Squid Game Season Two Releases on Netflix

The highly anticipated second season of Netflix's 'Squid Game' draws deeply from the violent Ssangyong strikes of 2009, a pivotal moment in South Korea's labor history. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk revealed that the show's protagonist, Seong Gi-hun, is inspired by the real experiences of laid-off workers during a 77-day occupation of the Ssangyong factory, which turned into a battlefield between riot police and desperate employees armed with slingshots. This period saw over 2,600 employees laid off, leading to intense clashes and ongoing psychological trauma for the workers, with around 30 deaths attributed to stress-related issues. The series resonates with themes of economic inequality and the precariousness of middle-class livelihoods, mirroring the struggles faced by many in contemporary society. Despite the show's global success, there remains disappointment among activists that it hasn't prompted significant changes for workers in South Korea. As the release of Season 2 approaches, anticipation builds around how these themes will continue to unfold.