The Secret Behind the Popularity of 'Ojingeo Game' According to Foreign Media

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] "The emphasis on visual elements such as green tracksuits and colorful sets resembling children's playgrounds, as well as the simplification or alteration of traditional Korean games, are the reasons behind its global popularity."

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) analyzed on the 2nd (local time) that Netflix's Korean original series Squid Game is a "dystopian hit."

Squid Game has topped the charts at least once in all 83 countries where Netflix is available, maintaining the number one spot in global popularity rankings.

WSJ stated, "When director Hwang Dong-hyuk first conceived this work over a decade ago, the setting of brutal murders and individuals risking their lives to compete for money did not receive support from investors or actors," adding, "But two years ago, Netflix judged that the class struggle in Squid Game reflected reality."

It explained that the reality became even more pronounced as the wealth gap widened due to COVID-19. Director Hwang said, "The world has changed. Vaccine distribution varies greatly depending on whether a country is wealthy or not," and "The story has become more realistic than it was over ten years ago."

Kim Min-young, Netflix Korea and Asia-Pacific Content Head VP, analyzed, "Despite Squid Game being very Korean content, its global popularity is because it asks a simple question: 'Who are we?'"

95% of Squid Game viewers are outside Korea. So far, it has been produced with 31 subtitles and 13 dubbed versions.

WSJ highlighted Netflix's investment in Korean content so far. From 2015 to last year, Netflix invested about $700 million (approximately 830 billion KRW) in Korean films and television shows, resulting in the production of about 80 movies and drama series.

This year, Netflix plans to invest $500 million (approximately 590 billion KRW). WSJ noted, "This compares to about $400 million (470 billion KRW) invested in Indian content during 2019-2020."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.