2 contestants of Netflix's Squid Game: The Challenge claim they suffered 'hypothermia and nerve damage' while filming

British law firm Express Solicitors announced on Nov 23 that it is representing two contestants from Netflix's new reality show Squid Game: The Challenge in seeking compensation for injuries "they suffered during the show’s filming in January of this year".

In a statement to the press, Express Solicitors said: "The contestants claim that they suffered injuries such as hypothermia and nerve damage as a result of poor health and safety standards on set."

Daniel Slade, CEO of Express Solicitors added: “We have sent letters of claim on behalf of contestants injured in this show. From what we’ve been told they pushed the boundaries of safety in the name of entertainment. Production companies need to ensure that health and safety standards on their shows don’t leave people at risk of harm.”

Based on the hit South Korean drama, Squid Game: The Challenge features 456 players competing for a US$4.56 million (S$6.1 million) reward. The reality competition aired its first batch of episodes on Nov 22, with another batch releasing on Nov 29.

Since the show's premiere, multiple contestants have released videos, highlighting what they endured while filming Squid Game: The Challenge. One of the common points brought up was that the show's first game, Red Light, Green Light, actually took multiple hours to film.

As recounted by TikToker user @lil_thee_boy aka Player 326, "every time the clock paused (during Red Light, Green Light), it was a five- to 10-minute hold" as the production crew had to capture the shots they needed.

This meant that contestants had to hold their positions while braving the cold weather. 

"The first time we paused, we were standing there for 45 minutes.

"After the first four rounds, people started not doing super well. So every once in a while, (the production crew) would give us (the chance) to bend (our legs) because people were fainting."

Media outlet The Hollywood Reporter previously asked the show’s producers about reports of injuries on the set of Squid Game: The Challenge.

In response, the show's executive producer John Hay said: “Welfare and safety are obviously paramount for us. And we’ve taken appropriate measures to look after people. The particular criticism you’re talking about was centred around the filming of Red Light, Green Light. That was a big, complicated shoot, and it was a cold day, and it took quite a long time. But everyone was prepared for that and looked after properly. We anticipated and actually strenuously tested everything in advance and made sure we took all the proper measures.”