Still processing the final moments of “Squid Game”? You’re not the only one. But what may come as a surprise is that the show’s creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, originally envisioned a very different conclusion.
Netflix’s Korean hit series “Squid Game” has returned with a record-breaking final season, garnering 60.1 million views within just three days of release. According to Netflix data cited by Variety, this marks the highest-ever three-day viewership for a non-English title on the platform’s weekly Top 10 chart.
When "Squid Game" first dropped on Netflix in 2021, it became a viral hit. With its dystopian depiction of desperate, debt-ridden individuals playing twisted versions of childhood games for a life-changing cash prize, the Korean survival drama tapped into something raw. Set against the backdrop of global inequality, pandemic-era despair, and capitalism in overdrive, it was a modern parable disguised as a thriller. The tracksuits, the red light/green light doll, the piggy bank of blood money; everything became instantly iconic. But it was the emotional stakes, the betrayals, the unlikely friendships, and the slow unravelling of one man’s soul that made it unforgettable.
Coming in second was the Netflix limited series “Adolescence”, a surprise breakout that racked up 19 million viewers, signalling the streamer’s strong grip on scripted content.
Netflix has unveiled the first trailer for the third and concluding season of its hit Korean drama “Squid Game”, which left fans hanging with a dramatic Season 2 ending. The second and third seasons were filmed consecutively and conceived as a single, continuous storyline.
IU and Park Bo Gum-starrer “When Life Gives You Tangerines” has now claimed the title of the highest-rated Korean drama on IMDb, surpassing major hits including “Squid Game” and “The Glory”. Although the Netflix original has concluded its run, the global acclaim surrounding the slice-of-life drama continues to grow.
An exciting live-action event titled "Squid Game Parody" took place February 10 at Kick Off Football Ground in the capital’s Purbachal. Inspired by the hit global series “Squid Game”, the event, hosted by Stayverz Bangladesh, put participants through a series of thrilling challenges, blending entertainment with high-stakes competition.
“Squid Game” shattered records in 2024, becoming the most-watched series in a single week, with an astounding 4.9 billion minutes streamed from December 23 to December 29, according to Nielsen data.
The eerie whistle of a haunting melody, the countdown of a clock ticking toward doom, and a desperate player caught between having to take a drastic step either for or against morality — survival game shows have become a global obsession. From the blood-soaked battlegrounds of "Battle Royale" to the dystopian depths of "Squid Game", these narratives have gripped audiences, offering a voyeuristic thrill into life-or-death scenarios. But why are we so drawn to them? The answer lies in the intersection of psychology and sociology, where primal instincts and societal reflections meet.
"Squid Game" Season 2 stormed Netflix’s chart of most popular non-English-language shows, debuting at No. 7. This week, it rocketed to No. 2, surpassed only by the first season of the same series, which garnered 265.2 million views in its first 91 days. However, Season 2 seems poised to break that record with 80 more days to go.
BTS’ V, also known as Kim Taehyung, has ignited a new wave of fan speculation, with rumours suggesting he might join the cast of Netflix's “Squid Game” season 3. After earlier rumours about Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio potentially being part of the show, fans now believe Taehyung could also be entering the dystopian universe of “Squid Game”. These theories have been fueled by coincidental clues and recent statements from the cast.
The official synopsis from Netflix indicates, “Three years after his victory, Gi-hun forgoes a chance to move to the United States and instead returns to the game with a renewed sense of purpose. He faces familiar enemies like the sinister Front Man (played by Lee Byung-hun) and new competitors who vie for the ultimate prize of 45.6 billion won ($38,460,271).”
One of the most enduring examples is Audrey Hepburn's black dress in "Breakfast at Tiffany's". Designed by Hubert de Givenchy, the dress exemplified elegance, simplicity, and a touch of mystery. This little black dress became an essential wardrobe item, redefined as a fashion staple worldwide
"Luck" follows the story of a group of financially struggling and desperate individuals who are lured into participating in a series of competitive games, offering them the opportunity to win substantial amounts of money.
The thriller-drama, which became the biggest viral hit of 2020, is making a comeback. Netflix has recently announced that the second season of “Squid Game” will debut on December 26, 2024, with the concluding third season set to be released in 2025.
“Squid Game” actor O Yeong-Su has been given an eight-month suspended prison sentence for sexual misconduct by a court in South Korea. The 79-year-old was charged in 2022 with sexually assaulting a woman twice, reports BBC.
Netflix is taking the “Squid Game” phenomenon beyond the screen with the introduction of an official video game. This addition to their 2024 lineup, including highly anticipated titles like “Sonic Mania Plus” and “Money Heist”, was announced by Vice President Mike Verdu of Netflix Games, on the Netflix blog. Building on the success of the 2021 hit “Squid Game”, the creators emphasised that the Squid Game universe is not merely a one-time success but an ongoing expansion. It seems their foresight was spot on.
Is the world really obsessed with Korean culture or is it just recency bias at play?
Fans are upset with "Squid Game" creators for failing to include any female stars, especially following the success of Jung Ho-yeon and Lee Yoo-mi in Season 1.
