Netflix released its new original series, Squid Game, on September 17. The plot revolves around a contest in which 456 players who are deeply in debt play children’s games, risking their lives for a chance to win 45.6 billion KRW. The series became well known for its pre-opening promotion, the “Squid Game World,” in Itaewon. In this installment, the props and settings in the show are displayed. Owing to overcrowding, it had to be closed a few days in advance to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Its popularity has soared worldwide since its release. Four days after its release, Squid Game ranked first on Netflix in the U.S., and eventually became the first Asian work on Netflix to rank first in the world. As the show gained popularity, so did the actors and actresses who starred in it. Jung Ho-yeon, the actress who played Kang Sae-byeok, has become a celebrity and amassed the largest number of followers on Instagram among Korean female actresses. Furthermore, the props in the show, such as dalgona (Korean candy made with sugar and baking soda, in English), have been selling like hotcakes all over the world.
However, Squid Game is not without controversy. First, the plot has been accused of plagiarism. For example, some claim that the “Red Light, Green Light” game is a rip-off of the Japanese movie As the Gods Will. Moreover, there are opinions that this show contains excessive sexual scenes and a graphic depiction of death. Since female characters are depicted as “useless teammates,” the misogynistic narrative has also been an issue. Such controversies are widely discussed in Korea, and the more people watch this show, the more these issues are discussed.
The UOS Times asked the two University of Seoul (UOS) students who watched the show about their personal appreciation and opinions.
1. What made you watch Squid Game?
A: I was initially intrigued, as numerous posts about this show were shared on social media. Many of my acquaintances watched it as well, and their reactions were somewhat varied. I was curious as to how I would react, so I decided to watch it too.
B: I heard the news that this series had topped the “Now Trending Shows” list on Netflix before I watched it. I simply wanted to figure out what makes those people watch this and whether this show is well made.
2. Please tell us your impressions about Squid Game.
A: Well, the first feeling I had after watching Squid Game was “uncomfortableness”. The show depicts an upper class that takes pleasure in watching people’s desperate struggle to win the game, viewing them like horses on the race track. Participants in the game demonstrate how egocentric humans can be by harming and killing each other for money. Additionally, I noticed that the plot lacked plausibility.
I sat through Squid Game, wondering what game would come next and what kind of strategy would be used. However, besides being fun, it showed me how humans change when their lives hit rock bottom. Similarly, the show posed thought-provoking questions to the audience about interpersonal trust, the value of time, and the universal “boredom of life” that everyone experiences, regardless of wealth or poverty. I had to constantly ask myself; What would I do if I were in the same situation? Would I forgo the opportunity, despite the hellish reality? Or would I join the game as well, attempting to escape like all the characters do?
Furthermore, the show revealed the relationship between the powerful and the weak, societal divisions, and greed taking precedence over cooperation in order to survive. The characters did not appear to be all that dissimilar to those encountered in reality. Thus, I assume that Squid Game has a purpose of criticizing such societal problems. It was interesting in general, and I took pleasure in figuring out the reality that the show depicts.
B: I realized that my expectations had been unreasonably high. Although the idea of linking children’s games to the concept of death was unique and original, the characters were too monotonous. Moreover, in terms of the narrative, it was replete with predictable elements. The characters were too stereotypical—a nice protagonist, a gangster villain, an odious woman who flattens the villain, a smart man, an old man who saves the protagonist’s life, and a naive foreign laborer. I believe that these kinds of stereotyped characters merely follow the cliché of existing survival game media.
It would have been better to delete the narrative of the detective who investigates the game and the VIPs who watch it, and focus solely on the game and characters to retain the story's originality. It was such a shame to lose tension in episodes one to three, as the story centered on the external part of the game. Nonetheless, I think it is fantastic that this kind of content has been attempted in Korea. In fact, it is popular all over the world, and I could also enjoy it for amusement.
3. Squid Game has been embroiled in controversy because of unnecessary sexual depiction and an androcentric plot. It also has a plagiarism issue and controversy over violence. What do you think about such criticism?
A: I remember people debating the necessity of the sexual scenes in Squid Game on Instagram. Some people said that they were revolted by the scenes and that they should have been deleted. On the contrary, some insisted that it would have been unrealistic if there was no such scene. I did not like the scenes as well, but regardless of gender, it accurately depicted human nature. Regarding the controversy over the violence, I do not think it was exaggerated because it reflected the dark side of society. Nevertheless, there were a few violent and repulsive scenes that seemed legitimate to me. Finally, I do not want to conclude that Squid Game is a work of plagiarism. Having similar points is unavoidable if the genre is the same.
B: Regarding sexual depiction, I agree that it is not essential to the narrative. Nevertheless, I do not think that the story was overly centered on male characters. A certain female character made it all the way to the end, and she was far from a passive character. She also actively dealt with the fight among the participants in the “event game.” Regarding the plagiarism issue, because it is difficult to create a work that is completely unique from other creations in a similar genre, I could overlook those parts.
Reporters from The UOS Times watched Squid Game as well. It is nice to hear of its popularity, as it has contributed to the spread of Korean culture. Hwang Dong-hyuk, the director, has stated that Squid Game is inspired by his childhood memories. All the games played by the characters are common childhood games in Korea but are unfamiliar to foreigners. Viewers from other countries are now aware of these games, and it is good to see them trying to play the games from the show. Likewise, Squid Game exemplifies the impact of Korean media.
The show indeed contains some common clichés, which sparked the accusations of plagiarism. However, it appears to be another key point that the audience can develop a sense of familiarity with the plot. Today, many people fantasize about making a quick fortune by paying attention to the stock markets, the lottery, and virtual money. Therefore, such an empathic story must be critical to Squid Game’s global appeal.
Concerning the controversy regarding degrees of nudity, it is not as serious for an R-rated series as it is for other series such as Game of Thrones. Nonetheless, the scene in which half-naked women serve male VIPs may offend female viewers. Scenes depicting people being shot and killed, which are depicted quite frankly, may also make viewers uncomfortable. However, it depends on viewers to decide whether or not those scenes are offensive. Some may argue that this show is excessively violent, while others may not.
The audience is wondering whether or not the second season of Squid Game will be released. Numerous plot elements remain unresolved, as the death of the policeman is doubtful, and the front man is suspicious. People are curious about the prospect of the main character re-entering the game. Director Hwang has stated that he has many more stories to tell, but he is not yet prepared. Hence, people are eagerly looking forward to the release of the second season on Netflix.
While waiting for the sequel, it is a good idea to catch up on other Korean Netflix originals. Actually, “Kingdom,” a Korean horror thriller series, had already won worldwide popularity before Squid Game was released. Its popularity paved the way for Korean dramas to establish a foothold before this latest trend began. “D.P. (Deserter Pursuit)”, which was released in August, has also received considerable attention. There are many more fascinating Korean shows that have already been released or will be released in the future. The UOS Times is rooting for the advancement of K-dramas.
