The Netflix series Squid Game: The Challenge seems to be taking reality TV to the next level. The streaming giant has created a new reality competition series that’s sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. But this time, it seems like the stakes are higher than ever before.
It’s been reported by Deadline that several contestants were in need of medical attention as the reality competition show began filming.
However, these reports did not end filming for the series. The Britain’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been keeping a watchful eye over the proceedings. The HSE reminded producers to properly plan for risk in the re-creation of the hit Korean drama, but ultimately decided that no further action was necessary.
“Netflix has confirmed that three of the 456 players competing in Squid Game: The Challenge received medical attention during the filming of ‘Red Light, Green Light,’ in which players must evade the attention of a menacing robotic doll.” Deadline reported.
This isn’t the first news of harsh conditions for the contestants of the upcoming Netflix reality show. Rolling Stone reported that players describe the conditions during filming as “inhumane.”
They recall grueling nine-hour sessions in freezing temperatures, with some facing serious injuries such as a herniated disc and torn knee tendon. And if that wasn’t enough, another participant reported suffering from pneumonia and an ear infection. It’s clear that competing on Squid Game: The Challenge is not for the faint of heart!
Players told The Sun: “It was like a warzone. People left in tears.”
One exhausted player was stretchered away and others had to crawl to the finish.
In a recent report, one player describes a harrowing situation in which a fellow competitor was convulsing on the floor, while others remained frozen in fear of elimination. The player expressed that the situation played on their morals and was “absolutely sick.”
The spokeswoman for Squid Game: The Challenge assures us that all necessary safety precautions have been taken. In a statement to Deadline, she said that Netflix, Studio Lambert, and The Garden have fully complied with health and safety legislation and have received the all-clear from the HSE.
Was Squid Game: The Challenge rigged?
Controversy has arisen regarding the authenticity of the reality show. Rolling Stone reports reveal that several contestants, including social media influencers on Instagram and TikTok, were allegedly scripted to advance to the next round of the competition regardless of their performance in the games.
This contradicts the initial premise of the show, which aimed to promote the values of equality and fairness, as noted by a former participant who spoke to Rolling Stone.
Netflix, Studio Lambert, and The Garden issued a comment about Squid Game: The Challenge contestants claiming the show was rigged and subjected them to unsafe working conditions.
We care deeply about the health of our cast and crew, and the quality of this show. Any suggestion that the competition is rigged or claims of serious harm to players are simply untrue. We’ve taken all the appropriate safety precautions, including after care for contestants – and an independent adjudicator is overseeing each game to ensure it’s fair to everyone.
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