Squid Game on Netflix is the latest binge-worthy show that the popular streaming channel has offered its viewers. And with every view has come an equally compelling social media reaction, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Robyn Simpson.
*Not for sensitive viewers.
@netflix my boyyyy aliiiii #squidgame #netflix ♬ original sound – Netflix
Netflix has unveiled a list of the most watched series and movies on their platform and there aren’t many surprises. Extraction reached nearly 100 million accounts in the first 28 days of release while Bridgerton was beamed into 82 million homes in the same time frame.
Netflix co-CEO and Chief Content Officer, Ted Sarandos, has revealed that Squid Game is on track to top the lot. What that means? A bounty of memes on social media that we can hardly believe.
Here are a few post-Squid-Game happenings (if you’ve watched the epic show, you’ll know). The response to the show is making a wave of its own.
1. Don’t call me back
Each player in Squid Game receives an ever-so-haunting ‘business’ card with a contact number to call if they decide to participate in the twisted competition. Turns out that the cell number on the card was real!
A man from South Korea started receiving boatloads of phone calls from thousands random people, day and night, after his digits were showed on the viral Netflix series.
According to SBS News (translated by Koreaboo) the production team said this:
“We can’t do anything since it already went out and it’s not like we did it intentionally. Honestly, we think the only option for you is to change your number.”
Squid Game’s director Hwang Dong-Hyuk later commented to 9GAG:
“We used that number because we were told it was a safe number to use but the producers didn’t expect the number to work if you put in the 010 area code in front.
We’re very sorry we did not check that in detail. I know the production team is working hard to compensate that individual. We are going to take responsibility for it until the end.”
2. A numbers game
Squid Game’s director Hwang Dong-Hyuk was thrown back into the hot seat after viewers started another numbers game. He held an online interview when fans started sending money into a bank account after numbers were also shown on screen.
However, this gamble didn’t happen by chance. According to Dong-Hyuk, the decision was made intentionally. He said:
“The account number belongs to one of the producers on the show. We made an agreement with the directing team and used it. I heard that producer has been receiving deposits in the amount of 456 KRW ($0.38) from people who watched the show.”
3. A Squid Game Halloween
From Netflix to social media, Squid Game is on every screen at the moment. Many have hopped on the bandwagon, creating TikToks and memes that follow the plot.
The ‘Red Light, Green Light’ game is recreating itself as social media users create their own versions.
@bashtheentertainer Hahahahaha i had too !! #lol #squidgame #bashtheentertainer ♬ Squid Game x I Do It For You – Albert Nicolas
Others are taking on the dalgona candy (or honeycomb toffee) game whereby players have to cut a shape out of the thin treat without cracking it. It’s gone so far as to see vendors offering customers free goodies if they can complete the challenge in real life.
@benoit_chevalier Good Luck #squidgame ♬ Squid Game – Carrot
Squid Game in real life is the next big trend. The famous character tracksuits which carry each players number are now available to purchase on Amazon. Those who have watched the thrilling series might agree that the trakkie will make a fabulous Halloween costume this year. Call it might-get-murdered-chic.
4. It’s a meme generation
Meanwhile, the meme response to the show has been out of this world. Here are a few:
Truth.
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Squid Game South Africa
Squid Game SA pic.twitter.com/ZenYXvlqQl
— Simon (@simon_orgill) October 3, 2021
Squid Game SA about to have us like this no kak pic.twitter.com/rqnjEqZlPg
— Simon (@simon_orgill) October 3, 2021
Watch and join the game.
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The irony.
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Gamers and their games.
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And over to the TikTokkers.
*Not for sensitive viewers.
@breezytyty How I would cheat if I was In The Squid Game ? (Credit: @Tyree Smitty Smith) #thesquidgame #breezytyty #redlightgreenlight ♬ original sound – Ty Dior
@joshvfx this place is starting to scare me a little #squidgame #fyp ♬ Pink Soldiers – 23
@bdkim09 #greenscreen netflix please sign me for season 2 tyvm #squidgame ♬ Squid Game x I Do It For You – Albert Nicolas
5. An artistic interpretation.
Combine epic production, stellar casting, and excellent overall creative and artistic direction and it’s safe to say that Squid Game is a visual feast. Fans with a creative tendency of their own have responded to the show with incredible art.
Actress Jung Ho-yeon recently became the most followed Korean actress on social media, reports NME. Not only is Ho-yeon talented, but stole the hearts of viewers worldwide, becoming a muse for artists everywhere. Take a look:
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Picture: Simon Orgill / Twitter
