Netflix's Squid Game, a record-breaking global phenomenon, is more than just a dystopian thriller—it mirrors the real-life hardships of South Korea's 2009 Ssangyong Motor factory strikes. The harrowing 77-day conflict, marked by violent clashes and economic despair, inspired the series' exploration of inequality and desperation. As Squid Game Season 2 premieres, it revisits themes rooted in capitalist exploitation, labour unrest, and state violence, reflecting South Korea’s socio-economic struggles and the enduring scars of past conflicts.
