When Squid Game appeared on Netflix in September 2021, no one could have predicted that a South Korean series about deadly children's games would become a worldwide cultural phenomenon. Within weeks, it was the most-watched series on the platform, with millions of viewers in more than 90 countries. But what makes Squid Game so powerful, and why did it become such a global success?
The series follows Seong Gi-hun, a divorced father in debt, who, along with 455 other participants, is invited to participate in a mysterious game. The participants literally put their lives on the line for a multi-million-dollar prize. Each game is based on traditional Korean children's games but with a deadly twist. What starts as a surreal spectacle quickly turns into a raw reflection on inequality, greed, and human morality.
What sets Squid Game apart is a universal theme wrapped in a local context. The series poses questions that are relevant everywhere in the world: How far would you go for money? What does solidarity mean when your life is at stake? And who actually decides the rules of the game, literally and figuratively?
Moreover, the characters are remarkably layered. From the naive Gi-hun to the ruthless Sang-woo, from the mysterious Front Man to the North Korean defector Kang Sae-byeok. Each character represents a different facet of society. And just like in Hollywood productions, the actors, such as Lee Jung-Jae and Jung Ho-yeon, are charismatic, expressive, and full of nuance. Their performances contribute to the emotional impact of the series.
Visually, Squid Game is a masterpiece. The colorful sets, geometric shapes, and contrasting costumes create an atmosphere that is both childlike and disturbing. The direction by Hwang Dong-hyuk seamlessly combines tension, symbolism, and social critique.
The success of Squid Game proves that international series are no longer a niche. Thanks to streaming platforms, stories from Seoul, Madrid, or Berlin can resonate just as powerfully as those from Los Angeles. And sometimes even more so, because they offer us a fresh perspective on universal themes.
In a world that is increasingly connected, Squid Game shows that the most compelling stories sometimes come from unexpected corners. And that a children's game, played for life and death, can teach us more about society than many political narratives.
