Squid Game is a gripping South Korean survival thriller series created by Hwang Dong-hyuk. The show follows Seong Gi-hun, a divorced, indebted man who enters a deadly competition of childhood games in hopes of winning a massive cash prize. However, the stakes are far higher than they seem—losing in these games means death, with each elimination increasing the prize pool.
The first season, released in September 2021 on Netflix, became a global phenomenon. Its compelling narrative and powerful social commentary captured audiences worldwide, making it one of the most-watched shows on the platform. Despite the intense physical and emotional toll of production, Hwang Dong-hyuk’s vision came to life, earning critical acclaim and several awards.
Season 2, which premiered on December 26, 2024, continued the saga with Seong Gi-hun returning to the game, but this time with a mission to bring down the corrupt system from the inside. The season expanded on character backstories and further explored themes of societal inequality and power dynamics.
A third season is currently in development and is expected to wrap up the overarching storyline.
In addition to the series, “Squid Game” inspired a real-life competition show titled “Squid Game: The Challenge.” In this version, 456 participants compete for a $4.56 million prize, mirroring the intense competition of the original show.
