It's been a while since a Netflix original series took over almost all of pop culture and social media conversations. It's newest breakout hit thriller, Squid Game, is the first Korean series to garner universal admiration from international audiences, earning it a new title of being the first Korean drama to rank number one in the US.
The premise of the show revolves around a group of adults who are all more than strapped for cash, enticed to join a game with a total grand prize of around 40 million US dollars. But the biggest question lies in the stakes of the game--waging financial stability or mental insanity, and even worse, life or death.
Though Squid Game is undoubtedly one of the goriest and outlandish series to hit our home screens, viewers can't seem to get enough of it.
Squid Game seemingly blew up overnight, and it's currently on track to become the most viewed Netflix series, beating out other viral series like Bridgerton and The Queen's Gambit. Since its September 17th premiere, it has amassed over 82 million recurring viewers, and viewers aren't the only ones contributing to the uproar surrounding the breakout series. Squid Game is also receiving massive recognition from critics, some even comparing it to the success Parasite brought to Korean media production.
With all of this attention and praise being directed at the series itself, the stars of the show are also receiving quite the hype.
One of the leading protagonists of the series, known to viewers as Player 067 or Kang Sae-byeok, is undeniably the most adorned character of the series. Played by 27-year-old HoYeon Jung, the actress blew up since the series premiere, launching her to be the second most followed Korean actress on Instagram. The attention she received from Squid Game also put some attention onto the actress's modeling career..
The actor who played the main character of Squid Game, Player 456 or Seong Gi-hun, also earned some big recognition. Lee Jung-jae, a 48-year-old actor and model, is no stranger to the screen, having appeared in multiple shows and movies prior to Squid Game. However, with his latest debut, Jung-jae has become a household name not just in Korea, but throughout the world.
“Squid Game” Cast Members Confirmed To Appear On “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon”https://t.co/tvhlNd6AoA pic.twitter.com/9QcjZ2r4Tx
— Soompi (@soompi) October 4, 2021
All the international buzz surrounding the cast is bringing them some massive entertainment opportunities as well. The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon just confirmed today that the cast will be making an appearance on the NYC stage.
.@ReedHastings and Ted Sarandos and the team at @Netflix get it right so often. Their internationalization strategy isn’t easy, and they’re making it work. Impressive and inspiring. (And I can’t wait to watch the show.) https://t.co/yFw7TGyc1U
— Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) October 2, 2021
Some other notable celebrities have also chimed into the conversation, including Jeff Bezos who congratulated the creators and cast of Squid Game for their well-earned success.
Everyone watching squid games makes me not want to watch squid games.
— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) October 4, 2021
I dunno why, it’s probably great.
🤷♀️
Even pop star Iggy Azaela is getting wrapped up into the Squid Game phenomenon, tweeting about all the buzz the show has accumulated.
Watch Squid Game on Netflix to see what all the hype is about and join in on the conversation.
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