SQUID GAME: Korean original series 'Squid Game' becomes global hit

‘Squid Game’ is set to become Netflix’s most-streamed series ever. It currently tops global ranking on Netflix and it's the first Korean series to claim the number 1 spot in the US.

It's about a game show where about 500 people who are in debt forced to compete in life or death versions of classic children's games like "Red light, Green light" with the promise of millions of dollars at stake for the winner. A winner-takes all game, plotting against each other and people get killed off.

We would describe Squid Game as a little Hunger Games-esque but even more violent. The Korean language drama is so hyper violent but that hasn't slowed down the millions of fans obsessed with the series.

 A phenomena, Squid Game has a rare 100 critics rating on rotten tomatoes and it's number 1 in 90 countries. There's also a crazy plot-twist in the end. That's why some think it's a good show.

 Korean TV shows and movies along with other cultural exports like K-beauty and K-pop have been gaining widespread appeal in the U.S. 

 Just two weeks after debuting the show is on track to surpass Netflix's most watched series of all time, 'Bridgerton,' which was viewed by 82 million people. 

 It's inspiring a Tiktok trend. People attempting to complete the show's challenges and it's even being imitated in online gaming platforms like Roblox. Dalgona treat sees huge boost in sales in South Korea because of the show.

 However, the reactions have been a mixture of hot and cold among locals in Korea.

 One fan said, until now, K-dramas were always about love, but this show totally took that element out. This sort of survival-game format was very new and refreshing. But it has a lot of violent scenes so it will be difficult for all ages to be able to watch the show.

 Well, there are cultural aspects that are foreign and sensational to other countries. Those elements really captured people overseas. 'Squid Game' features a lot of unique Korean games, like the Dalgona Candy challenge or "Red Light, Green Light" that you might not see in other countries.

 Some actually thought 'Squid Game' was inspired by similar shows from overseas. Maybe that's why the theme felt more familiar to foreign viewers. All the games were traditionally Korean. Those new elements may have made the show more refreshing to global viewers.

 People either hate it or love it. 'Squid Game' appears to highlight important social issues in Korea like wealth inequality and that might be why it's controversial.

 It showed how hard their lives were. People were suffering badly and going through difficult problems. Even if they might die during the games, people would still rather play than deal with their reality. That part really reflected the dark side of Korean society well. Income inequality is a big problem in Korean society.

 It showed a lot of ugliness that people usually want to hide and some people were offended by it. The realistic element really got viewers immersed in it.