Hwang looked for alleviation in Seoul's comic book bistros. "I read Battle Royal and Liar Game and other endurance game funnies. I identified with individuals in them, who were frantic for cash and achievement. That was a depressed spot in my life. In case there was an endurance game like these in actuality, I pondered, would I go along with it to bring in cash for my family? I understood that, since I was a movie producer, I could put my own touch to these sorts of stories so I began the content."
