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‘Squid Game’ Resonates Deeply with South Korean Audiences Beyond Entertainment

The global Netflix sensation has become a significant cultural phenomenon in South Korea, revealing uncomfortable truths about societal issues alongside its entertainment value.

Fatima Ahmed
Published • 3 MIN READ
‘Squid Game’ Resonates Deeply with South Korean Audiences Beyond Entertainment
Fans gather in Seoul to watch live performances inspired by ‘Squid Game’ on Saturday.

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Season 3 of ‘Squid Game.’

On Friday, viewers worldwide eagerly tuned in to watch the final season of the massively popular Netflix series ‘Squid Game.’

Since its debut in 2021, audiences have followed hundreds of contestants competing in deadly versions of childhood games, striving for a staggering cash prize of 45.6 billion won, approximately $33 million.

The conclusion of Season 3’s six episodes saw the beloved lead character Gi-hun (portrayed by Lee Jung-jae) meet his demise, while the antagonists remained alive and seemingly prosperous.

For many South Korean viewers, where the story unfolds, this ending fell short of delivering the sense of justice they had anticipated.

Kim Young Eun, a 24-year-old university student in Seoul, watched the entire season with her boyfriend at a comic book café just hours after its release on Friday night, after waiting six months since the cliffhanger ending of Season 2.

She expressed disappointment that many of her favorite characters perished, while the show’s antagonists — including the ultra-wealthy VIPs funding the games — survived. “It felt as if the director was suggesting that good people always come in last,” Kim reflected.

Fatima Ahmed
Fatima Ahmed

Fatima explores digital entertainment trends, including streaming services, video games, and the evolving online media landscape.

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