배재미디어센터

In 2021, Netflix's hit series Squid Game took the world by storm, and now it has just been announced that a sequel is set to be released in December.  While Squid Game depicts a brutal survival competition, it also introduced viewers to traditional Korean games. Through these childhood games the show evokes a mix of emotions blending nostalgia with intense drama. I would like to introduce a few of the games featured in the series. "Ddakji," "Red Light, Green Light," "Dalgona," and the titular "Squid Game."

The first game introduced in the series is "Ddakji", the game that ultimately draws the protagonist into the competition. "Ddakji" is a traditional Korean game where players throw folded paper tiles to flip over their opponent's tile. It’s a game that requires both strength and precision. What was once a fun and competitive pastime for children becomes a pivotal life-altering moment in the series drawing viewers into its high stakes.

The second game, "Red Light, Green Light", is a childhood favorite in Korea, typically played on school playgrounds. The rules are simple. players must freeze in place when the tagger says, "Red Light." or be eliminated. This innocent game takes on a sinister edge in Squid Game heightening the tension and leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

The third game, "Dalgona" is based on a traditional Korean sweet made from melted sugar. The challenge is to carefully carve out the shape imprinted on the "Dalgona" without breaking it. While this was once a simple treat from street vendors, in Squid Game it becomes a nerve-wracking, life-or-death contest leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.

Finally, the titular "Squid Game" involves players fighting for territory on a squid-shaped diagram drawn on the ground. This complex game requires both physical strength and strategy and was highly popular among Korean children in the 1970s and 1980s. Even those unfamiliar with the game might recognize it from old Korean TV shows making it somewhat familiar even to younger generations.

Today’s children tend to spend more time playing video games on their phones or computers than playing outside. These games often reward players for winning, making victory the primary focus rather than enjoyment of the game itself. Squid Game also revolves around a competition for survival and a large cash prize. Yet paradoxically it reminds us of a simpler time when winning wasn’t everything. Back then, the true joy came from the time spent playing with friends laughing and running around. Perhaps the real victory was in those shared moments where we found happiness in the game itself.