10 Most Soul-Destroying Moments In Squid Game
Relive some of the most excruciating moments from Netflix's global smash hit.
It goes without saying that Netflix's Squid Game is so far 2021's most towering contribution to pop culture. The South Korean survival thriller has shattered streaming records, dominated online conversations and has already inspired a good number of Halloween costumes for years to come.
The notoriety is well deserved as the show is incredibly well-made in every aspect, and above all else it is a potent critique on late-stage capitalism and its effects on working class citizens. The show has no qualms with pointing out the intentional failings of our current capitalist system and uses the inhumane nature of the games to highlight these shortcomings.
Beyond the technical accomplishments and social commentary however, the show's premise ensured that it would be an emotional rollercoaster for the ages. The show's Battle Royale style playground games ensured that the vast majority of the players died horribly and that those who survived each round would be forced to either live with the senseless loss of life or give in to their worst impulses.
Beware his piece will touch on the moments that induced tears and rage in equal measure, and as such is bound to have a good number of spoilers.
10. The truth about Hwang In-ho
Throughout much of the show's run, Detective Hwang Jun-ho's investigation into the disappearance of his brother was one of the most compelling mysteries. The mystery quickly gave way to disturbing reveals as the detective began to peel back the layers of the underground world he believed took his brother, Hwang In-ho.
As the season was coming to a close however, it became evident that the truth behind In-ho is more insidious and sombre than was expected due to his involvement in the games.
In addition to learning that the series of games has been an annual event for more than 20 years, Jun-ho learnt that his missing brother won in 2015, implying that In-ho may have been more complicit in the disturbing event in subsequent years.
The detective's worst fears were confirmed as it was revealed that In-ho was the game's enigmatic Front Man. The brothers' final face-off was agonizing to watch, with In-ho's (seemingly) reluctant shooting of his dispirited brother.
If In-ho did survive his injuries, possible future seasons may explore the brothers' complex dynamic and this will have the potential to make for heart-wrenching TV.