Squid Game is a South Korean survival drama television series created by Hwang Dong-hyuk for Netflix. It stars Lee Jung-Jae, Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-joon, HoYeon Jung, O Yeong-su, Heo Sung-tae, Anupam Tripathi, and Kim Joo-young as participants in a mysterious game. The game offers a huge cash prize but also involves deadly risks. The series was released on September 17, 2021. It became an instant hit. Topping the Netflix charts in 94 countries and breaking records as the most-watched show on the platform.
What Makes Squid Game So Successful?
One of the reasons why Squid Game has captivated millions of viewers is its thrilling plot. It keeps them on the edge of their seats. The series follows 456 players who are in debt or have other troubles in life. They are lured into a secluded island where they compete in six games based on children’s playground activities. However, the games are not as innocent as they seem, as any mistake or failure can result in death. The players have to face not only brutal challenges but also their greed, morality, and humanity as they fight for survival and the chance to win 45.6 billion won (about $38 million).
Another reason Squid Game has resonated with many people is its social commentary. The issues of inequality, capitalism, and class struggle plague modern society. The series depicts how the players come from different backgrounds and walks of life. They are driven by desperation and hopelessness to join the game. They are treated as disposable pawns by wealthy and powerful organizers and spectators who exploit them for entertainment and profit. The series also explores how the players cope with their situation, whether cooperating or betraying each other. Whether they find redemption or despair, they retain their dignity or lose their humanity.
Is Squid Game Real or Scripted?
Squid Game is a fictional work of art inspired by various sources and influences. The creator Hwang Dong-hyuk came up with the idea for the series in 2008 after watching a Japanese manga called Liar Game, which also features a survival game with a large sum of money at stake. He also drew inspiration from his childhood memories of playing squid games. This traditional Korean game involves hopping on one foot and pushing opponents out of a squid-shaped boundary. He also incorporated elements from other works of fiction, such as Battle Royale, The Hunger Games, Saw, and The Running Man.
However, Squid Game is not entirely detached from reality, as it reflects some of the harsh realities many people face today. Hwang Dong-hyuk said he wanted to portray the struggles of ordinary people living in a “very competitive and unequal society” where they have to “risk their lives for money.” He also said that he wanted to show how people can lose their sense of morality and empathy when they are put in extreme situations. He hoped his series would make people think about “what kind of society we live in” and “what kind of values we should pursue.”
Conclusion
Squid Game is a TV series that has entertained its audience with its gripping story, compelling characters, stunning visuals, and shocking twists. It is also a TV series that has challenged its audience with provocative themes, messages, and questions. Squid Game is a TV series that has become a global phenomenon that transcends language, culture, and geography. It is a TV series that deserves all the praise and attention it has received.
Disclaimer: This article is based on my opinions and interpretations of Squid Game. It does not represent the official views or facts of Netflix or the creators of Squid Game.
