Why “Squid Game” Was able to Climb to The Top in The US

Hit 2021 Korean survival drama “Squid Game” has become one of Netlfix’s top 10 shows. While Netflix and other streaming services have carried other survival games and Korean dramas alike, “Squid Game” comes as a sort of unprecedented release, climbing the charts and becoming viral on the internet. But what can be attributed to its success in the U.S? It’s amplified and direct visualization of capitalism and debt-ridden individuals desperate enough to participate in the dangerous game, is what calls and retains the American viewers attention. With an all but interesting plot line, the fact that the “players” in this game are participating because of debt and with a chance to “win it all,” resonates with the American audience, where millions of people are in debt, an accident away from debt, and scared of it. Many Americans also resonate or at least hope for a “win it all” approach, whether that be by winning the lottery, finally getting that promotion, or some other sort of saving grace to fix their problems and escape the fear of debt. The show allows for people to root for their favorite characters, hoping for them to win the game (despite it meaning the death of hundreds of others) and to escape the fate they had outside of the game where debt reduced their quality of life. Likewise, it allows for people to be angry and feel seen against the effects of capitalism and infrastructure that allows people to get so desperate. Economic distress and it’s implications is something that anyone and everyone can relate to.