The Netflix series about a group of cash-strapped people competing in children's playground games but facing death if they lose has come under fire from neighboring country.
- Oct 14, 2021
AceShowbiz - State officials from North Korea have used hit Netflix series "Squid Game" as a criticism of South Korea's "beastly" society.
Propaganda website Arirang Meari published an article on 12 October (21) calling the hugely-popular series a reflection of South Korean society where "corruption and immoral scoundrels are commonplace," reported Reuters.
The state-run publication cites unnamed South Korean film critics, insisting they lauded Squid Game for exposing the country's "unequal" society where "moneyless people are treated like chess pieces for the rich."
"(Squid Game) makes people realise the sad reality of the beastly South Korean society in which human beings are driven into extreme competition and their humanity is being wiped out," it says.
It's not the first time Arirang Meari has taken aim at South Korean culture and entertainment; earlier this year, the site criticised the K-pop industry, labelling its stars "slaves" who lead a "miserable life" in South Korea.
Last year (20), the nation enacted a bill imposing hefty fines and prison sentences to any citizen caught consuming South Korean entertainment or learning the language South Korean language.
However, backlash to "Squid Game" isn't widespread as the show has just become Netflix's most popular series of all time with 111 million people tuning in in the first 28 days.
It overtook period drama "Bridgerton" - which had 82 million households watching in its first month - to be the streaming service's biggest hit.
Plans for a follow-up story are reportedly being discussed following the huge success.
