One of the most popular shows of 2021 has to include ‘Squid Game’. This thriller-based, super-hit Korean drama on Netflix is a reality game show that eliminated the contestants by killing them off and offering a hefty survival prize.
Netflix has created an immense buzz for ‘Squid Game 2’, and people are just waiting to dive into the new season of the show. But before you start the new season, here’s a quick recap of the first season of the survival thriller.
One of the most popular shows of 2021 has to include ‘Squid Game’. This thriller-based, super-hit Korean drama on Netflix is a reality game show that eliminated the contestants by killing them off and offering a hefty survival prize.
As the anticipation mounts for season 2, here are some pointers you must remember before diving in for the new season.
Gi-hun, deeply in debt and having financial difficulties, accepted an invitation to participate in mysterious games promising a huge cash prize. However, he soon discovered that losing these games meant facing fatal consequences. The show powerfully portrayed the depths of human desperation and the lengths individuals would go to for survival. The competitors voluntarily endangered their lives to escape their financial struggles to play these games.
The deadly series of children’s games formed the show’s core. From the haunting ‘Red Light, Green Light,’ ‘Honeycomb Challenge,’ ‘Giant Tug-of-War,’ ‘Marbles,’ and ‘Glass Stepping Stones,’ to the showdown - the ‘Squid Game,’ each game was a high-stakes battle where failure meant death. These games, which at first glance seemed innocent, soon became life-threatening. The series gained a haunting and suspenseful element from these gory renditions.
The show weaves the stories of various characters: protagonist Gi-hun’s financial battles, Sae-byeok’s escape from North Korea, and Sang-woo’s goal for success. The show featured a diverse cast with convincing backstories and motivations. The one that remained a central enigma was Player 001, the antagonist. It is difficult to forget the VIPs who wager on people’s lives or the unseen pink figures who organize these games. The larger purpose behind the games remained unsurpassed.
There was no moral ground. Friendships were tested, and loyalties were questioned, which blurred the lines between right and wrong in their quest for survival. Choices made under pressure had dire consequences. Contestants formed alliances, killed each other, and faced betrayals. The series delved deep into societal issues and explored the desperation for money and how far people can go when pushed to their limits.
The influence of ‘Squid Game’ extended beyond the screen, bringing attention to the harsh reality that many people in society have to deal with. It became an international phenomenon, enthralling viewers with its powerful narrative and provocative theme on a global scale. It sparked conversations on social media, moving beyond entertainment to become a cultural phenomenon and bringing up issues like human nature and societal injustices.
In just nine episodes, ‘Squid Game’ mastered the skill of weaving suspense, social commentary, and human drama into a compelling story that included heartbreaking sacrifices and shocking plot twists. With these tips, fans can be ready for unexpected twists, revelations, and difficulties while anticipating what can happen in the eagerly awaited season 2. However, until then, you can watch the reality competition series ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’, streaming only on Netflix.