As millions of fans say goodbye to Squid Game, the acclaimed, Emmy-winning series that has dominated Netflix and helped elevate South Korean storytelling on the global stage, they are drawn back to the difficult realities mirrored by the show. The series, which features contestants battling in life-and-death scenarios based on traditional Korean children's games, wrapped up its third and final season last Friday.
In its vibrant yet grim aesthetic, Squid Game has captivated audiences since its debut in 2021, utilizing its platform to critique the pressing issues of capitalism and human despair. Following the release of its final season, viewers have begun reflecting on the stark social commentaries derived from their reality, with some expressing sentiments that the show's themes resonate profoundly within their lives.
"I feel like Squid Game 3 revealed the true feelings and raw inner thoughts of Korean people," wrote one viewer in a YouTube comment. Many fans have noted that the series encapsulates the harsh competition and growing inequality prevalent in South Korean society, where the pressures of life often manifest into profound societal anxieties.
Characters portrayed in the show, such as a factory worker, a migrant worker, and a cryptocurrency scammer, are notable representations of common figures within South Korean culture. A poignant moment reflecting this reality comes from protagonist Seong Gi-hun's storyline that echoes real-life labor struggles similar to the significant 2009 SsangYong Motor plant strike, where workers faced violence in their fight for fairness.
Celebrations surrounding the show's finale contrasted sharply with the more serious themes it presented, as a parade in Seoul showcased beloved motifs, including a giant doll and numerous guards from the game. However, despite the enthusiasm, the deeper implications of the show remain clear—Squid Game has evolved into a representation of both the successes of K-drama on the world stage and the undercurrents of societal distress.
Within the final season, Gi-hun seeks to dismantle the ruthless game. However, the culmination has sparked discussions of interpretation, with some viewers feeling it betrayed the show's grim narrative through an act of self-sacrifice that they deemed unrealistic. The creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, acknowledged the varied responses from fans and the challenge of meeting high expectations following the groundbreaking first season.
In light of the discussions, some viewers found solace in the finale’s portrayal of kindness amid adversity, suggesting that even within the confines of brutality, warmth can emerge. "That paradox—of cruelty and warmth coexisting—is what made the finale so moving," articulated a film enthusiast, reinforcing the show's complexity. As the world moves beyond Squid Game, the intertwining of light and darkness within its narrative continues to provoke thought within audiences everywhere.
