The Squid Game: The Story about Losers in the Shadow of Glory

Korea is one of the world's top economies. Yet, behind the success, many feel alienated. Does the recent hit show Squid Game, reflect the underbelly of the society's success? Credit: Ori Song/UnsplashBy Ahn Mi YoungSeoul, Nov 16 2021 (IPS) Immediately after its release, the Squid Game went viral, grabbing the attention of the world’s entertainment stage. The grotesque and hyper-violent thriller has reportedly become Netflix’s biggest show, the world’s most-watched and the most-talked-about streaming entertainment. Is it a case of art imitating life? The global rise of Korean entertainment is reminiscent of South Korea’s rags-to-rich story. The once war-stricken country with per-capita GDP of 67 US dollars after the 1950-53 Korean War has become one of the world’s top economies with a per-capita GDP of 32,860 US dollars in 2020. South Koreans enjoy high-tech conveniences, and many of their enterprises are sought after internationally, including home electronics, vehicles and ships. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, success stories abound about its business, technology or entertainment industries. K-pop BTS is now a global star who often tops the Billboard charts. A few years ago, it was unthinkable that Korean entertainment could surpass the content produced in the United States. Squid Game has become a global success. Is it a case of art imitating life? “The Squid Game has become a hope for our students to go to the global stage,” Kim S...
Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Tags: Arts COVID-19 Featured Financial Crisis Headlines Health TerraViva United Nations #Covid19 #MentalHealth #SquidGame Korea Source Type: news