A Series Almost Left Untold
Squid Game was initially conceived as a feature film in 2009 by Hwang Dong-Hyuk, inspired by South Korea’s debt crisis. Rejected repeatedly for its violent themes, the project was shelved for over a decade. Netflix revived it, leading to the global phenomenon we see today.
Real-Life Inspirations and Accidents
Gi-hun’s backstory was inspired by the 2009 SsangYong worker strike, which ended tragically for many. Meanwhile, the show’s iconic “Red Light, Green Light” doll belongs to a Jincheon County village museum, and the phone number on the invitation cards accidentally connected fans to real people, causing unexpected chaos.
Artistic Choices That Almost Changed
The guards’ iconic red jumpsuits nearly didn’t exist. Hwang envisioned boy scout-like uniforms, but shifted to ant-like suits for anonymity. Sae-byeok’s North Korean accent subtly hinted at her defector background, blending realism with the show’s dramatic depth.
Foreshadowing in Every Frame
The dorm murals hinted at game outcomes, and Gi-hun’s birthday gift—a lighter shaped like a revolver—foreshadowed darker events. Even Il Nam’s mastermind twist was hinted at with his unlisted file and insider knowledge of the games. Squid Game’s depth lies in these carefully crafted details.
Squid Game was initially conceived as a feature film in 2009 by Hwang Dong-Hyuk, inspired by South Korea’s debt crisis. Rejected repeatedly for its violent themes, the project was shelved for over a decade. Netflix revived it, leading to the global phenomenon we see today. 🧵1/4 pic.twitter.com/B8DveKI7V4
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