Variety Show ‘Squid Game’ Winner: “It’s Been 10 Months, Still Haven’t Received the Prize Money”

[TV Report=Reporter Kang Seong-hoon] Did Mai Wellan (55), the winner of the reality show ‘*Squid Game: The Challenge*’ (hereafter referred to as ‘The Challenge’), receive her prize money?

On December 7th (local time), ‘The Sunday Times’ revealed an interview with Mai Wellan. She disclosed that although ‘The Challenge’ finished filming in February, she hasn’t received her prize money even after ten months. She jokingly added, “I want my money.”

Amidst the public’s surprise, the production team of ‘The Challenge’ stated, “We are always aware of the participation costs and prize money payment plans of the contestants.” They added, “Now that the final episode has aired, the winner will receive her prize money soon.”

‘*Squid Game: The Challenge*’ is a Netflix original survival reality show where 456 contestants compete for a prize of $4.56 million (approximately 60 billion KRW). The show is based on the Netflix original Korean drama ‘*Squid Game*.’

The competition was won by contestant number 287, Mai Wellan. She is a Vietnamese refugee and a veteran who served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years. Currently, she works as an immigration officer. Her excellent psychological tactics led her to victory in ‘The Challenge.’

Through the Netflix community ‘To Doom,’ Mai Wellan expressed her feelings about winning ‘The Challenge,’ saying, “I’m glad I could show that I as a woman and a minority, can overcome anything at this age.” She revealed plans to donate part of her prize money to combat the climate crisis.

Meanwhile, Netflix plans to produce season 2 of ‘*Squid Game: The Challenge*.’ Applications are currently open worldwide, including in the U.S. and the U.K., through the official website.

By. Seong Hoon Kang