unsafe conditions from multiple contestants who spoke to Variety under the condition of anonymity. These contestants allege that the showrunners and producers misrepresented the rules and details of the competition, forcing them to endure extreme and unexpected conditions.

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One contestant, identified as Marlene, described the conditions as “absolutely inhumane” and unrelated to the game itself. Contestants were required to keep their jackets open during the “Red Light, Green Light” game despite temperatures around zero degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) on the day of filming. The harsh conditions led to complaints that the production resembled a survival show, rather than the reality competition they had signed up for.

“The conditions were absolutely inhumane and had nothing to do with the game.”

Another contestant, John, expressed frustration at the unexpected cold and criticized the production for not providing accurate information about the filming environment.

“This is not a Bear Grylls survival show,” blasted a contestant identified as John. “If they had told us it was going to be that cold, no one would have gone through with it,” he seethed. Marlene added, “It’s not like we signed up for ‘Survivor’ or ‘Naked and Afraid.'”

The complaints highlight concerns about the unethical treatment of participants and the responsibilities of the production team in ensuring a safe and fair competition.

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Medics Had To Be Called Numerous Times

A harrowing experience in Squid Game
Another still from Squid Game

The show has faced serious allegations from contestants regarding the conditions during filming. According to Sun, a total of eleven contestants were treated by medics during the show, and several participants fainted or collapsed due to the intense rules and harsh conditions.

Participants described challenging situations, such as standing for extended periods in cold temperatures wearing only tracksuits and socks. They also reported that people were carried out by medics due to health issues, while others left the show in tears.

There were people arriving thinking they were going to be millionaires but they left in tears. People were getting carried out by medics but we couldn’t say anything. If you talk then you’re out … You could hear someone yell ‘medic’ and the crew would rush on,” the player said. “We ended up standing there for 30 minutes between takes. Some were crawling by the end. At least one was carried out on a stretcher.”

Despite these claims, sources close to the production denied the reports, stating that the allegations of serious injuries and inhumane conditions were untrue. Netflix also maintained that any serious injury claims were unsubstantiated. Contestants seek accountability from the streaming network and hope their voices will bring attention to the situation.

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The reports have sparked concerns about the welfare and treatment of participants in reality competition shows, especially when such shows are based on fictional narratives that involve extreme and dangerous scenarios.

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Written by Subhojeet Mookherjee

Articles Published: 499

Subhojeet Mookherjee is a Freelance Entertainment Writer for FandomWire. A lover and expert in all things movies, games, TV shows, music and more. I've been in the writing business for over five years now, covering various topics all over the world. I love engaging in deep conversations with like-minded people.