4 months ago

Did you know:
History of "Squid Game" (오징어 게임):

1. Creation and Concept:

Creator: Hwang Dong-hyuk, a South Korean filmmaker.

Idea Origin: Hwang first conceived the idea in 2008 during a time of personal financial struggle. He was inspired by his own economic hardships and the growing inequality in society.

He originally wrote the script as a film, but it was repeatedly rejected by studios for being "too grotesque" and "unrealistic" at the time.

2. Title Meaning:

The name "Squid Game" comes from a popular Korean children's game that was physically aggressive and played in the 1970s–80s. The final round of the competition in the show is this game.

It symbolizes the survival-of-the-fittest theme, with elements of strategy, strength, and desperation.

3. Development and Production:

In 2019, Netflix greenlit the project as part of its push to expand Korean and international content.

It was filmed mostly in South Korea in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The show kept many Korean cultural references, traditional games, and symbolism.

4. Release and Success:

Premiered: September 17, 2021, on Netflix.

It became an instant global phenomenon, becoming Netflix's most-watched series at the time with over 111 million viewers in the first 28 days.

The show's themes of debt, class disparity, desperation, and morality struck a chord with audiences worldwide.

5. Impact and Legacy:

Boosted interest in Korean culture and media globally (part of the "K-wave" or Hallyu).

Influenced fashion, Halloween costumes, memes, and social media trends.