Why did Squid Game work so Well?
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?
That is the topic of today’s essay. So, without further ado, this is why Squid Game worked.
Universality of Struggle
One of the best things about Squid Game is how it addresses social and economic inequality. Even though the show takes place in South Korea, its themes connect with people all over the world. After all, many people face problems like growing debt, job instability, and struggling to make ends meet. Squid Game uses a survival game to present these real-life issues.
The show’s message about unfair systems is especially relevant today, as more people talk about issues like the wealth gap and economic struggles. Themes such as overwhelming debt, extreme capitalism, and tough moral choices make Squid Game feel relatable to a global audience. In the show, the characters come from different backgrounds, but they all share one thing: they’re burdened by debts they can’t escape. This raises a powerful question: How far would someone go to overcome financial hardship? By focusing on this idea, Squid Game moves from being just a thrilling series to a deeper story about society, power, and the way people are forced to compete in unfair systems.
Even though the show has intense and often violent moments, it still takes time to explore emotional depth and gives character development the time it deserves. Each main character has a personal backstory that explains why they entered the game. For example, Gi-hun is a divorced father with a sick mother who joins the game out of desperation, and Sang-woo faces legal and financial ruin.
Because the show focuses so much on its characters, viewers care about more than just who wins or loses each game. The relationships between the characters—their alliances, betrayals, and moments of trust—add to the drama. For example, when players team up and support each other, it gives viewers a sense of hope. But when those same teams fall apart under pressure, it’s heartbreaking. This mix of suspense and emotional connection keeps viewers hooked. Even during the darkest parts of the series, the characters remain human, and their struggles feel genuine and impactful.
Another reason Squid Game stands out is the way it explores moral questions. The players don’t just face physical challenges; they also have to make difficult decisions about what is right and wrong. Should they work together or look out for themselves? Would they sacrifice another person to protect themselves or their loved ones?
These dilemmas feel real because they reflect the kinds of choices people face in everyday life, even if not in such extreme situations. The high-stakes nature of the games pushes these questions to the limit, but the core issue—whether to act selfishly or help others—is something most people understand. This moral complexity makes the show even more engaging. Viewers are drawn in, both shocked and fascinated by how the characters justify their actions. This combination of gripping drama and thought-provoking themes is what makes Squid Game such a success.
Perfect Timing
The timing of Squid Game’s release played a big part in its success, along with its strong story and characters. After the pandemic, the way people watched entertainment changed a lot. Many spent more time at home, looking for new shows to watch and enjoy. This created a demand for binge-worthy series, and Squid Game’s mix of a dystopian survival game and a gripping storyline fit perfectly with what audiences wanted from streaming platforms during that period.
The pandemic also made the show’s themes feel more relevant. Many people around the world were struggling financially by facing job losses, high medical bills, and an uncertain future. In Squid Game, characters risk their lives for money—an extreme situation, but one that reflects real fears about survival and financial hardship. The show’s focus on economic desperation resonated with viewers who could see their own struggles mirrored in the story.
Netflix’s global release strategy also helped Squid Game become a massive hit. The platform made the series available in almost 190 countries at the same time, so audiences didn’t have to deal with delayed releases or regional restrictions. Subtitles and dubbed versions in various languages made the show accessible to people everywhere. This immediate availability allowed Squid Game to gain worldwide attention almost instantly. Social media and word-of-mouth played a huge role too, as fans quickly shared their excitement and drew even more viewers to the series.
Social media also played a major role in turning Squid Game into a global phenomenon. As soon as the show was released, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube were flooded with posts about it. People shared all kinds of content, from recreating the games to making memes about the shocking twists. This online buzz helped the show in two key ways. First, it acted like free advertising. When people saw Squid Game all over their social media feeds, they felt curious and wanted to watch it so they could join in on the conversation. Second, it made watching the show feel like a shared event. Fans didn’t just sit and watch quietly—they posted their theories, created fan art, and shared their reactions, which kept the excitement alive.
Another reason Squid Game stood out was its unforgettable visual style. The sets, with their bright colors, maze-like staircases, and oversized playgrounds, created a unique mix of fun and fear. The cheerful colors clashed with the deadly nature of the games and made each scene even more shocking and memorable.
The costumes also became iconic. The pink-red jumpsuits worn by the masked guards, marked with simple shapes like circles, triangles, and squares, became instantly recognizable. The green tracksuits worn by the contestants were just as striking. These bold visuals made the show perfect for social media—fans dressed up as the characters for Halloween, cosplayed them at events, and included the designs in countless online posts. The distinct style of Squid Game gave it a big advantage in a crowded entertainment world. At a time when it’s tough to make something truly stand out, the show’s bold look helped it leave a lasting impact.
The K-Factor
Squid Game benefited from the global interest in Korean entertainment, often called the "Korean Wave" or Hallyu. Over the past two decades, K-dramas and K-pop have gained fans worldwide, thanks to social media and the internet. K-pop groups like BTS brought Korean music into the global spotlight, while hit dramas like Crash Landing on You and Kingdom introduced international audiences to Korean TV storytelling.
When Squid Game premiered, people were already excited about Korean content. The success of Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite, which won the Oscar for Best Picture in 2020, proved that Korean stories could captivate global audiences. By the time Netflix promoted Squid Game, viewers were ready for another high-quality, thought-provoking Korean drama. This perfect timing helped the show become a massive hit by attracting new fans and boosting interest in Korean media even more.
One of the most interesting aspects of Squid Game is how it feels both uniquely Korean and universally relatable. The games in the show—including the squid game itself—are based on South Korean childhood activities. Even if viewers aren’t familiar with these specific games, they can relate to the universal feeling of nostalgia for childhood. This mix of cultural specificity and universal themes makes the story feel fresh and engaging for all audiences.
In a media world often dominated by Western stories, Squid Game stands out for its Korean roots. At the same time, its themes—economic struggles, moral dilemmas, and the hope for a better life—are issues that people everywhere understand. This combination of local culture and universal ideas creates a powerful experience that connects with viewers from different backgrounds. For Korean viewers, it’s a familiar setting with high-stakes drama. For international viewers, it’s an exciting glimpse into another culture.
Conclusion
The success of Squid Game shows that its popularity wasn't due to just one reason. Instead, it was the result of many factors coming together perfectly. The show had a strong story with high emotional stakes, and it came out at a time when people around the world were looking for new and intense entertainment. Its sharp social commentary connected with viewers dealing with financial stress and inequality, while its characters faced moral choices that felt meaningful to everyone. With its striking visuals, powerful acting, and the buzz it created on social media, Squid Game benefited from the growing global interest in Korean culture. It delivered a season of TV that felt fresh and impactful for audiences everywhere.
And that’s it. Why Squid Game worked. I hope you enjoyed this essay. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for weekly essays. Until next time. Salam!
