Netflix’s Squid Game has captured global attention with its depiction of a deadly survival game where financially desperate individuals are forced to compete for a life-changing prize or money. On the surface, the show seems like a normal fictional thriller, but it presents an unsettling reflection of South Korea’s growing socioeconomic inequalities, political power struggles, and systemic injustices. Drawing inspiration from real-life events, including the systemic marginalization of South Korea’s homeless population, Squid Game serves as a dark commentary on the deep divisions in South Korean society and the political realities that perpetuate them.
Socioeconomic Inequality in South Korea
South Korea, while known for its rapid economic growth and technological advancements, is still fighting with a widening wealth gap that has left many citizens struggling to make ends meet. Despite the country’s economic success, a large segment of the population faces financial instability, driven by rising housing prices, job insecurity, and an overreliance on the powerful corporate conglomerates known as chaebols. These massive companies, which dominate sectors such as technology, automotive, and construction, have long been criticized for consolidating wealth and power in a few hands, while the working class bears the brunt of the economic pressures.
In Squid Game, the contestants are driven by their financial desperation to participate in deadly games that promise a life-changing reward. This sense of hopelessness among the contestants is a reflection of the pressures faced by many South Koreans who find themselves trapped in a cycle of debt and poverty. Real-life statistics highlight the severity of this issue: South Korea’s youth unemployment rate is high, and many young people are burdened by student loans and the soaring cost of housing, making social mobility appear increasingly out of reach.
This inequality is not just an abstract problem but a daily reality for many. The show’s portrayal of the economic struggles faced by ordinary citizens echoes the frustration and desperation felt by real people who have been left behind in South Korea’s pursuit of prosperity.
The Homeless Crisis: Real-Life Inspiration Behind Squid Game
One of the most chilling real-life events that parallels the themes of Squid Game is the systemic violence and neglect towards the homeless population in South Korea. For years, the country has struggled with a growing homeless crisis, with tens of thousands of people living in dire conditions on the streets. As the government and local authorities have pushed for “cleaning up” the streets ahead of major events such as the 1988 Seoul Olympics and even more recently during preparations for the 2018 Winter Olympics, many have pointed to the inhumane practices of forcibly removing homeless individuals from public spaces.
In some cases, these efforts led to tragic outcomes. For example, during the 2000s, South Korean police and local authorities were involved in actions that led to the deaths of several homeless individuals as they were forcibly removed from areas they had settled. In some instances, these removals were done without offering any solutions or support for the displaced individuals, leaving them with few options other than to return to the streets, where they faced even greater hardships. These tragic events, in which vulnerable individuals were treated as disposable, closely mirror the dehumanizing treatment of the Squid Game contestants, who are regarded as expendable in the pursuit of entertainment and profit.
The parallels between the real-life treatment of the homeless and the way people are treated in Squid Game are stark: both groups are pushed to the margins of society, and their suffering is ignored or trivialized. The government’s focus on maintaining a polished, idealized public image comes at the expense of addressing the underlying social issues that contribute to homelessness and poverty, an issue that has been deeply exacerbated by economic inequality.
Power Struggles and Political Corruption in South Korea
Another aspect of Squid Game that resonates with South Korean reality is its depiction of the power struggles between those who hold wealth and influence and those who are powerless. The Squid Game organizers, who exploit the contestants for their own amusement, are a reflection of the elites who control much of the country’s wealth and politics. In South Korea, political corruption and the relationship between business leaders and politicians have long been sources of public frustration.
One of the most infamous cases of political corruption in South Korea is the scandal involving former President Park Geun hye, who was impeached and removed from office in 2017 following allegations of bribery, influence-peddling, and abuse of power. Park Geun hye was accused of colluding with her close confidante, Choi Soon sil, and a number of powerful business figures to secure favors and kickbacks. The scandal not only led to her removal but also revealed the deep-rooted issues of corruption, cronyism, and the unholy alliances between the government and major corporations in South Korea.
The parallels to Squid Game are clear: in both cases, the elites operate above the law, using their power and wealth to manipulate and control those beneath them. The government, much like the game organizers in the series, is shown to be more concerned with maintaining its own power and image than with addressing the needs of the people.
The Current Administration and Its Troubles
Since taking the presidential office in May 2022, President Yoon Suk yeol has faced significant challenges that highlight the ongoing political and socioeconomic struggles in South Korea. While Yoon Suk yeol campaigned on promises to combat corruption and address the country’s economic issues, his administration has been marred by controversies and public dissatisfaction.
A central issue under Yoon Suk yeol leadership is the widening economic inequality, particularly the housing crisis. Despite promises to address the skyrocketing cost of housing, his administration has been criticized for failing to implement effective solutions. South Korea’s younger generations, burdened by high housing prices and limited job security, feel increasingly disconnected from the government’s economic policies. This frustration mirrors the desperation seen in Squid Game, where individuals turn to extreme measures to escape financial ruin.
Yoon Suk yeol administration has also faced criticism over its handling of labor rights and union issues. Accusations of prioritizing corporate interests over workers’ rights have led to protests and unrest. The hardline approach to labor disputes has deepened the divide between the government and the working class, further alienating segments of the population who feel that their needs are being overlooked.
Additionally, Yoon Suk yeol political appointments, which some see as favoring elite corporate interests, have been another source of public frustration. These moves have led to accusations of cronyism and contributed to declining approval ratings.
In many ways, the troubles faced by Yoon Suk yeol government reflect the themes explored in Squid Game: a power structure that benefits the wealthy elite, leaving the vulnerable to fight for survival. Despite his promises of reform, his struggles highlight the deep-rooted inequality and corruption that continue to shape South Korea’s political and economic landscape.
Squid Game is more than just a violent thriller; it is a reflection of the dark undercurrents that run through South Korean society. The show’s exploration of socioeconomic inequality, political corruption, and the exploitation of the vulnerable mirrors real-life issues that continue to plague the country. From the marginalization of the homeless to the political struggles of the current administration, Squid Game serves as a harsh critique of the systems that perpetuate inequality and suffering.
The series forces viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about the ways in which society and politics can dehumanize individuals, particularly those at the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder. By drawing on real-life events and ongoing political challenges, Squid Game highlights the urgent need for reform and social change in South Korea.