Squid Game creator explains why it’s “dangerous” for North Korea after smuggler’s death

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The maker of Squid Game, Hwang Dong-hyuk, has spoken out about a previous news story involving a person who was given a death sentence for illegally distributing the series to North Korean pupils.

According to the reports, a man was found to have illegally distributed and profited from Squid Game copies in North Korean schools during 2021. It’s speculated that he managed to bring a single-season copy into the country from China, and subsequently sold it on USB drives.

Information indicates that he will face execution by a firing squad. A pupil who purchased a flash drive was allegedly given a life sentence, whereas six others received a six-year term for hard labor. School staff members and administrators are reportedly facing harsh penalties as well.

Four years after its debut, Netflix concluded Squid Game with Season 3, and its creator recognizes that the show’s content may present potential threats to the North Korean government.

Squid Game creator says it shows the power of a “free nation”

Before the kickoff of Season 3, I was quizzed about the rumors surrounding the smuggler’s demise. “I can’t confirm the authenticity of that,” I replied. (First-person perspective as game developer)

“I doubt it would be easy for anyone to get access to the show.”

Nevertheless, Hwang recognizes that the show poses risks for North Korea, as it demonstrates that South Korea is a country where one can openly critique capitalism, thus highlighting the advantages of a free nation.

“In that sense it might be even more dangerous for North Korea,” he added.

On the state-operated site, Arirang Meari, an article was posted criticizing the hit series “Squid Game” following its debut. The piece suggested that the show’s popularity stems from its portrayal of the authenticities of capitalist culture in South Korea.

As reported by Reuters, some claim that this situation reveals the harsh truth of highly competitive South Korean society, where people’s humanity is gradually being erased.

According to Hwang, “A critique of capitalism through a series can effectively come about when the series itself is marketable and attracts investment from viewers.

He expressed that while transforming our society into a socialist one isn’t feasible, as that time has passed, we should strive to enhance liberal democracy and late capitalism instead. No one desires losses; what we see is an increasing amount of selfishness.

Dive into my thoughts on what could happen in Squid Game Season 3’s finale (and that mind-blowing cameo), check out my rankings of the Squid Game challenges based on difficulty, and find out why Hide and Seek breaks a hidden rule within the Squid Game universe as a passionate gamer.

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2025-06-27 18:48