Squid Game (오징어 게임) is a South Korean dystopian survival drama series created, written, and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk. Released on September 17, 2021, the series quickly became a global phenomenon and Netflix’s most-watched show of all time. Set in a dark reflection of modern society, the show pits 456 financially desperate individuals against one another in twisted versions of Korean children’s games, with the ultimate prize being ₩45.6 billion (≈ $39.8 million) — and the cost of failure: death.
With Lee Jung-jae leading a powerful cast, Squid Game captivated audiences with its intense psychological and social commentary, while seasons 2 and 3 expanded the narrative to its ultimate conclusion. The third and final season premiered on June 27, 2025.
Squid Game – Official Trailer
What Is Squid Game About?
In modern South Korea, Seong Gi-hun, a down-on-his-luck gambler and father, receives an offer to participate in a mysterious contest with a life-changing cash prize. He joins 455 other contestants, each marked by overwhelming debt, to compete in a deadly tournament of children’s games. From Red Light, Green Light to the titular Squid Game, each challenge is deceptively simple — but one misstep means death.
The players are monitored by anonymous masked guards in pink suits, while the entire game is controlled by a mysterious figure known as The Front Man. As alliances form and break, and betrayals surface, the contestants are pushed to their moral limits.
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- Season 1 focuses on Gi-hun’s experience within the deadly games, the alliances he forms, and the truth behind the game’s creators.
- Season 2 follows Gi-hun’s return to the game, now determined to dismantle the organization from within.
- Season 3 marks the conclusion as he and former detective Jun-ho attempt to take down the entire operation — while secrets, traitors, and the game’s dark philosophy come to light.
Is Squid Game Worth Watching?
Absolutely. Squid Game delivers more than just suspense and violence — it’s a sharp critique of modern capitalism, social inequality, and moral compromise. The show doesn’t shy away from asking uncomfortable questions: What would you do for money? Who would you betray? Is survival worth your humanity?
The performances — particularly Lee Jung-jae as Gi-hun and Wi Ha-joon as Jun-ho — are raw and gripping. The minimalist sets, twisted game design, and surreal visuals have all become part of the show’s cultural signature.
The first season is a masterpiece of social commentary, while seasons 2 and 3 add depth and complexity, even if they didn’t match the novelty and impact of the original. Still, they provided a fitting conclusion to a global cultural milestone.
Squid Game Watch Order
Here’s how to experience Squid Game in chronological order:
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- Squid Game – Season 1 (2021)
- Squid Game – Season 2 (2024)
- Squid Game – Season 3 (2025)
Optional:
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- The Best Show on the Planet – Netflix mockumentary based on the show’s real-world success and creator’s experience.
Squid Game – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Squid Game prize amount?
The grand prize is ₩45.6 billion (approximately $39.8 million USD). For every eliminated player, ₩100 million is added to the prize pool.
Is Squid Game based on a true story?
No, but it is heavily inspired by real-world economic inequality, class disparity, and the desperation created by capitalism. Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk drew on his personal financial struggles and Korean society’s debt crisis to create the premise.
Are the games in Squid Game real?
Yes, most games (like Red Light, Green Light and Tug-of-War) are based on real Korean children’s games. However, in the show, failure results in immediate death.
Why did it take so long to get made?
The script was written in 2009, but it was repeatedly rejected by studios for being “too bizarre.” Only in 2019 did Netflix greenlight the series, amid its push for global content.
Will there be a Season 4?
No. Season 3, released in June 2025, is the final season of the series.
Is there any spin-off content?
Yes. Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk made a Netflix mockumentary titled The Best Show on the Planet, inspired by his experience dealing with the overwhelming success of Squid Game.
Cast Highlights
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- Lee Jung-jae – Seong Gi-hun (Player 456)
- Lee Byung-hun – The Front Man
- Wi Ha-joon – Detective Hwang Jun-ho
- Park Hae-soo – Cho Sang-woo (Player 218)
- Jung Ho-yeon – Kang Sae-byeok (Player 067)
- Im Si-wan – Lee Myung-gi (Player 333)
- Jo Yu-ri – Kim Jun-hee (Player 222)
- Park Sung-hoon – Cho Hyun-ju (Player 120)
Reception & Legacy
| Season | Rotten Tomatoes | Metacritic |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 95% | 69 |
| Season 2 | 83% | 62 |
| Season 3 | 78% | 66 |
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- Squid Game became Netflix’s most-watched series, reaching over 142 million households in its first 28 days.
- It amassed 1.65 billion hours watched, making it the most-viewed Netflix title at launch.
- The series won six Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Lead Actor for Lee Jung-jae and Outstanding Directing for Hwang Dong-hyuk.
Conclusion – The Game That Changed Everything
Squid Game isn’t just a TV show. It’s a global cultural event that captured the darkest parts of human nature and packaged them in a deceptively colorful spectacle. With its terrifying portrayal of capitalism’s cruelty and a story driven by loss, betrayal, and the human will to survive, Squid Game has etched itself into history.
Whether you watch for the suspense, the critique, or the characters, Squid Game is a must-watch — and a chilling reminder that, in some ways, real life isn’t so different from the game.
Would you survive?
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