Movies

South Korea celebrates the transformative power of ‘Squid Game’

BBG News

SEOUL – The third installment and conclusion of the popular Netflix series “Squid Game” shattered viewing milestones on the streaming service since its premiere on June 27, making it an impressive end to what is widely regarded as one of the most successful South Korean television shows ever produced.

Despite varying opinions, Season 3 of the show garnered over 60 million views within the initial three days, outperforming all others in viewership across 93 nations, marking its release as Netflix’s most successful debut so far.

The hit series “Squid Game” has significantly elevated South Korea’s standing, with most local responses emphasizing the honor it bestows rather than the storyline itself. In Seoul, fans honored the show’s conclusion with a triumphant parade, temporarily closing main roads to accommodate a marching band and floats portraying characters from the series.

In a particular part of the parade, a squad of guards from the program, known for their distinctive pink attire, marched bearing glowing replicas of the coffins used on the show to transport those eliminated in the survival contest. Accompanying them were actors portraying the contestants, who limped along with overly dramatic expressions of shock, as if they had just learned the harsh realities of the game.

During the finale fan gathering, the series mastermind, Hwang Dong-hyuk, expressed gratitude to the viewers and acknowledged the mixed feelings that came with wrapping up everything.

He shared, “I poured my heart and soul into this endeavor, so the idea of it concluding brings a touch of melancholy. Yet, simultaneously, there’s a sense of liberation in shedding the burden I’ve carried for so long.

Although “Squid Game” earned Hwang worldwide acclaim, being Netflix’s most-watched series ever, he has openly discussed the intense physical and psychological strain involved in producing the show.

For over a decade, I persistently attempted to sell my beloved TV series to various networks, but met with no success until Netflix took notice in 2019 and greenlit the first season. They compensated me modestly enough to keep me fed, yet claimed all intellectual property rights for themselves. In the process of producing that first season, which was finally released in 2021, the stress took its toll on my dental health – I ended up losing several teeth.

Through “Squid Game,” a popular TV series, a doorway was opened for global viewers to explore less familiar facets of South Korean culture. The show drew attention to inventions like dalgona coffee, a beverage made from a traditional Korean candy that was highlighted in the program, which subsequently gained popularity in cities such as Los Angeles and New York.

The performance of the show paved the way for the worldwide popularity of other South Korean dramas, igniting a period of prosperity known as “Hallyu” (Korean wave), which has led to increased tourism, sales of food and cosmetics, global curiosity about Korean language learning, and overall international attention towards Korea.

Additionally, while gaining international acclaim, this series sparked discussions on socio-economic disparities within South Korea, like the widespread issue of debt that is subtly woven into various character’s personal narratives.

Not too long ago, President Lee Jae-myong, who has been advocating for financial relief, remarked, “The Squid Game showcases the harsh truths of our society. In this game, characters gamble their lives to pay off debt, but it’s not just a competition; it’s a battlefield where one fights for survival.

2022 marked a groundbreaking moment for the show, becoming the first television series in a language other than English and the inaugural Korean series to receive a Screen Actors Guild Award. With three awards under its belt, it also clinched six Emmy Awards that year. Remarkably, Los Angeles officially recognized September 17 as “Squid Game Day,” commemorating the series’ release date.

In my humble opinion, despite director Hwang’s declarations that he’s moved on from the “Squid Game” universe, the captivating season 3 finale – graced by the enigmatic presence of Cate Blanchett as a recruiter for the titular games – has sparked whispers once more about visionary filmmaker David Fincher potentially breathing new life into this franchise with an intriguing English-language spinoff down the line.

Instead, Hwang originally penned a traditional, optimistic conclusion, but he now characterizes the finale of “Squid Game” as a chilling climax to its bleak portrayal of ruthless capitalism.

He expressed to Michael Ordoña from The Times last month that for Season 3, his intention was to highlight how in a world driven by unrelenting greed, it resembles a jungle, with the powerful preying on the weak, and individuals ascending higher by trampling on others’ opportunities.

Stepping into Season 3, it feels like the economic and political systems have let us down, leaving us with little hope. The question arises, what future do we as a species have when our own insatiable greed seems uncontrollable? This is a theme I wanted to delve into deeper, and more importantly, I sought to pose this question directly to myself.

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2025-07-04 13:31

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