Disclaimer: This article may contain spoilers for “Squid Game.”
“Squid Game” is a South Korean survival drama television series created by Hwang Dong-hyuk for Netflix. The show was first released worldwide on September 21, 2021. In the show, Seong Gi-hun, a divorced man with a lot of debt, gets invited to play games for a chance to win a large cash prize. Accepting the offer, he gets taken to an unknown location along with 455 other people. The players are made to play a series of children’s games, managed by people in masks. However childish they may seem, the consequence of losing in these games is death. Gi-hun teams up with a few other players in order to win at each of the games. In the words of Netflix, “‘Squid Game’ has become [their] most popular show ever.” I have asked questions about the show to Alandre Rogers - AR (sophomore, explore Andrews), Megan Napod - MN (senior, speech-language pathology and audiology), and Solana Campbell - SC (sophomore, business management), students who have seen the show.
How did you hear about “Squid Game?”
AR: Social media.
MN: I heard more about it through just the chatter on campus, as well as seeing memes on Twitter. I was a bit late to it but I’m happy to be a part of conversations about it, mostly about how much I loved it.
SC: Definitely through Twitter. Everyone was talking about how good it was, so I immediately added it to my watchlist. Plus my friend watched it and she said it was good.
The show owes a lot of its fast-gained popularity due to its widespread coverage in social media apps. For example, after the show came out, many internet jokes about it began to increase. Also, many people on YouTube began making videos about the show and their reaction to it. Even though one may not use social media frequently, friends and family may have talked about the show.
Have you ever seen a Korean show before?
AR: Yeah.
MN: I’ve seen bits of other shows because of my Korean friends, but never an entire show.
SC: I’d actually never watched any original Korean shows. Of course, I’ve seen “Parasite,” but I actually haven’t watched as much Korean foreign entertainment as I’d like to.
Nowadays, Korean television drama series, or “K-Dramas” for short, have become very popular. They can be watched on almost all streaming services. Although people may be hesitant to watch a show in another language, it can be a fun and enjoyable experience. This show specifically has 31 versions with different languages (subtitled in 31 and dubbed in 13), but the consensus has been made by many that watching it in its original form is best.
Describe the show using three adjectives.
AR: Predictable, entertaining, and over-hyped.
MN: Engaging, unique, and thoughtful. I really enjoyed the storyline, the characters, and how they depicted certain themes and ideas with this fight-to-the-death concept.
SC: Relevant, soulful, and violent. The creator wanted to make a political point while still providing entertainment and he did a great job. “Squid Game” is a good reminder of what movies and TV can do to change society and get people talking.”
The show overall fits into the genres of action, adventure, thriller, mystery, and drama. Though the show became quickly popular, it has also been called “overrated” by some.
Would you want to be in “Squid Game?”
AR: Probably not. I like money but [it's] a little too risky.
MN: Definitely not! I like my life too much. But I guess it really depends on how deep in student debt I am.
SC: Haha no. I would die in the first game. I’m not really competitive enough to be putting my life on the line for a game.
Many people may be hesitant to risk their lives for money. Some, however, may want to gamble their life for a large sum of money, if given the chance. It probably depends on one’s circumstances or personality.
Squid Game is truly a Netflix phenomenon because it has become so popular so quickly (87 million people have finished the show, in fact). Many have heard of it through social media or word of mouth. Some who’ve watched Squid Game had never watched a Korean show before, let alone a foreign show. People have various opinions about the show, with many saying that they would not want to be a participant in the games. Overall, Squid Game is a show that has become widespread quickly and has gained a lot of interest in the world today.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.