IU and Park Bo Gum-starrer “When Life Gives You Tangerines” has now claimed the title of the highest-rated Korean drama on IMDb, surpassing major hits including “Squid Game” and “The Glory”. Although the Netflix original has concluded its run, the global acclaim surrounding the slice-of-life drama continues to grow.
An exciting live-action event titled "Squid Game Parody" took place February 10 at Kick Off Football Ground in the capital’s Purbachal. Inspired by the hit global series “Squid Game”, the event, hosted by Stayverz Bangladesh, put participants through a series of thrilling challenges, blending entertainment with high-stakes competition.
“Squid Game” shattered records in 2024, becoming the most-watched series in a single week, with an astounding 4.9 billion minutes streamed from December 23 to December 29, according to Nielsen data.
The eerie whistle of a haunting melody, the countdown of a clock ticking toward doom, and a desperate player caught between having to take a drastic step either for or against morality — survival game shows have become a global obsession. From the blood-soaked battlegrounds of "Battle Royale" to the dystopian depths of "Squid Game", these narratives have gripped audiences, offering a voyeuristic thrill into life-or-death scenarios. But why are we so drawn to them? The answer lies in the intersection of psychology and sociology, where primal instincts and societal reflections meet.
Game theory, the study of strategic decision-making, has long been a tool for economists, mathematicians, and political scientists to analyse human behaviour in competitive scenarios. Let's take a look at how each game featured in the hit show Squid Game represents the 'game theory' in action.
"Squid Game" Season 2 stormed Netflix’s chart of most popular non-English-language shows, debuting at No. 7. This week, it rocketed to No. 2, surpassed only by the first season of the same series, which garnered 265.2 million views in its first 91 days. However, Season 2 seems poised to break that record with 80 more days to go.
BTS’ V, also known as Kim Taehyung, has ignited a new wave of fan speculation, with rumours suggesting he might join the cast of Netflix's “Squid Game” season 3. After earlier rumours about Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio potentially being part of the show, fans now believe Taehyung could also be entering the dystopian universe of “Squid Game”. These theories have been fueled by coincidental clues and recent statements from the cast.
The official synopsis from Netflix indicates, “Three years after his victory, Gi-hun forgoes a chance to move to the United States and instead returns to the game with a renewed sense of purpose. He faces familiar enemies like the sinister Front Man (played by Lee Byung-hun) and new competitors who vie for the ultimate prize of 45.6 billion won ($38,460,271).”
One of the most enduring examples is Audrey Hepburn's black dress in "Breakfast at Tiffany's". Designed by Hubert de Givenchy, the dress exemplified elegance, simplicity, and a touch of mystery. This little black dress became an essential wardrobe item, redefined as a fashion staple worldwide
The thriller-drama, which became the biggest viral hit of 2020, is making a comeback. Netflix has recently announced that the second season of “Squid Game” will debut on December 26, 2024, with the concluding third season set to be released in 2025.
“Squid Game” actor O Yeong-Su has been given an eight-month suspended prison sentence for sexual misconduct by a court in South Korea. The 79-year-old was charged in 2022 with sexually assaulting a woman twice, reports BBC.
Netflix is taking the “Squid Game” phenomenon beyond the screen with the introduction of an official video game. This addition to their 2024 lineup, including highly anticipated titles like “Sonic Mania Plus” and “Money Heist”, was announced by Vice President Mike Verdu of Netflix Games, on the Netflix blog. Building on the success of the 2021 hit “Squid Game”, the creators emphasised that the Squid Game universe is not merely a one-time success but an ongoing expansion. It seems their foresight was spot on.
Is the world really obsessed with Korean culture or is it just recency bias at play?
Fans are upset with "Squid Game" creators for failing to include any female stars, especially following the success of Jung Ho-yeon and Lee Yoo-mi in Season 1.
The video also showed off Seong, the star of Squid Game, played by Korean superstar Lee Jung-jae, who will return to direct Season 2.
“Squid Game: The Challenge” will feature 456 contestants participating in various games inspired by the original “Squid Game” series with many new additions, for a grand prize of USD 4.56 million.
The nine-episode drama, which debuted in September 2021, follows 456 characters from all backgrounds who are all struggling with debt. They are all required to participate in a variety of Korean children's games, however, while appearing to be a standard competition, everyone who loses dies, and the winner is awarded a hefty monetary prize of 45.6 billion.
Megahit K-drama Squid Game’s lead actor Lee Jung-jae and its director Hwang Dong-hyuk have been bestowed with South Korea’s highest cultural accolade. On Tuesday, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol awarded them the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit, which is given to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the development of culture and the arts.
Netflix sci-fi thriller "Alice In Borderland" has become the most watched Japanese series on the streaming platform.
