Why everyone should watch Netflix’s Korean Drama “Squid Game”

Why this show does so much for Asian American representation

Mei Flory / Assistant Arts and Culture Editor / The USD Vista

In the past few years, Netflix has released some extremely popular shows such as “Bridgerton,” “The Queen’s Gambit” and “Lupin.” But their latest hit may surpass all these shows, especially due to its global reach. The Korean drama known as “Squid Game,” directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, was released on Sept. 17 to high praise from both audiences and critics alike. 

Consisting of only nine episodes with an hour-long runtime each, “Squid Game” centers around Cho Sang-woo (Lee Jung-jae) and 455 other players in an elaborate “Hunger Games-esque” competition to win 45.6 billion KRW($38 million). Each player has a crippling amount of debt to pay off, but with each game they play, the deadlier the competition becomes. For avid fans of East Asian dramas, the show may be reminiscent of the Japanese thriller series “Alice in Borderland.”

Similar to Bong Joon-ho’s hit 2019 film “Parasite,” the Korean drama series “Squid Game” addresses the issue of wealth disparity and its negative effect on South Korea’s lower class. Dong-hyuk critiques the harsh realities of capitalism by highlighting the extremes people are willing to go to for money. These universal themes, along with the plot, style and growing interest in South Korean culture, greatly contribute to the hype surrounding the show.

Ryan Bermudez, a USD junior, appreciated how the show incorporated such complex issues. He was especially drawn to how the show handled some philosophical concepts. 

“What I really liked about the show was the way that all the participants were manipulated into feeling like they had free will when they really didn’t,” Bermudez said. “It was super interesting seeing the psychopathic ways the game leader thinks.”

A part of what makes the show so disturbing yet irresistible is how the creator juxtaposes the financial and moral struggles of the characters with childish games. Dong-hyuk, the director and writer for “Squid Game,” drew inspiration from his own childhood while creating the series. Many of the featured games are elementary school activities, the most notable one being “Red Light, Green Light.” 

USD first-year student, Allister Quizon, commented on the intensity of the plot and how it changed his perspective on the children’s games that the players participated in. 

“It was just stressful to watch, specifically Episode 6,” Quizon explained “When I was watching it, my hands were all sweaty because I was so tensed up, and I thought about how it dehumanized the players, like there was money attached to them.” 

But even more important to Quizon was the international reach of the show. He connected the popularity of “Squid Game” to its real-life effects on Asian culture. 

“In 2020 there was a lot of Asian hate,” he said. “Now, in 2021, everyone is praising Asian content.”

“Squid Game” is deeply rooted in South Korean culture, and it doesn’t compromise its origins. Rather, the world seems to be catering to the cultural aspects of the show that make it unique but also universal. For example, the dalgona candy, a popular Korean treat among children, featured in one of the games has significantly increased in production and sales since the show’s release. TikTok also created a dalgona trend, where people try to re-enact the game that was played on the show. 

Mia Tabladillo, USD sophomore, also noted the shift in popularity of East Asian content, especially within the realm of social media. She binged the entire show in one night, but she needed to if she wanted to keep up with TikTok’s newest obsession.

“Originally watching it, I didn’t get all of it,” Tabladillo said. “But after watching TikTok videos dissecting the scenes, I didn’t realize how many clues were hidden for all the games. 

Tabladillo also enjoyed the content that emerged from this show.

“The memes are great,” she noted. “They already made an EDM version of the Red Light, Green Light song.”.

In addition to the memes, Tabladillo touched on how satisfying it was to see how many people gave the show a chance. She also praised the casting.

“It’s just great to see how popular it got,” she commented. “Like, people who sh*t on international shows are watching it. Player 067, she was so hot.” she commented.

Tabladillo isn’t alone in thinking so. HoYeon Jung, the Korean actress who portrays Player 067, gained over 5 million followers on Instagram after the show’s release. 

“Squid Game” might be one of the most important shows released this year not just because it’s good entertainment, but because it helps invert the negative stereotype that Asian media is strange or cringe-worthy. Instead, it cements the idea that Asian content, especially from East Asia, can be cool and influential. Along with “Shang-Chi,” the release of “Squid Game” restores the much-needed sense of pride that young Asian Americans missed out on for most of their elementary school years.