Squid Game has claimed the title of Netflix’s most successful series of all time, and with the release of its second season, the frenzy surrounding the story has reignited like never before.
But here’s something most fans don’t know: the brutal competition portrayed in the series is actually inspired by a real-life event—one just as harrowing—that left an indelible mark on South Korean society.
The Dark Truth Behind Squid Game
Back in 2009, Ssangyong Motors, one of South Korea’s largest automobile manufacturers, announced a massive layoff of over 2,600 workers, citing bankruptcy due to the country’s economic crisis at the time.
What followed was an unprecedented strike. Thousands of employees raised their voices in protest, occupying the company’s factory and demanding their labor rights be recognized.
What started as a peaceful demonstration quickly spiraled into a battleground. After 77 days of resistance, riot police intervened with tear gas, physical aggression, and even helicopters dropping chemical agents to suppress the workers.
The aftermath was devastating: over 200 workers were prosecuted, with half sentenced to prison. Thousands were left jobless, unable to support their families during an already harsh economic crisis. Tragically, 30 people affected by the layoffs took their own lives.
This heartbreaking event left a deep impression on Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator and director of Squid Game. In an interview with AFP, Hwang revealed how the Ssangyong strike played a crucial role in inspiring the series’ creation.
There’s no denying that, at times, reality is far crueler than fiction—and Squid Game stands as haunting proof of this truth.
This article was originally written in Spanish by Mariana Martell in Cultura Colectiva.
