The South Korean series Squid Game has taken the world by storm since its release in September 2021. With its gripping storyline, complex characters, and hauntingly memorable imagery, the series has garnered millions of viewers across the globe, becoming one of Netflix’s most-watched shows. At first glance, the premise of Squid Game—where participants engage in deadly versions of childhood games for a chance to win a massive cash prize—may seem far-fetched. However, beneath the surface of the show lies a deep connection to South Korea’s history, social issues, and cultural norms, which helped fuel its widespread appeal.
In this article, we will explore some of the historical facts and societal themes that inspired Squid Game and why the series has captivated audiences worldwide.
Economic Inequality and the “Jeonse” System
One of the driving themes in Squid Game is the crushing economic inequality that participants experience. The central character, Seong Gi-hun, is a down-on-his-luck man drowning in debt, and many other characters join the game to escape their own financial despair. This sense of financial desperation resonates deeply with South Korea’s economic history.
In South Korea, economic inequality has been a long-standing issue. The country underwent rapid industrialization in the latter half of the 20th century, but the benefits of this growth were not evenly distributed. This has created a stark divide between the wealthy elite and the working class, much like the financial struggles portrayed in Squid Game. One specific example of this inequality is the “jeonse” system—a unique rental arrangement where tenants pay a large lump sum deposit (often over 50% of a property’s value) to rent an apartment. This system can be financially burdensome for lower-income citizens who struggle to save the required amounts for such deposits.
By highlighting the characters’ financial struggles and their desperate need for money, Squid Game taps into the reality of South Korea’s economic challenges. The show comments on the lengths people will go to in order to escape poverty and survive in an unforgiving society.
The History of Children’s Games and Korean Folklore
The deadly games at the heart of Squid Game are not random; they are based on traditional Korean children’s games that have been played for generations. The games chosen for the show, including Red Light, Green Light, Tug-of-War, and Marbles, all have roots in Korean culture and folklore.
In particular, Squid Game is named after a popular childhood game called “squid game” (오징어 게임), which is still played by children in South Korea today. The game itself involves running and avoiding being tagged while navigating a complex squid-shaped diagram drawn on the ground. It is a game that combines strategy, physicality, and teamwork—elements that are mirrored in the high-stakes, life-or-death games of the show.
Incorporating these familiar childhood games into a deadly competition adds a layer of surrealism to the show, making it all the more unsettling. The transformation of innocent, nostalgic activities into violent and life-threatening challenges creates a contrast that amplifies the horror and tragedy of the story. This is an example of how Squid Game uses South Korea’s cultural traditions to make its dystopian world feel both familiar and horrifying.
Historical Influence of Post-War South Korea
To fully understand the socio-political background that inspired Squid Game, we must look at South Korea’s post-war period, particularly after the Korean War (1950-1953). The war left the country devastated, with vast economic destruction, an influx of refugees, and widespread poverty. South Korea’s transformation into a global economic powerhouse in the following decades was hard-earned, but it came at a cost.
The trauma of war and the subsequent fight for economic survival has shaped the mindset of South Korean society. The collective memory of hardship and the desperate desire to overcome it is reflected in the characters of Squid Game, who are willing to sacrifice everything for a chance at wealth. The constant struggle for survival, wealth, and status is deeply entrenched in the country’s collective consciousness, which is why Squid Game resonates so strongly with its South Korean audience and why it has become a universal story.
Additionally, Squid Game touches on themes of class division, power structures, and exploitation, all of which are tied to South Korea’s rapid industrialization and rise as a global economic power. The series captures the idea that even in times of prosperity, the inherent flaws of the system persist, leaving many trapped in cycles of debt and despair.
Social Commentary on Class and Human Nature
While the series is rooted in historical and cultural themes, Squid Game also serves as a scathing critique of contemporary social issues. The show exposes the vast disparity between the haves and have-nots, as the wealthy VIPs in the game watch and gamble on the lives of the players below. These VIPs, who symbolize the corrupt and indifferent elite, serve as a metaphor for the power structures that perpetuate inequality in modern society.
Squid Game also explores human nature and morality under extreme pressure. As the contestants face life-or-death decisions, we see how greed, loyalty, and survival instincts shape their actions. The game participants begin as ordinary people with hopes and dreams, but as the stakes get higher, their personalities evolve in ways that force viewers to confront the darker sides of human nature.
This social commentary on class, capitalism, and the human condition resonates far beyond South Korea, which is why Squid Game has captured global attention. Audiences from all over the world, especially those facing economic hardships and inequalities in their own countries, find the series relatable and thought-provoking.
Why Squid Game Became a Worldwide Phenomenon
While the historical and cultural context of Squid Game is deeply rooted in South Korea, its universal themes of survival, class inequality, and human morality have resonated with audiences worldwide. The global success of the series can also be attributed to several factors:
Relatable Themes
Squid Game speaks to the universal struggles of poverty, inequality, and the desire for a better life. These issues are not unique to South Korea but are prevalent in many countries across the world, which makes the series relatable to a global audience.
Compelling Characters and Storytelling
The complex, multi-dimensional characters in Squid Game are another reason for its success. Viewers become invested in the fates of these characters as they navigate the brutal games and struggle with moral dilemmas.
Cultural Appeal
While Squid Game introduces audiences to South Korean culture, it does so in a way that is both accessible and intriguing. The use of childhood games and references to Korean history provide a unique cultural flavor that adds depth to the series, while still appealing to a wide audience.
Global Reach
With its English voiceover and subtitles, Squid Game made it possible for viewers around the world to engage with the series in their preferred language, removing barriers to understanding and helping it spread quickly across global markets.
Conclusion
Squid Game is more than just a thrilling survival drama—it is a powerful commentary on South Korea’s social issues and historical struggles. By blending elements of Korean culture, history, and economic realities with universal themes of human nature and survival, the series has captivated viewers around the world. Its success is a testament to the power of storytelling that transcends borders and speaks to the collective human experience.
