The South Korean Phenomenon: Why the "Squid Game" Became So Popular?

In 2021, Netflix boomed the screens with a Korean drama about a game. Since then, "Squid Game" has become one of the most popular TV series with a huge audience that as of now is waiting for the second part of their favorite show.

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The phenomenon of the series is pretty much interesting, because the plot itself is just different, and maybe that's the key to their success. It's about a game, and then people who are obliged to play the game or die, etc. This is not the usual scenario based on which directors frequently make new movies. So, in a nutshell, this is not a new movie telling an old idea, but the idea itself is new and also strange, indeed. But what made it so popular?

Let's start with the fact that thanks to the internet and its ability to travel around the globe, content distribution and generally, providing almost any kind of services knows no physical boundaries. Look at the gaming industry, which is an interesting case since there are different regulations in different countries, but an online casino in Australia can be accessed from other countries as well. Moreover, by using VPN services, people have access to any platform operating in any country.

We can mirror the success of the global business to the case of a Korean drama that became a worldwide phenomenon. So, the major reason is the platform where the drama appeared. The global reach of Netflix and its popularity is one part of the drama's success. Now, let's discuss the other issues.

Addictive Storytelling and a Unique Style

The uniqueness of this story is in its concept of mixing real-life events with the elements of gamification. Characters are wearing clothes that look like uniforms, and each of them is introduced with their individual numbers, so no one is being called by their name.

The whole plot is revolving around the idea of survival, which makes the viewers not move away from the screens till the end of the show. There are many things to mention, but the most important one is the environment, which includes the decorations, language, presented games, etc., that creators made successfully.

The Growing Popularity of Korean Movies

One of the reasons for the growing popularity of Korean movies and TV shows is the interest in that unique and beautiful culture. Another reason can be the way of telling the story which again comes with the culture and language. It's not a secret that every language dictates different thinking because it is a significant part of the culture and society: Remember the movies like "Parasite", "Train to Busan", and "Oldboy".

It's also worth mentioning that Korean dramas, besides developing addictive storylines, are famous for creating well-performed characters. It is not surprising that currently, video streaming services are interested in creating or buying Korean movies and dramas, which are a new pattern in the palette of their movie and drama library. One example is "Pachinko" delivered by Apple TV+, and loved by fans around the world.

Given the international recognition of Korean movies and dramas, it is no wonder that "Squid Game", as a Korean show, managed to capture the curiosity and attention of audiences worldwide.

Gamification as a Central Line

What is gamification? Of course, it's a large concept but to make it clear, let's define it as the usage of games or game ideas in the context that is not a game itself. So, when we see movies that have a storyline of a game, it's an example of gamification in the entertainment industry. One famous movie that you can remember and make some parallels is "Jumanji". The whole movie has been spinning around a game and the success of it would decide the future of the characters. There are other examples as well, and so far many creators keep their eyes on this format, understanding very well that in the era of video games, people love gamified movies.

From the very beginning, "Squid Game" presents itself as a strange game where the characters are forced to participate in deadly challenges. The use of games as a central theme instantly grabs the viewers' attention and provokes their curiosity. Each game within the series serves as a pivotal moment, filled with tension, strategy, and high stakes. Whether it's the intense Red Light, Green Light, or the nail-biting Glass Bridge, these games not only entertain but also keep the audience on the edge of their seats, thinking who will be the next?

To Sum Up

There are many factors in the success of "Squid Game"s, hence people wait for the next season which has already been confirmed, but there is one not good fact: The game is over, according to the first season. So, hopefully, the creators will keep the line of gamification either somehow continuing the old game or starting a new one for Seong Gi-hun.