In Seoul, South Korea, a factory transformed into a battleground, with riot police armed with tasers and an activist who spent 100 days atop a chimney, has become the inspiration behind Netflix’s most successful show, “Squid Game”. The second season of this dystopian series is set to be released this month, captivating audiences with its dark portrayal of a society where desperate individuals compete in deadly versions of traditional children’s games for a chance to win a massive cash prize.
While “Squid Game” is a work of fiction, its creator Hwang Dong-hyuk drew inspiration from the violent Ssangyong strikes that took place in 2009. The main character, Gi-hun, a laid-off worker in the show, reflects the experiences of those involved in the strikes. The Ssangyong strikes were sparked when the struggling car giant announced the layoff of over 2,600 employees, leading to an occupation of the factory and a 77-day strike that culminated in clashes between strikers and riot police.
Union leader Lee Chang-kun made headlines when he staged a 100-day sit-in on top of a factory chimney in protest of a sentence favoring the company over the strikers. The aftermath of the strike left a lasting impact on the workers and their families, with around 30 deaths attributed to suicide and stress-related issues. The trauma endured by those involved in the unrest made it challenging for some to discuss “Squid Game”.
Despite the show’s success, Lee expressed disappointment that the conversations sparked by “Squid Game” did not lead to tangible change for workers in a country marked by economic inequality and polarized politics. The series, hailed as a symbol of South Korea’s cultural prowess, comes at a time when the nation is embroiled in political turmoil, following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed attempt to impose martial law.
The success of “Squid Game” highlights the recurring theme of state and capitalist violence in South Korea’s cultural products. The show’s popularity, along with other successful Korean exports like “Parasite” and K-pop, underscores the country’s global influence. However, the shadow of state violence continues to loom large, as seen in the recent political unrest triggered by President Yoon’s actions.
As South Korea navigates through these turbulent times, the impact of cultural productions like “Squid Game” serves as a reminder of the underlying issues of state violence and social inequalities that persist in society. Despite the show’s entertainment value, it prompts reflection on the real-life struggles faced by many individuals, urging for meaningful change and progress in the country.
