Squid Game: Season 3 | Final Trailer | Netflix

When Squid Game first exploded in popularity, many fans quickly noticed its similarities to classic Japanese survival game manga and anime. There are obvious echoes of Battle Royale and Liar Game in the show's premise, making fans wonder just how deep the connection went. While some accused creator Hwang Dong-hyuk of borrowing too much from existing works, he acknowledged the influence, admitting he had drawn inspiration from Japanese comics while crafting his own unique story.

Rather than deny the similarities, Hwang embraced them, explaining in an interview with variety.com that his real-life struggles shaped the series just as much as the manga he read. His financial hardships in 2008 led him to spend time in cafés reading Battle Royale and Liar Game, both of which center around high-stakes games with life-or-death consequences. But while those stories relied on intricate puzzles and elaborate death matches, Hwang wanted something simpler and more personal, turning childhood games into a terrifying test of survival.