Squid Game (Korean: 오징어 게임; RR: Ojing-eo Geim) is a South Korean survival drama
television series created by Hwang Dong-hyuk for Netflix. The series follows a group of people
in severe financial debt who risk their lives participating in a mysterious survival game with a
â‚©45.6 billion (US$35 million) prize.
Synopsis
In a dystopian take on modern South Korea, 456 players, all struggling with financial hardship,
are invited to participate in a series of children's games for an enormous cash prize. However,
they soon discover that elimination from the games results in their death, leading to a brutal
battle for survival.
Production
Development
Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk originally conceived the idea for Squid Game in 2009, but struggled
for nearly a decade to find investors willing to fund the project. The script was initially written as
a feature film before being adapted into a series format. Netflix acquired the series in 2019 as
part of their drive to expand international content.
Filming
Principal photography took place in South Korea throughout 2020, with extensive set design
creating the distinctive look of the games. The series unique visual aesthetic combining bright,
playful colors with dark themes, inspired by children’s games and literature.
Main Characters
Seong Gi-hun (Player 456)
Portrayed by Lee Jung-jae
A chauffeur and gambling addict who enters the game to pay off his debts and help his
daughter
The main protagonist of the series
Cho Sang-woo (Player 218)
Portrayed by Park Hae-soo
A former securities broker wanted for embezzlement
Gi-hun’s childhood friend who graduated from Seoul National University
Kang Sae-byeok (Player 067)
Portrayed by Jung Ho-yeon
A North Korean defector who enters the game to help her family
Skilled pickpocket and survivor
Oh Il-nam (Player 001)
Portrayed by O Yeong-su
An elderly man with a brain tumor who prefers playing the game to waiting to die
The Games
The series features six main games, each based on traditional Korean children’s games:
1. Red Light, Green Light
A deadly version of the classic children's game
Players must reach the finish line while avoiding detection when the giant doll
turns around
2. Honeycomb/Dalgona
Players must carefully cut out shapes from a brittle candy
Any breaking of the shape results in the elimination
3. Tug of War
Teams battle on elevated platforms
Losing teams fall to their death
4. Marbles
Players must win their opponent's marbles through any game of their choosing
Results in particularly emotional eliminations due to partnering
5. Glass Stepping Stones
Players must cross a bridge made of alternating tempered and regular glass
Wrong choices result in fatal falls
6. Squid Game
The final game based on a traditional Korean children’s game
A complex physical contest played on a squid-shaped court
Themes
The series explores several major themes:
Economic inequality in modern society
The desperation of poverty
Human nature under extreme circumstances
The morality of wealth and capitalism
The contrast between childhood innocence and adult brutality
Class discrimination and social mobility
Impact and Reception
Critical Response
The series received universal acclaim for its originality, acting, themes, and production values.
Critics praised its commentary on capitalism and class disparity, as well as its intense drama
and compelling characters.
Cultural Impact
Squid Game became a global cultural phenomenon, inspiring:
Halloween costumes and merchandise
Social media challenges and memes
International recreations of the games (without the violence)
Renewed interest in Korean drama and culture
Discussions about wealth inequality and social issues
Awards and Recognition
Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor (O Yeong-su)
Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance (Lee Jung-jae)
Multiple Emmy nominations and wins
Set Netflix viewing records for a non-English language series
Legacy
Squid Game’s success has significantly influenced the entertainment industry by:
Demonstrating the global appeal of Korean content
Encouraging streaming services to invest in international productions
Inspiring new approaches to survival drama storytelling
Creating a framework for Successful cross-cultural television
The series has already been renewed for a second season that was released on Netflix
December 2024 and a third season coming in June 2025, with creator Hwang Dong-hyuk
confirming the development of new games and characters while maintaining the core themes
and tension of the original.