Is Squid Game Based on a True Story? Squid Game Plot, Cast, and Trailer
by Nithya A
Updated Nov 22, 2023
Squid Game
Squid Game is a popular South Korean web series created by Hwang Dong-hyuk for Netflix. The story revolves around 456 players facing financial hardship who participate in a secret contest where they risk their lives playing deadly children's games for a chance to win a ₩45.6 billion prize. The series, released on September 17, 2021, gained critical acclaim and became Netflix's most-watched series globally, reaching over 142 million households in its first four weeks.
Hwang Dong-hyuk conceived the idea in 2009 based on his economic struggles and South Korea's class disparity. Netflix showed interest in 2019, leading to the production of the series. Squid Game received numerous awards, including a Golden Globe for O Yeong-su and Screen Actors Guild Awards for Lee Jung-jae and HoYeon Jung, making them the first Korean actors to win in those categories. The first season also received 14 Primetime Emmy nominations.
Due to its massive success, a second season was officially announced in June 2022, and filming began in July 2023. Additionally, a reality competition series titled "Squid Game: The Challenge" was announced.
Is Squid Game Based on a True Story?
No, Squid Game is not based on a true story. The creator of the show, Hwang Dong-hyuk, drew inspiration from anime and manga but did not depict real events.
In Squid Game, regular people become pawns in deadly games orchestrated by billionaires, all in their quest to erase debts and win a substantial amount of money. While the show satirizes capitalism and reflects real-world desperation, it is not directly inspired by any actual murderous games.
Hwang Dong-hyuk explained the origins of Squid Game in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. In 2008, he had a script that he was trying to get investment for, but it didn't work out, leaving him in a difficult financial situation. During this time, he spent a lot of time reading manga in comic book cafes, particularly stories about surviving death games like Liar Game, Kaiji, and Battle Royale.
Manga and anime, especially Japanese comics and animation, heavily influenced Squid Game and Hwang Dong-hyuk's broader body of work. The creator admitted to finding inspiration in these mediums during a period of financial struggle, shaping the themes and focus of Squid Game. We invite you to step into the dynamic world of entertainment. Check Fresherslive page now to stay updated with breaking celebrity news and explore insightful cine reviews.
Squid Game Plot
The plot of Squid Game follows Seong Gi-hun, a divorced and indebted gambler, who is invited to participate in a series of children's games for a chance to win a large cash prize. Gi-hun, along with 455 other financially troubled players, is taken to an unknown location.
They wear green tracksuits and are closely monitored by masked guards. The games, overseen by the Front Man, involve life-and-death consequences, with each loss resulting in the player's death and contributing money to the grand prize of ₩45.6 billion.
Gi-hun forms alliances with other players, including his childhood friend Cho Sang-woo and North Korean defector Kang Sae-byeok, as they navigate the physical and psychological challenges of the games in an attempt to survive.
Squid Game Characters
Main Characters in Squid Game
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Seong Gi-hun (Player 456)
- Occupation: Chauffeur, Former car factory worker
- Family: Oh Mal-soon (mother), Seong Ga-yeong (daughter)
- Spouse: Kang Eun-ji (divorced)
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Cho Sang-woo (Player 218)
- Occupation: Investment broker
- Family: Unnamed mother
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Kang Sae-byeok (Player 067)
- Occupation: Pickpocket
- Family: Kang Cheol (younger brother)
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Oh Il-nam (Player 001)
- Occupation: Financial Tycoon
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Hwang Jun-ho
- Occupation: Police detective
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Ali Abdul (Player 199)
- Occupation: Migrant worker
- Family: Unnamed wife, Unnamed child
- Ali is a Pakistani migrant worker participating to provide for his family. His betrayal and tragic end in the Marbles game evoke strong emotions among viewers.
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Jang Deok-su (Player 101)
- Deok-su is a ruthless gangster with significant gambling debts. His brutal tactics and ultimate fate contribute to the intense and suspenseful atmosphere of the Squid Game.
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Han Mi-nyeo (Player 212)
- Mi-nyeo is a manipulative and eccentric player. Her ever-changing alliances and redemption arc make her one of the most polarizing characters in the series.
These characters, with their diverse backgrounds and motivations, create a gripping and emotionally charged narrative in Squid Game. Each player's journey unfolds amidst the deadly games, revealing the harsh realities they face and the lengths they will go to for survival.
Character
Actor
Seong Gi-hun
Lee Jung-jae
Cho Sang-woo
Park Hae-soo
Kang Sae-byeok
HoYeon Jung
Oh Il-nam
O Yeong-su
Hwang Jun-ho
Wi Ha-joon
Ali Abdul
Anupam Tripathi
Jang Deok-su
Heo Sung-tae
Han Mi-nyeo
Kim Joo-ryoung
Squid Game Release Date
Squid Game made its global debut on September 17, 2021, marking a significant milestone in the world of streaming entertainment. Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, this South Korean series quickly gained international attention for its unique premise, combining deadly children's games with a scathing commentary on societal issues.
Released on Netflix, Squid Game became an instant hit, captivating audiences around the world with its suspenseful narrative, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. The series achieved unprecedented success, breaking viewership records on the streaming platform and garnering critical acclaim for its storytelling and social relevance.
The release date of September 17, 2021, has since become a notable moment in the history of television, as Squid Game emerged as a cultural phenomenon, sparking discussions on wealth disparity, human nature, and the consequences of desperation. The series' impact continues to resonate, making it a landmark addition to the diverse landscape of global entertainment.
Squid Game Review
Squid Game has taken the world by storm, captivating audiences with its gripping storyline, intense games, and thought-provoking social commentary. This South Korean series, created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, follows a group of individuals facing financial struggles who participate in deadly children's games for a chance to win a massive cash prize.
The show has received widespread acclaim for its unique concept, compelling characters, and suspenseful plot twists. Critics and viewers alike have praised its exploration of societal issues, including economic inequality and the human cost of greed. The tension-filled games, each with its own set of rules and challenges, contribute to the show's addictive nature, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.
The performances of the cast, led by Lee Jung-jae, HoYeon Jung, and Park Hae-soo, have been widely lauded for bringing depth and authenticity to their characters. The series has broken records, becoming Netflix's most-watched show and earning numerous awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.
With its global impact and cultural significance, Squid Game has become a cultural phenomenon, sparking discussions and analyses of its themes and messages. Whether you're a fan of psychological thrillers, social commentary, or innovative storytelling, Squid Game offers a compelling and unforgettable viewing experience.
Squid Game Where to Watch?
Squid Game is available for streaming exclusively on Netflix. To watch the show, you need a Netflix subscription. Simply log in to your Netflix account and search for Squid Game to start watching this critically acclaimed South Korean series. Keep in mind that availability may vary depending on your region and Netflix subscription plan.
Is Squid Game Based on a True Story?
No, the deadly games portrayed in Squid Game are fictional. They are a product of the creator's imagination and influenced by manga and anime themes.
While Squid Game satirizes capitalism and reflects real-world desperation, the events in the show are fictional and exaggerated for dramatic effect.
As of now, there are no official plans for a real-life Squid Game event. The show remains a work of fiction.
No, the characters in Squid Game are fictional, and there is no direct correlation to real individuals.
No, there has not been any real-life Squid Game tournament. The show is purely a work of fiction.