‘Squid Game: The Challenge’: Netflix Denies Safety Issues in Upocoming Reality Competition
Netflix opposes the news about the upcoming real-life "Squid Game" competition after reports cite that some of the players had a serious injuries during the contest.
After the Korean series, starring Lee Jung Jae, Jung Ho Yeon, Park Hae Soo, and more gained huge popularity, the streaming giant announced that they will launch a reality competition based on the show titled "Squid Game: The Challenge."
To recall, the 16-part episode K-drama featured 456 debt-ridden contestants who are set to compete in a series of popular children's games.
The winner gets to take home 45.6 billion KRW or 35 million USD while the losers end up dead.
READ MORE: Lee Jung Jae to Receive 1 Billion Won Per Episode in 'Squid Game 2'?
As for the reality show, Netflix previously revealed that the upcoming contest will be a 10-episode competition series and will showcase 456 participants, just like the blockbuster series, with some coming from Australia and the US and Australia.
However, amid the production, "Squid Game: The Challenge" reportedly encountered a setback involving their participants.
'Squid Game: The Challenge' Reality Show: Contestants Reportedly Got Injured During the Production
Netflix is gearing up the reality show "Squid Game: The Challenge" and is currently being filmed in Cardington Studios, a former RAF base in Bedfordshire in the United Kingdom.
Amid the show's filming, the upcoming competition gets controversial after being criticized for its safety issues.
In a report cited by The Sun, a participant revealed that some contestants were carried out by medics using stretchers due to hypothermia or prolonged exposures to very cold temperatures.
It was during the filming of the first game called "Red Light, Green Light" where contestants had to endure -3C temperatures.
Moreover, the said person described it as a "warzone" since people wanted to stay for as long as possible because of the huge cash prize.
"There were people arriving thinking they were going to be millionaires but they left in tears," the person added.
Netflix and Production Company Deny Health Issue While Filming 'Squid Game: The Challenge'
On the other hand, Netflix along with its production partners Studio Lambert and the Garden denied the issue.
According to CNN, there is no basis for the claims about health issues.
"We care deeply about the health and safety of our cast and crew, and invested in all the appropriate safety procedures," a representative from Netflix told the outlet, adding "While it was very cold on set - and participants were prepared for that - any claims of serious injury are untrue."
Prior to the production of the real-life "Squid Game" Netflix Vice-President Brandon Riegg, gave viewers a hint on what to expect in the upcoming show.
He says that "Squid Game: The Challenge" is set to deliver a "fascinating and unpredictable journey as our 456 real-world contestants" as they delve into "the biggest competition series ever."
Moreover, he revealed that the competition will have surprising twists and tension among the participants.
