Korean survival drama becomes global hit
"Squid Game," Netflix's original Korean drama series, is on track to become the global streaming giant's most successful show ever. It is surprising to see the survival drama emerging as a viral hit throughout the world about two weeks after its release on Sept. 17.
On Saturday, the nine-episode thriller topped the world's popular TV show rankings tallied by streaming analytics firm FlixPatrol in 81 of 83 countries where Netflix provides its streaming services. It came second only in Denmark and Turkey. "Squid Game" has also become the first Korean drama to hit No. 1 on Netflix's top 10 TV list in the U.S.
It is also worth noting that the drama has taken the top spot at least once in the 83 countries. Even in India, where viewers are highly loyal to domestic content, "Squid Game" has gained popularity, reaching the top last Friday and Saturday. All these results show that the Korean series has succeeded in appealing to global viewers with uniqueness and creativity.
The thriller, written and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, revolves around life-and-death survival games among hopelessly indebted people. As Hwang said, the series satirizes a highly competitive capitalist society where more and more people are put into a corner with no hope for the future. In the drama, 456 people are invited to play a series of Korean children's games where they have to risk their lives to win a 45.6 billion won ($38.5 million) prize.
The amazingly successful debut of the Netflix TV show comes after director Bong Joon-ho's film "Parasite" won four Academy Awards in 2020. "Squid Game" and "Parasite" have much in common by dealing with the shortcomings of capitalism and extreme competition among members of our society. Both take a critical point of view on the winner-take-all mantra and the logic of the survival of the fittest. "Squid Game" seems to be drawing much attention because it features economic inequalities which have deepened amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.
The worldwide online craze of "Squid Game" reflects the spread of hallyu (Korean wave), a boom of Korean pop culture. Korean dramas, better known as K-dramas, have already gained global popularity. "Squid Game" has reaffirmed the competitiveness of K-dramas and opened a new horizon for Korean culture and entertainment.
Netflix's generous investment in Korea has also contributed to making "Squid Game" a global hit. It poured $700 million in producing about 80 Korean movies and dramas between 2015 and 2020. The streaming behemoth plans to invest $500 million this year. Yet, there is a concern that the local entertainment industry might become more dependent on Netflix. This concern could grow further as Disney Plus will start its service here next month.
That's why Korean authorities need to provide more support to the local film and TV industries as well as domestic streaming service providers. It is important to map out a new strategy to help promote the production of novel and creative cultural content.
"Squid Game," Netflix's original Korean drama series, is on track to become the global streaming giant's most successful show ever. It is surprising to see the survival drama emerging as a viral hit throughout the world about two weeks after its release on Sept. 17.
On Saturday, the nine-episode thriller topped the world's popular TV show rankings tallied by streaming analytics firm FlixPatrol in 81 of 83 countries where Netflix provides its streaming services. It came second only in Denmark and Turkey. "Squid Game" has also become the first Korean drama to hit No. 1 on Netflix's top 10 TV list in the U.S.
It is also worth noting that the drama has taken the top spot at least once in the 83 countries. Even in India, where viewers are highly loyal to domestic content, "Squid Game" has gained popularity, reaching the top last Friday and Saturday. All these results show that the Korean series has succeeded in appealing to global viewers with uniqueness and creativity.
The thriller, written and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, revolves around life-and-death survival games among hopelessly indebted people. As Hwang said, the series satirizes a highly competitive capitalist society where more and more people are put into a corner with no hope for the future. In the drama, 456 people are invited to play a series of Korean children's games where they have to risk their lives to win a 45.6 billion won ($38.5 million) prize.
The amazingly successful debut of the Netflix TV show comes after director Bong Joon-ho's film "Parasite" won four Academy Awards in 2020. "Squid Game" and "Parasite" have much in common by dealing with the shortcomings of capitalism and extreme competition among members of our society. Both take a critical point of view on the winner-take-all mantra and the logic of the survival of the fittest. "Squid Game" seems to be drawing much attention because it features economic inequalities which have deepened amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.
The worldwide online craze of "Squid Game" reflects the spread of hallyu (Korean wave), a boom of Korean pop culture. Korean dramas, better known as K-dramas, have already gained global popularity. "Squid Game" has reaffirmed the competitiveness of K-dramas and opened a new horizon for Korean culture and entertainment.
Netflix's generous investment in Korea has also contributed to making "Squid Game" a global hit. It poured $700 million in producing about 80 Korean movies and dramas between 2015 and 2020. The streaming behemoth plans to invest $500 million this year. Yet, there is a concern that the local entertainment industry might become more dependent on Netflix. This concern could grow further as Disney Plus will start its service here next month.
That's why Korean authorities need to provide more support to the local film and TV industries as well as domestic streaming service providers. It is important to map out a new strategy to help promote the production of novel and creative cultural content.
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