Iconic visuals and fashion trends

Squid Game’s instantly recognisable aesthetics–the green tracksuits of the players and the pink jumpsuits of the guards–became fashion statements. Costume shops sold out of replicas and these outfits were among the most popular choices for Halloween. Even brands such as Puma, Zara, H&M, and Crocs took inspiration, with collections incorporating similar colours and styles. The surreal playground sets also became a symbol of the series, appearing in art installations and promotional events worldwide.

Don’t miss: How the ‘Squid Game’ franchise revolutionised global brand marketing

Award show dominance

In groundbreaking moments, Squid Game made history at major awards shows. It became the first Korean series to win Emmy Awards in acting categories, with Lee Jung-jae taking home Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series and Jung Ho-yeon winning Outstanding Supporting Actress. The duo also won Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series and Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series respectively at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards. With both performers winning, the show made history by becoming the first non-English-language television series to win at the SAG Awards.

These wins further validated the show’s global impact and highlighted the exceptional talent in South Korea’s entertainment industry.

Conversations about mental health

Beneath the surface-level fun and games and entertainment value of the macabre Squid Game franchise is a far more serious and concerning topic: mental health. In South Korean society, conversations about mental health are often described as taboo, rarely brought up and often neglected despite the national mental health crisis–but Squid Game cracked the code.

The series’ depiction of desperation, trauma, and moral dilemmas prompted important discussions about mental health. Characters like Seong Gi-hun (played by Lee) and Kang Sae-byeok (played by Jung) grappled with issues that resonated deeply with viewers. In turn, mental health professionals used the series as a conversation starter to address topics like financial stress and coping mechanisms.

Read more: Mental health awareness: 7 K-dramas that tackled uncharted territory

Discussions on social inequality

Beyond its entertainment value, Squid Game provided global audiences with a deeper understanding of Korean society. The show’s subtle nods to traditional games, cultural norms, and societal issues offered a lens into the country’s history and challenges. At its core, Squid Game is a searing critique of capitalism and class disparity. By depicting characters forced into deadly games due to financial desperation, the show resonated with viewers worldwide who recognised parallels in their own societies. The portrayal of debt, exploitation, and systemic inequality sparked conversations on social media, in classrooms, and even in government debates about wealth distribution and fairness.

The LGBTQIA+ representation

Squid Game: Season 2 ignited a global conversation about transgender representation, focusing on the character Cho Hyun-ju, a transgender woman played by The Glory and Queen of Tears actor Park Sung-hoon.

The casting decision received minimal backlash in South Korea because unlike Thailand and the Philippines, South Korea’s conservative society offers limited visibility for openly transgender individuals or integrating them into mainstream media.

See also: The K-drama renaissance: 6 ways Korean television has evolved and broken new ground

In Squid Game: Season 2, Hyun-ju is introduced as a former special forces soldier who enters the deadly competition to confront societal discrimination and fund her gender confirmation surgery. Her portrayal marks a shift from earlier K-dramas, which often depicted transgender or gender-diverse characters with exaggerated stereotypes. Hyun-ju’s understated appearance, including her simple bob haircut, symbolically affirms her gender identity, while her strength and decisiveness make her one of the most compelling characters.

Park’s performance has been widely praised in South Korea, offering a nuanced portrayal that breaks new ground for the representation of transgender women in Korean media.

NOW READ

What you need to know before travelling to South Korea

Why Korean convenience stores became social media’s favourite hangout

A K-pop and K-drama fan’s ultimate guide to South Korea