Squid Game, one of Netflix’s most-watched shows, amassed 265.2 million views globally for its first season. The series is set to conclude with its third and final season, premiering on June 27, 2025. The question of what constitutes its unique appeal—transcending cultural boundaries and defying conventional tastes—remains a topic of intrigue.

Its plot summary is simple: 456 contestants participate in a series of children’s games to win 45.6 billion Korean won, unaware of the consequences of losing. The series begins with eager contestants, anticipating the grand prize, entering a bare, sandy field at the far end of which stands a giant doll resembling a young girl. They are about to engage in a game of “Red Light, Green Light,” but soon realize that one misstep during the red light means death. This storytelling approach is novel, where the structure of the game dictates the plot’s development. Key story elements, such as the initial incident that requires a solution and the resolution, align with the game’s rules. Battle Royale (2000) and The Hunger Games (2012) are often recalled for comparison, likely because both incorporate game-playing elements in their plots, like Squid Game. But the integration of children’s games into Squid Game‘s narrative yields profound and complex effects.

Breaking the Myth of the Children’s Games

 

Games like Red Light, Green Light, Tug of War, and Marbles instantly evoke childhood memories for many Koreans. A summer day at the park often included rounds of Red Light, Green Light—a game enjoyed by boys and girls, young and younger alike. Unlike more physically demanding games, such as football, Red Light, Green Light was inclusive, engaging children from the entire neighbourhood. Occasionally, young adults passing by would join in. Therefore, its recreation in Squid Game felt like encountering a long-lost friend brought into the present. However, the series transformed this innocent game into a brutal survival challenge, where the stark reality of winning and losing prevails, turning the warm feelings associated with the game ice cold.

In Squid Game, the traditional children’s game of Red Light, Green Light is transformed into a deadly challenge. Players must cross an enclosed field within a five-minute time limit, moving only when a large robotic doll calls “green light.” Any movement during “red light” results in immediate elimination, highlighting the show’s dark twist on an innocent pastime.

This transformation of children’s games into life-or-death battles often leads to interpretations of the series as a satire or commentary on a cutthroat, winner-takes-all society. Moreover, it is all the more poignant that characters like Seong Gi-hun, played by Lee Jung-jae, have no choice but to participate in such a ruthless game—where their lives are at stake—just to escape financial hardship. Their personal reasons for joining the games serve as an allegory for high capitalism, where a “fair” society for the lower class means only having the right to gamble their lives in a desperate attempt to survive.

Creating a Myth for Adults

 

Squid Game transcends the narrative of fatal games, evolving into a modern fable that suggests everything will be alright as long as one remains true to oneself. Seong Gi-hun, the protagonist, navigates the deadly challenges by reconnecting with his childhood skills. By recalling his past experiences with these games, he devises strategies to outsmart other contestants. For instance, Gi-hun and his team triumph in the Tug of War against a physically stronger group by employing the simple tactic of holding their ground before pulling, a method rooted in traditional game strategies.

This aspect of the story imparts a benign lesson: uncomplicated methods, not necessarily requiring higher education or extensive experience, can be a savior for individuals like Gi-hun in a society saturated with fierce competition. However, this raises the question: Is this notion reflective of reality? Success in real-life scenarios might hinge on factors such as quality education, professional networks, and sufficient resources.

The notion that simplicity and goodness can lead to happiness is a recurring theme in many fairy tales, where being good-hearted often results in fortune and joy. For instance, Cinderella, despite enduring hardships inflicted by her stepmother and stepsisters, maintains her trust in others and hope for herself. Similarly, Snow White never loses her kindness and consideration for the dwarfs who shelter her. Ariel, in The Little Mermaid, does not complain about her decision to exchange her voice for human legs. In these stories, the protagonists are ultimately rewarded, often living “happily ever after.”

Squid Game‘s global appeal, as evidenced by its millions of views, may stem from this straightforward message: the path to happiness and success lies within oneself. However, the series also critiques this notion by highlighting the harsh realities of a society driven by cutthroat competition, where systemic inequalities often hinder individuals from achieving success solely through personal virtues. This duality invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of societal structures and the true determinants of success and happiness.