"Squid Game Concludes: Reflections on Reality and Society in South Korea"

Tue Jul 01 2025 16:10:11 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
"Squid Game Concludes: Reflections on Reality and Society in South Korea"

"As the groundbreaking series wraps up, South Koreans grapple with the real issues that inspired its chilling narrative."


"With the final season of Squid Game released, viewers not only bid farewell to the series but also reflect on the societal realities that inspired it. Highlighting issues like inequality and labor struggles, the show has sparked discourse about the nature of competition and humanity in South Korea. Critics offer mixed reviews of the ending, while the show maintains its status as a cultural phenomenon."

Article Text:

As the renowned series Squid Game reaches its conclusion, millions of fans prepare to say goodbye to the Emmy award-winning show that has captivated audiences globally, signalling South Korea's growing influence in the entertainment industry. The series, which portrays individuals in dire financial situations competing in deadly versions of traditional Korean children's games, has gained critical acclaim since its debut in 2021, resonating with viewers through its vibrant visuals and deep dissection of societal themes such as capitalism and community.

With the release of its third and final season, audiences are coming back to consider the intricate realities that inspired the dystopian narrative. Some South Koreans perceive an echo of their lived experiences in the series. A YouTube user remarked that the final season laid bare the internal struggles of Koreans, highlighting a workplace culture rife with competition and moral ambivalence.

The genesis of Squid Game closely mirrors the cut-throat nature of South Korean society, characterized by soaring tech innovation alongside stark socioeconomic disparities. Viewers relate to the drama’s vivid characters, which reflect their own lives: a stressed salaryman, a vulnerable migrant worker, and a digital scammer—all familiar faces in an increasingly competitive job market. The character Seong Gi-hun, a factory worker inspired by real-life labor strikes such as the notable confrontation at the SsangYong Motor factory, resonates deeply with audiences familiar with these struggles.

Despite its darker themes, Squid Game garnered celebration during a grand parade in Seoul featuring iconic elements from the show. For South Korea’s leaders, the show symbolizes successful cultural exports alongside K-pop sensations and award-winning films, with hopes of further K-culture globalization under President Lee Jae Myung's administration.

Hints of an American spinoff have emerged following a tantalizing finale event featuring Cate Blanchett, and the ending concluded on an "open-ended" premise, facilitating continuous discussions among fans about its underlying questions and possible sequels.

In this season, Gi-hun's journey to dismantle the game-like structure designed for wealthy elites garners mixed reactions from audiences. In his quest, he ultimately sacrifices himself to protect a fellow contestant's baby, eliciting polarized responses that weigh the show's bleak realism against narrative expectations.

While some viewers found Gi-hun's altruism disconcerting, describing it as unrealistic compared to the increasingly savage nature of the show’s world, others expressed that it effectively illustrated humanity's multifaceted qualities. Show creator Hwang Dong-hyuk acknowledged the mixture of expectations leading to varying viewer receptions, indicating that initial shock experienced in earlier seasons set a high bar for future storytelling.

For many, Gi-hun’s last choice serves as an inspiring commentary on resilience and compassion amid adversity, evoking deep personal reflections about human capacity for kindness. An analysis by film blogger Jeong emphasized this dual nature—the possibility of kindness to coexist with hardship—creating a resonant conclusion that reinforces the complexities of both the show’s narrative and real-life experiences in South Korea.

MORE ON THEME

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 21:25:32 GMT

**Glamour vs. Protest: Jeff Bezos' Lavish Wedding Sparks Controversy in Venice**

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 21:25:32 GMT
Sun, 29 Jun 2025 09:19:55 GMT

The Impact of "Squid Game": Reflections on South Korean Society

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 09:19:55 GMT
Sun, 29 Jun 2025 02:14:26 GMT

**Venice Faces a Split Between Glitz and Grit Amid Bezos Wedding Festivities**

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 02:14:26 GMT
Sat, 28 Jun 2025 22:26:43 GMT

K-pop Star Bain Takes Bold Step by Coming Out as Gay

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 22:26:43 GMT
Sat, 28 Jun 2025 17:36:03 GMT

Amid Glamour and Protests: Jeff Bezos's Wedding Splits Venice

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 17:36:03 GMT
Tue, 24 Jun 2025 23:31:55 GMT

South Korea's Dog Meat Ban: Future of Dogs and Farmers in Question

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 23:31:55 GMT
Tue, 24 Jun 2025 09:10:49 GMT

South Korea Raises Alarm Over China's Fish Farms in the Yellow Sea

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 09:10:49 GMT
Sun, 22 Jun 2025 00:31:14 GMT

**South Korea's Cultural Ascendancy: From K-Pop to Broadway Success**

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 00:31:14 GMT
Thu, 19 Jun 2025 08:16:46 GMT

The Aftermath of Devastation: Survival Challenges in Mozambique

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 08:16:46 GMT
Tue, 17 Jun 2025 11:25:50 GMT

**Travel Advisory and Airspace Closures Amid Israel-Iran Conflict**

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 11:25:50 GMT
Thu, 12 Jun 2025 05:23:09 GMT

**BTS Member Jungkook Faces Break-In Incident Just After Military Departure**

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 05:23:09 GMT
Wed, 11 Jun 2025 14:23:57 GMT

South Korea Halts Propaganda Broadcasts to North Korea Amid Tensions

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 14:23:57 GMT
Wed, 11 Jun 2025 10:53:43 GMT

South Korea Halts K-Pop Propaganda Broadcasts to North Korea

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 10:53:43 GMT
Tue, 10 Jun 2025 10:43:42 GMT

BTS Members RM and V Complete Military Service, Fans Eager for Band's Return

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 10:43:42 GMT
Tue, 10 Jun 2025 01:29:42 GMT

South Korea's Cultural Renaissance: Six Tony Wins for Maybe Happy Ending

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 01:29:42 GMT
Mon, 09 Jun 2025 05:04:40 GMT

South Korea's Maybe Happy Ending Sweeps Six Tony Awards

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 05:04:40 GMT
Fri, 06 Jun 2025 04:13:50 GMT

South Korea Welcomes New Leadership Amid Public Unease

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 04:13:50 GMT
Thu, 05 Jun 2025 09:38:40 GMT

Neapolitans Push Back Against Continuous Stereotyping in 'Gomorrah' Series

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 09:38:40 GMT
Thu, 05 Jun 2025 09:36:44 GMT

Social Media Backlash: How Privilege Sparks Debate Amid China's Economic Slowdown

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 09:36:44 GMT
Wed, 04 Jun 2025 09:58:54 GMT

**South Korea's New President Navigates Diplomatic Waters with Care**

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 09:58:54 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.