New Books in East Asian Studies Suk-Young Kim, "Surviving Squid Game: A Guide to K-Drama, Netflix, and Global Streaming Wars" (Applause Books, 2023)
Jul 4, 2023
Suk-Young Kim, a UCLA professor and expert in Korean pop culture, dives into the phenomenon of 'Squid Game.' The conversation highlights the show's unique narrative and visual aesthetics, illustrating how it resonated during the pandemic. Kim discusses critical themes like equality versus fairness, capitalism's critique, and the symbolism behind the masks. She also addresses the partnership between Netflix and K-drama producers, reshaping the entertainment landscape. Lastly, the global influence of Korean media reveals its cultural significance, even reaching younger audiences in North Korea.
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Pandemic Context Shaped Squid Game
- Suk-Young Kim felt the pandemic deeply influenced the context in which Squid Game was released.
- She watched it captivated through a whole night, finding it strange yet addictive and new in its cinematic violence.
Netflix and K-Drama Partnership
- Netflix and K-drama formed a 'happy marriage' creating Squid Game with mutual benefits.
- Netflix's investment model granted Korean producers creative freedom and freed them from financial burden.
Streamlining Profit Sharing Model
- Future Korean streaming partnerships must adjust profit sharing to support the broader production ecosystem.
- A model like European soccer's transfer fees could fund talent development and reinvest in local industry.