Every year the world awaits the month of October, hoping to get some fun, horror, and thrill experiences. Guess 2021 had never really liked the idea of sticking to the norms; as it had given us one of the most sensational and brilliant thrillers of all time in mid-September. Squid Game took around ten years to become what it is today. And the sole reason for that is the creative freedom that the creator of this series Hwang Dong-hyuk enjoyed.

The Journey of Squid Game

Squid Game has gathered for itself a huge fan following owing to the thrilling story it tells. A story of desperate people who have agreed to play some perplexing games to receive cash prizes. The show has been enjoying splendid success since its release and now, it has become the first South Korean show to bag a SAG nomination. But the show went through a lot of struggles before it took its ultimate form. Let us have a look at what all went into the creation of this South Korean masterpiece.

Hwang Dong-hyuk had to wait for a period of long 10 years before he could make his dream a reality. In an About Netflix article, the creator was quote saying, “Thanks to Netflix, there was no limit, and I was given creative freedom to work as I wanted to.”

The intentions behind the art and games

Arguably, one major detail that catches your attention when watching Squid Game and differentiates it from other shows is the vivid colors and aesthetics. Chae Kyoung-sun, who is the art director for Squid Game, was quoted saying, “We created the places and displays trying to make the viewers think about the hidden intentions of Squid Game with us.”

Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has intentionally selected simple childhood games that are relatively easier to understand and connect with the audience on a personal level. However, even though the games resemble childhood, they take a dark turn, becoming a matter of life and death.

Emotions and nostalgia in Squid Game

The enigmatic sets really helped the actors and people associated with this show to portray their organic emotions. The proximity of the need to survive in an environment that resembles childhood is truly sentimental and a little disturbing as well.

The set that resembled the era of the 70s and 80s in the Korean neighborhood alleyways took the longest time to construct. Heo Sung-tae had nothing but words of praise for the art team.

Universal yet connected to the roots

The show has creatively incorporated games that are well known to the entire world and also added a few games that are uniquely South Korean. But the emotions that we go through and see in the show are universal. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk commented, “As a survival game, it is entertainment and human drama.” 

Squid Game’s message

The show is an intelligent attack on modern capitalist society. It is definitely not depressing, as we witness some beautiful characters who hold on to their humanity and never give up. The critique of human nature and society as a whole is undoubtedly really brilliant and mind-blowing.