Netflix Original Series 'Squid Game' Season 1 Review
Netflix Original Series 'Squid Game' Season 1 Review
1. What is 'Squid Game'?
'Squid Game' is a South Korean Netflix original drama released on September 17, 2021, directed and written by Hwang Dong-hyuk. The series follows 456 participants who enter a survival game with a massive prize of 45.6 billion KRW, facing extreme challenges and psychological battles.
Upon its release, 'Squid Game' became a global phenomenon, setting the record for the most-watched Netflix series of all time. It was also the first Korean production to win six Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for Best Actor (Lee Jung-jae), cementing its cultural impact worldwide.
As of 2025, 'Squid Game' remains one of Netflix's most successful original series. Netflix has officially announced that Season 2 will be released in November 2024, promising an expanded storyline with new characters and even more intense challenges.
Behind-the-Scenes: The Creation of 'Squid Game'
Hwang Dong-hyuk originally conceived the idea for 'Squid Game' in 2009, drawing inspiration from South Korea’s worsening financial struggles and widening social inequalities. However, due to a lack of funding and interest from production companies, the project remained shelved for nearly a decade. It wasn’t until 2019 that Netflix picked up the script, recognizing its potential as a unique survival thriller. The global streaming platform allowed Hwang to fully realize his vision, leading to one of the most significant television successes of all time.
2. Main Characters
Lead Cast
- Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae): A struggling gambler who joins the game to support his family.
- Cho Sang-woo (Park Hae-soo): A brilliant strategist from Seoul National University, drowning in debt.
- Oh Il-nam (Oh Young-soo): The oldest contestant, hiding a shocking secret.
- Kang Sae-byeok (Jung Ho-yeon): A North Korean defector desperate to reunite with her family.
- Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon): A police officer who infiltrates the game in search of his missing brother.
- The Front Man (Lee Byung-hun): A mysterious figure overseeing the deadly competition.
Other notable actors include Heo Sung-tae, Kim Joo-ryeong, Gong Yoo, Anupam Tripathi, and Lee Yoo-mi, all of whom contribute to the gripping narrative.
3. Plot Summary
“Only one will survive.”
456 financially desperate individuals are invited to participate in a secret survival game that offers a life-changing cash prize. The rules seem simple: win six traditional childhood games and claim the money. However, the cost of failure is instant elimination—literally.
As the rounds progress, players quickly realize the horrifying reality of the competition, forming alliances, making impossible choices, and facing shocking betrayals. As the story unfolds, deeper mysteries about the game’s true purpose and its organizers emerge, leading to an unforgettable climax.
4. Featured Games
Each game is based on traditional Korean childhood games but comes with a lethal twist:
- Red Light, Green Light – Move when allowed, but stop in time, or be eliminated.
- Dalgona Candy Challenge – Carefully cut out a shape from a fragile candy without breaking it.
- Tug of War – A battle of strength and strategy, where teamwork determines survival.
- Marbles – A heartbreaking one-on-one showdown where only one can live.
- Glass Bridge – A dangerous test of luck and decision-making.
- Squid Game – A final showdown where only one player can emerge victorious.
5. Themes and Messages
Beyond its survival thriller elements, 'Squid Game' delivers a powerful social critique. It explores themes such as economic disparity, human desperation, and the ethics of survival. The stark contrast between the wealthy elite and the struggling poor, along with the ruthless nature of competition, makes the series both thought-provoking and unsettling.
Cultural Impact
'Squid Game' left an undeniable mark on global pop culture. From viral social media challenges and popular Halloween costumes to in-depth academic discussions, the show's influence extended far beyond entertainment. From viral social media challenges to Halloween costumes and merchandise, the show's influence extended far beyond the screen. The iconic green tracksuits and red guard uniforms became instantly recognizable worldwide. Additionally, Netflix capitalized on its success by producing 'Squid Game: The Challenge,' a real-life competition show inspired by the drama, further proving its massive appeal.
6. Global Success and Awards
- Most-watched Netflix series of all time (Over 111 million households watched within the first month)
- Nominated for 14 Emmy Awards, winning six
- Golden Globe Award for Best Actor (Lee Jung-jae)
- Inspired countless memes, parodies, and global challenges
7. 'Squid Game' Season 1 Review
Pros
- A gripping and unpredictable storyline
- Powerful performances by the cast
- Unique incorporation of childhood games in a survival setting
- Sharp social commentary on economic inequality and human behavior
Cons
- Some character arcs feel underdeveloped
- The pacing in the later episodes may feel rushed or uneven for some viewers
Overall Rating: 9/10
8. Conclusion: Why You Should Watch 'Squid Game'
- A suspenseful and highly engaging storyline
- A unique fusion of Korean childhood games and social commentary
- International acclaim and award-winning performances
- A thought-provoking exploration of human survival instincts
'Squid Game' is more than just a hit series—it is a cultural phenomenon that mirrors real-world struggles. If you haven’t watched it yet, now is the perfect time to dive into this groundbreaking series on Netflix.