The Phenomenon of Netflix’s Squid Game – Why Is It So Popular?

Summary

The South Korean series 'Squid Game' became a worldwide sensation after its release in mid-September, amassing over 132 million viewers. The show, centered around deadly children's games for a life-changing cash prize, resonates with global audiences due to its themes of financial desperation. Its sudden popularity in the U.S. and abroad highlights a shift in Americans embracing foreign TV. The show's impact extends beyond entertainment, inspiring activities like sugar cookie workshops and games in cafes in places like Beijing and Moscow. Despite speculation about a second season, no official announcements have been made, though its success is undeniable.

Takeaways

• 😀 Squid Game, the South Korean series released in mid-September on Netflix, became the fastest-growing Netflix show, reaching 132 million viewers worldwide.
• 😀 The show is about a deadly competition where participants in deep debt play children's games for a huge cash prize, with the risk of dying if they lose.
• 😀 Despite its dark themes, Squid Game became an instant hit due to its appeal to people facing financial challenges and economic uncertainty.
• 😀 The show's massive success marks a shift in American attitudes toward foreign TV shows, with Americans becoming more open to international content.
• 😀 For a long time, Americans avoided consuming content from other countries, but Squid Game’s success indicates a change in this cultural mindset.
• 😀 Squid Game's popularity extends far beyond the U.S. and South Korea, with fans worldwide engaging in related activities and events inspired by the show.
• 😀 In Beijing, a cafe offers workshops for people to make sugar cookies resembling those featured in the show’s iconic game scene.
• 😀 In Moscow, a Korean cafe chain has created a game where participants carve shapes into sugar cookies using only a needle, replicating a scene from the show.
• 😀 The game's rules in Moscow involve a 10-minute timer, and players face a pepper punishment if they fail to carve the cookie shape correctly.
• 😀 While it is unclear if Squid Game will return for a second season, its massive financial success ($900 million in Netflix profits) suggests that a continuation could be financially viable.

Q & A

What is the central plot of the show Squid Game?

Squid Game is about a world where children's games turn deadly. People deeply in debt participate to win a large cash prize, but the losers of the games die.

Why did Squid Game become so popular so quickly?

Squid Game gained rapid popularity due to its unique and intense premise, tapping into universal themes of economic desperation, and resonating with global audiences. It quickly spread through word of mouth and media, including talk shows and workplace conversations.

How does Squid Game resonate with its audience?

The show resonates by exploring themes that many people can identify with, such as economic struggles and the fear of financial disaster. It taps into the human experience of desperation and survival.

What cultural shift is highlighted regarding American attitudes toward foreign TV shows?

The show reflects a gradual shift in American cultural attitudes, with the U.S. moving away from its historically resistant stance toward consuming foreign TV content. Americans have been slowly embracing international media, as seen with the widespread popularity of Squid Game.

How has Squid Game impacted global audiences beyond South Korea and the U.S.?

Squid Game's impact has spread worldwide, with fans engaging in cultural activities inspired by the show. For example, workshops in Beijing allow people to make sugar cookies like those featured in the show, and cafes in Moscow offer a game involving sugar cookies, mimicking a deadly challenge from the series.

What do the sugar cookie workshops in Beijing offer to participants?

In Beijing, a café holds workshops where participants can make sugar cookies similar to those featured in Squid Game. Many young customers who are fans of the show enjoy making the cookies themselves.

How is the sugar cookie game in Moscow similar to the one in Squid Game?

In Moscow, a Korean cafe chain offers a game where players need to carve a shape into a sugar cookie using only a needle, without breaking the cookie. This mirrors a deadly game in Squid Game where participants must do the same under extreme pressure.

What is the role of the game overseer in the Moscow sugar cookie challenge?

The overseer in Moscow's game monitors the players, ensuring they follow the rules and complete the task within the 10-minute time limit. If a player fails, they are punished with pepper.

Has Netflix confirmed whether Squid Game will have a second season?

As of now, there has been no official confirmation from Netflix or the show's creators about a second season of Squid Game.

What financial success has Squid Game achieved for Netflix?

Squid Game generated approximately 900 million dollars in profit for Netflix, a significant financial achievement, which makes the idea of a second season financially appealing.