Squid Game creator explains how show’s villains reflect Elon Musk

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In his own words, the mastermind behind Squid Game, Hwang Dong-hyuk, has confessed that he drew inspiration for the series’ wealthy antagonists, finding a striking resemblance to tech mogul Elon Musk.

In Episode 7 of Season 1, we were introduced to the elite group known as VIPs. They were portrayed as a collection of highly affluent individuals who concealed their identities with masks. These individuals are the ones who finance the lethal competitions, observe them live, and even wager on the players for amusement.

In a shocking turn of events, and with unprecedented intensity, Season 3 saw them abandon their opulent, pampered position, choosing instead to join the competition themselves, undercover as pink guards, with the aim of ousting other players.

After completing the final season, Squid Game’s creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, has shared insights into the “true-life influences” that shaped the VIP characters, hinting at similarities with influential entrepreneur Elon Musk.

Squid Game creator says the VIPs resemble Elon Musk

In an interview with Time, it’s mentioned that the increased involvement of the VIP character in Season 3 was inspired by the creator’s real-life experiences.

Previously, the individuals who truly wielded control over the system and held onto their power were often concealed from view, giving an impression of a secretive or covert operation. But nowadays, particularly in America, this is less true.

These days, there’s much discussion about oligarchies. However, the individuals often referred to as the big tech magnates are making it clear by their financial contributions, who they support in political terms.

In a manner reminiscent of Season 3, he pointed out that those who truly pull the strings no longer conceal themselves behind a veil. They’ve become bolder, stripping off their masks as if to proclaim, “We are the puppeteers. We are in charge.” This is my interpretation of his words.

He pointed out that while these prominent figures aren’t modeled after actual individuals, they bear a striking resemblance to influential billionaires.

He said: “Elon Musk is everywhere these days, right?

Apart from leading a massive tech empire that seems to dominate globally, he’s also quite charismatic, much like a showman. Later in the process of scripting Season 3, Hwang realized that certain influential figures bear a striking resemblance to Elon Musk.

Apart from Musk, Hwang has made remarks earlier suggesting that President Donald Trump bears a likeness to one of the high-profile characters in Season 1.

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2025-07-02 07:48