The Surreal Life Television Show: Squid Game’s Unlikely Journey to Global Phenomenon

Squid Game, the Korean dramatic thriller, has taken the world by storm, becoming a groundbreaking global phenomenon. The series, about 456 desperate adults competing in deadly children’s games for a massive cash prize, has captivated audiences worldwide, topping Netflix charts in numerous countries and generating billions of views on platforms like TikTok.

This unprecedented success is particularly surprising given the show’s dark themes, gruesome scenes, and reliance on subtitles for English-speaking audiences. The series, filmed almost entirely in Korean with a cast largely unknown to Western viewers, shattered expectations by becoming Netflix’s biggest show ever, surpassing previous record-holder Bridgerton.

Alt: A still from Squid Game showing contestants in numbered green tracksuits participating in a game.

The mastermind behind Squid Game, writer and director Hwang Dong-Hyuk, drew inspiration from his own financial struggles and a fascination with Japanese Manga series like Battle Royale and Liar Game. He envisioned a story of desperation and competition, initially conceived as a film, set on a secluded island in South Korea.

The project languished for a decade before Netflix gave it the green light, transforming Dong-Hyuk’s vision into a nine-episode series. Despite initial excitement, the director admits to feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of bringing this long-gestating project to life, fearing that its bizarre concept might alienate audiences.

Alt: Director Hwang Dong-Hyuk of Squid Game posing for a photograph.

To realize the show’s distinctive visual style, Dong-Hyuk enlisted art director Chae Kyoung-sun, who aimed to create a candy-colored dystopian world that juxtaposed bright hues with the contestants’ desperation. Drawing inspiration from children’s books and coloring books, Kyoung-sun crafted visually striking sets that ranged from deceptively cheerful playgrounds to stark, oppressive dormitories.

The show’s haunting score, composed by Jung Jae-il, further enhanced the surreal atmosphere. Taking cues from David Lynch and Angelo Badalamenti, Jae-il opted for an eerie and unsettling sound, utilizing percussion, distorted guitars, and Hammond organs to evoke the characters’ precarious position on the brink of despair.

Alt: The giant robotic doll from the Red Light, Green Light game in Squid Game.

The production of Squid Game was a complex undertaking, requiring meticulous attention to detail and creative problem-solving. The iconic Red Light, Green Light doll, for instance, was painstakingly created by a specialized props team, starting with a miniature model and scaling it up to a full-sized prop.

For the Tug of War game, a combination of practical sets and stunt work was employed, while the perilous glass bridge in episode seven was built to scale and enhanced with minimal CGI. Even seemingly simple games, like the marbles game in the “Gganbu” episode, demanded extensive effort, with Kyoung-sun meticulously recreating a nostalgic Korean neighborhood from the 1970s and ’80s.

Alt: Contestants carefully navigating the treacherous glass bridge game in Squid Game.

The success of Squid Game has been a surreal experience for Dong-Hyuk and his team. While initially unsure of the show’s reception, the director realized the magnitude of its impact when an old friend informed him that everyone in his neighborhood was watching. The overwhelming positive response has led to discussions of a second season, with Dong-Hyuk hinting at potential storylines involving the enigmatic front man and the slap-happy recruiter.

While acknowledging the pressure to live up to expectations, Dong-Hyuk remains open to exploring the possibilities of a second season, driven by a desire to satisfy the show’s devoted fanbase and further delve into the complex world he created. The future of Squid Game remains uncertain, but its impact on television and popular culture is undeniable.