When I first heard about Squid Game, it looked like everyone was talking about it. Friends, coworkers, and people on social media couldn’t stop discussing the twisted games, the bright set designs, and the strange masks. I was immediately intrigued by the premise: a group of financially desperate people risking their lives in a series of deadly children’s games to win a fortune. On the surface, it looked like another violent drama meant to shock audiences, but the buzz promised there was more depth to it than just gore.

In recent years, streaming platforms have changed the way people watch TV, and one of their biggest hits was Netflix’s Squid Game, a South Korean survival drama created by Hwang Dong-hyuk. When it came out in September 2021, it quickly became Netflix’s most-watched series of all time. The show captured the attention of millions by breaking past language and cultural barriers. It sparked endless conversations on social media, inspired memes, and brought global attention to Korean storytelling. This raises an important question: Why was Squid Game such a massive hit? What made it stand out in the crowded world of streaming content?

The way masculinity is portrayed on screen has changed over time. In the past, male characters in TV shows, cartoons, and video games were often shown as tough, controlling, and emotionally distant.