Squid Game Mirrors Financial Struggles and Societal Pain
Squid Game is a South Korean dystopian survival drama that involves 456 contestants competing in a dangerous series of challenges, culminating in the final event known as Squid Game. The victor is awarded a prize of 45.6 billion won, which is approximately 230 crores in Indian currency. However, any loss at any point in the competition results in death. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the 2008 global financial crisis, which had a profound impact on many individuals, including the show’s creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk. Hwang’s personal financial difficulties prompted him to reflect on the power of money and the harsh realities experienced by others. This reflection inspired him to delve into societal issues and historical contexts, leading to the emergence of the South Korean phenomenon known as “Hallyu,” which encapsulates the struggles faced within society.
Understanding the Dark Themes in “Squid Game” Season One
The term “hell Joseon” refers to the struggles faced by young people in South Korea due to discrimination and socio-economic competition. The first season of “Squid Game” follows Ji Hun, a young man who wins a game called Daag Cha and is invited to join the Squid Game, targeting individuals in financial distress and feeling rejected by society. The game is perilous, and the players pose a threat to each other. The game’s integrity is upheld by a character in pink attire, who is well-versed in the game’s intricacies.
Detection Young Jun Ho investigates the squid game while disguised as a guard, uncovering the game’s organization and the identities of the masked figures. He discovers that his brother, Young In Ho, is the front man and is funding the game. Jun Ho declines the invitation to join the game, leading to In Ho’s shooting and the end of the season.
Jihan struggles but ultimately wins the prize money of 45.6 billion and goes through a divorce from Jinan Scud. After his victory, he plans to reunite with his daughter but decides to dismantle the squid game organization and the masked figures behind it. Sing Gi Hun, dismissed from Dragon Motors, also participates in the game.
A Reflection on Suffering
The Squid Game is inspired by a real event involving the Sang Motor Company, a South Korean car manufacturer that laid off 43 workers in 2009. The employees protested for 77 days and occupied the company’s premises, which resulted in a violent response from the government. This incident influenced Young in creating Ji Hoon’s backstory and the character of migrant worker Ali, drawing from his own life experiences.
The film also highlights the rehabilitation camps from the 1970s and 1980s, set up by the South Korean government to train the poor and unemployed. Unfortunately, these camps often resorted to forced labor and torture, with many individuals being beaten and abused. Reports suggest that approximately 551 people lost their lives in these facilities.
A notable distinction between South Korea and North Korea is represented by Pak Sun He, who was held against his will in Brother Homes, suffering from slavery, beatings, and sexual violence. Young’s Squid Game portrays this pain and real-life horror, shedding light on the harsh realities of the system.
In addition to influences from Japanese survival comics, Young infused elements from childhood games like Red Light Green Light and the Candy Challenge into the series. The show debuted during the COVID pandemic, a time marked by economic hardship and despair.
Changes and Challenges in Squid Game Season Two
Squid Game, a widely acclaimed TV series, has transformed from simple entertainment into a platform for social commentary. The first season highlighted real-life challenges and relatable characters, while the second season brought in a recruiter and new contestants. In the inaugural season, Sang Jin Hun won 45.6 billion and discovered a sinister truth about the game, leading him to create a strategy to put an end to the competition. In season two, the recruiter is compelled to re-enter the game alongside new players and removes his tracking device. The front man, O Young L, develops a bond with Gi Un but secretly keeps an eye on Ji Hun for his own reasons. The next game kicks off, featuring altered rules and fresh characters. John Suck emerges as a significant player, but his actions take unexpected turns. Thanos, a ruthless character unafraid of violence, meets his end in the bathroom. This season featured only three games, possibly to prolong the series. The director emphasized character development, effectively portraying their struggles and behaviors. The tension was palpable, with frequent conflicts among players and the rise of new antagonists. The introduction of a voting system gave players more power, but it also suggested unforeseen changes ahead. Nonetheless, two aspects could have enhanced the show: an unfinished storyline and the absence of a clear beginning and conclusion.
Rumors and Expectations for Upcoming Seasons
The Squid Game series, a widely acclaimed Korean show, has faced criticism for having a limited variety of games and characters. Viewers found the ending to be confusing and abrupt, and the character development felt unnatural. While the first season flowed well, the second season showcased less convincing performances. Nevertheless, there are intriguing theories linking the two seasons, such as Hun’s fondness for chocolate milk and the front man’s aversion to plain milk.
There are rumors that season three will debut by June 2025, along with reports of an American adaptation called Squid Game USA and a Squid Game World featuring all previous winners. The series addresses themes like financial hardship, social inequality, and capitalism. Financial struggles, often overlooked, resonate with many viewers. Social inequality is highlighted by the fact that the wealthiest 1% possess double the resources of the remaining 99%. The show also delves into survival and everyday challenges, raising moral questions about whether to assist those in need or turn a blind eye.
The visual aspects of Squid Game play a vital role in its appeal, with set design, costumes, and lighting being essential elements. The green outfits symbolize vulnerability and poverty, while the pink uniforms signify authority and control. The set design mirrors modern society, resembling a school, stadium, or prison, with the many beds representing the structures around us. This thoughtful design effectively communicates deeper psychological and philosophical ideas through metaphor.
The Squid Game, a South Korean series, has become extremely popular thanks to its distinctive style, which draws inspiration from the artwork “Theory of Relativity” by Dutch artist MC Escher. Its success can be attributed to the viral candy challenge, unforgettable moments, and memes that have collectively reached 1 billion views on YouTube in just eight weeks. The games featured in the show, rooted in Korean culture, have a global appeal, making it the first Korean drama to be included in Netflix’s worldwide rankings. In only 17 days, it attracted 111 million viewers and amassed 1.65 billion hours of viewing time.