"Those Who Wanted to Watch 'Squid Game' Through 'Dark Channels' Have Already Seen It"... Official Broadcast in China Seems Difficult

Hong Kong Media: "Squid Game," Featuring Violence and Inequality Issues in Illegal Distribution, Will Not Pass Chinese Authorities' Censorship

Netflix drama 'Squid Game' poster./Photo by Netflix capture.

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] The Netflix Korean original series "Ojingeo Game" (Squid Game), which has gained sensational popularity worldwide, is unlikely to be officially broadcast in China. Hong Kong media reported that given the large number of people who have already watched "Ojingeo Game" illegally, and considering the strict censorship by Chinese authorities that would require content modifications, Chinese video platforms are expected not to purchase official broadcasting rights due to concerns over reduced profitability.

On the 15th, Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported, "'Ojingeo Game' has gained popularity in China through illegal distribution, but experts and viewers say that due to the drama's violent content and themes of inequality, it will not be officially broadcast in China."

Since Netflix services are blocked in China, for "Ojingeo Game" to be officially aired there, major Chinese video platforms such as iQIYI, Tencent Video, and Youku would need to purchase broadcasting rights.

However, as many people have already watched the series through illegal means, there is speculation that even if these platforms purchase the rights at a high price, it would be difficult to generate profits.

'Dalgona' shop featuring 'Squid Game' appears in China.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

In May, the special episode "Friends: The Reunion," which brought together the cast of the American sitcom "Friends" after 17 years, was officially available in China but still saw illegal copies circulating on the internet.

SCMP also predicted that "Ojingeo Game," due to its violent content and themes, would not pass Chinese government censorship. Even if it did, there are concerns that if all violent scenes were removed, it would no longer be "Ojingeo Game."

Previously, when Tencent Video purchased the broadcasting rights for the American HBO series "Game of Thrones," it underwent an opaque censorship process. The media speculates that "Ojingeo Game," which contains destructive content, will face sanctions from Chinese censorship authorities.

Lu Feng of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences said, "'Ojingeo Game's' violence clearly exceeds our standards," adding, "Chinese video platforms are unlikely to make programs like 'Ojingeo Game,' which have already spread online, available for others to watch."

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