North Korea Says 'Squid Game' Is Proof 'Humanity Is Being Wiped Out'
By Mike Walters on October 14, 2021 at 3:15 PM EDT
Updated on March 9, 2022 at 1:26 AM EST
North Korea is diving at the opportunity to capitalize on the popularity of Netflix's 'Squid Game' claiming the brutal show makes people realize the "sad reality of beastly South Korean society."
According to a North Korean state-run media site, Arirang Meari, the country's leaders are using the popular new show to drive home the point that capitalism doesn't work. "It is said that [Squid Game] makes people realize 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," they wrote.
They continued the show depicts, "the process of hundreds of people who are forced to live a hellish life, struggling with unbearable debt, in a brutal game where they kill each other to claim the money prize that goes to just one winner."
North Korea Slams South Korea Over Depiction In 'Squid Game'
If you haven't started watching yet, Squid Game is a wildly popular show on Netflix that follows a group of people in South Korea who are strapped with debt and are tricked into a deadly tournament of children's games. 'Squid Game' is the name of a popular schoolyard game in South Korea. In the end, the last person standing takes home a pot of $38 million. In the show, many decide to play being that winning the money is is their only way to survive.
As you can imagine, North Korea couldn't help themselves and continued blasting their neighbors over the fictional depiction of a bi-product of their society. "It is the current South Korean society where the number of losers in fierce competitions, such as employment, real estate, and stocks, increases dramatically," the propaganda reads. Adding, 'Squid Game' shows "the reality of living in a world where people are judged only by money."
North Korea: Society Driven By Money Is A 'Hell-Like Horror'
To make the point further, the site claims the show exposes "a world where only money matters -- a hell-like horror." The propaganda-filled statements claim a capitalist culture is a place where "corruption and immoral scoundrels are commonplace." The article reportedly cited unnamed South Korean film critics saying the show depicts an "unequal society where moneyless people are treated like chess pieces for the rich."
It should be noted, the North Korean government is known for handing out fines, or even prison time for anyone caught watching South Korean video content.
'Squid Game' Breaks All-Time Netflix Viewing Record For New Series
'Squid Game' has officially broken Netflix's record as the biggest series launch of all time, reaching more than 111 million viewers. The 9-part series was released on September 17 and is described as a show where "Hundreds of cash-strapped players accept a strange invitation to compete in children’s games." Adding, "Inside, a tempting prize awaits -- with deadly high stakes."
Lee Jung-jae, who stars in the show, says he wasn't expecting such a huge response to the show. "But when I read the script, I understood that it contained elements that could resonate with everyone and work outside of Korea," he told Variety.
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