Money. Desperation. Greed. They are just some of the ingredients that contributed to turning Squid Game saga into a global sensation. With the rise of Netflix and the new wave of Korean cinema (shoutout to Parasite and Train to Busan), the perfect groundwork for this blood-soaked carnival was laid. Hwang Dong-hyuk, the mad genius behind it all, blended the chaos of Western thrillers with the soul-crushing melancholy of Asian storytelling, giving birth to a universal narrative that felt like a punch to the gut.
The idea for this show was first conceived in 2008 by its creator. Inspired by his own financial struggles and the growing economic inequality in South Korea, writer-director Hwang Dong-hyuk thought about a game that could allow anybody to wipe out any wealth disparity. However, at the time, studios laughed him off for over a decade, calling the concept too brutal, too bonkers. But in 2019, Netflix, always thirsty for the next big binge, finally picked it up, and that’s when the real magic happened.
Netflix didn’t just stream Squid Game, they unleashed it like a rabid beast onto a world already teetering on the edge. Suddenly, everyone, from Manhattan finance bros to college kids in Seoul, was glued to their screens, bingeing this macabre circus of survival and greed. But this wasn’t just about twisted games or existential dread. No, Squid Game, with its critique, was a full-frontal assault on capitalism, and people couldn’t get enough. Let’s dive headfirst into this madness, shall we?
The Architecture of Squid Game
First off, Squid Game showcases some serious social commentary that hits home for a lot of people. At its core, the show is about the huge gap between the rich and the poor, and how desperate some people get when they’re pushed to the edge. It spoke directly to the struggles many people—especially younger generations—are facing today, from crushing student debt to job insecurity. It’s a show that makes you think, “Wow, I can see why they’d risk it all.”
At the same time, the show’s main conflict is way more complex than the eternal battle between the rich and the poor. It’s not clear in the beginning, but the more you get into the story the more you realize that the richest bunch don’t even know what to do with all its riches: they are just sadists! And then you toss in the whole ‘deadly childhood games’ gimmick—nostalgia dipped in gasoline and set on fire. Red Light, Green Light will never feel the same again. And that twisted cocktail of innocence and terror? Addictive as hell.
As for the characters, the protagonists are all complex and flawed in ways that make you care about them, even if they’re making questionable decisions. Whether you relate to someone’s financial struggles or their desire to protect their family, there’s a character for everyone. And with all the twists and turns they deal with, you’re constantly invested in what happens next.
Social Currency & Perfect Timing
In addition, Squid Game gave us so many iconic visuals—green tracksuits, the creepy doll, the masked guards for our Halloweens—that it was like the internet’s new favorite thing to talk about. Memes, viral challenges, and fan theories helped keep the buzz going long after people finished watching. And let’s not forget the whole “escapism” factor. The show drops you into a world where there are no rules, and it’s not just about survival—it’s about the lengths people will go to for money. It’s a wild ride that lets viewers escape their own reality, even if just for a little while.
And hey, the timing couldn’t have been better. Released during the pandemic, Squid Game gave people something gripping and binge-worthy to sink their teeth into when life was uncertain and stressful. With everything going on in the world, it felt like a bit of a fever dream you couldn’t stop watching.
Taking Over the Pop Culture Conversation
As we mentioned above, according to Hwang Dong-hyuk’s own admission, it was money that pushed him to create the show. His actual need for money dictated the main conflict of his story, and this allowed his writing to feel truthful and passionate regarding the themes involved. This is certainly the first significant factor that came into play to turn it into the most-watched original show ever on Netflix.
When you combine it with other elements, such as urgent themes, relatable characters, global accessibility, and insane drama, it’s no wonder Squid Game took over the pop culture conversation. Additionally, Hwang Dong-hyuk was able to take the chaos of Western thrillers and mesh it with the soul-crushing melancholy of Asian storytelling. At that point, the show had everything: shock value, emotional depth, and the kind of story that makes you think long after the credits roll.
Are you a fan?
