Since its release, Netflix's hit series Squid Game has drawn significant attention, not only for its thrilling narrative but also for the real-world inspirations behind its creation. While many viewers are captivated by its portrayal of survival games for the desperate, few realize the depths of its connections to societal issues and historical events.
The show's creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, has acknowledged various influences, stating, "I freely admit I've had great inspiration from Japanese comics and animation over the years". His reflections resonate with themes of survival and the stark realities of society. Notably, much of the societal critique portrayed throughout the show stems from Hwang’s own arduous experiences with economic hardship and his observations of class disparity within South Korea.
Many viewers have speculated whether Squid Game is based on true events, igniting discussions on social media platforms like TikTok. Some drawn comparisons to real-life scenarios reminiscent of those depicted, particularly referencing the Brothers Home camp, which operated under brutally authoritarian conditions. This facility, established during the late 1980s, forced inmates to compete against one another under the guise of 'games' for survival—an eerily similar concept to the show's premise. Reports indicate around 551 inmates died during its operation, though the actual death toll could be significantly higher. During this dark period, the camp was purportedly part of efforts to cleanse South Korea of homeless individuals and those deemed 'undesirable' prior to the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
Interestingly, Hwang's personal life has also shaped the narrative. The backstory of the character Gi-hun is reportedly inspired by real-life events tied to the Ssangyong Motor strike of 2009, where 43 percent of the workforce was laid off at once, forcing workers to participate in one of the longest sit-in strikes recorded in South Korea. Reflecting on this, Hwang stated, "Through the reference to the Ssangyong Motor layoffs, I wanted to show the fragility of middle-class livelihoods." Such elements encapsulate the fear of sudden financial ruin, relatable to many viewers, grounding the series’ fantasy against real-world anxieties.
While Squid Game continues to be praised for its social commentary, it is not immune to controversy. Recently, Squid Game season two invoked backlash from Vietnamese audiences due to dialogues perceived as sympathetic to South Korean soldiers during the Vietnam War. This has sparked international conversation over cultural sensitivity and historical truths. The scene involves a character mentioning his family's pride tied to military service, leading to accusations of glorifying actions viewed negatively by many Vietnamese.
Vietnam Plus, among other media outlets, reported actions taken by the Vietnamese regulatory authority to review the series for potential violations of local laws. An official stated, "After careful review and evaluation, we will provide an official response and conclusion," emphasizing the seriousness of the cultural sensitivities involved. Many viewers have rallied against the show, demanding bans and boycotts, reinforcing how the historical contexts of fictional narratives can spill over to modern interpretations.
This isn’t the first time Korean productions have faced scrutiny over representations of the Vietnam War; the drama Little Women was removed from Netflix Vietnam after similar backlash last year. Its portrayal resulted from historical revisionism views on South Korean involvement, raising the stakes and demanding greater awareness among creators.
For its part, Netflix has acknowledged Squid Game's status as the most-watched show across Vietnam. Their reluctance to issue public comments on the backlash could very well reflect their challenge of respecting local sentiments amid the show's unprecedented global popularity.
Despite the controversies, Squid Game remains grounded by its capacity to tackle pressing societal issues, offering insightful critiques of economic inequalities, systemic abuse, and the lengths to which individuals will go for survival amid desperation. Echoing Hwang's vision, the series seeks to unearth truths about human nature, using elements derived from real events and personal trials to challenge viewers' perceptions of morality and survival.
Such discussions not only highlight the intersection of entertainment and reality but also insist on the responsibility of creators to navigate nuanced cultural histories thoughtfully. The global impact of Squid Game showcases its resonance far beyond entertainment, making it pivotal to assess how narratives reflect and potentially influence societal beliefs.