SQUID GAME LOGO: Why It Is Famous & What it Symbolizes

SQUID GAME LOGO
Image Source: 1000Logos

Squid Game is a South Korean survival drama television and web series released in 2021. This is a nail-biting adventure thriller that centers on a made-up survival game. In the program, dozens of contestants take part, and the winner receives $40 million. The obstacles are daunting, terrible, and potentially lethal. In response to the show’s massive popularity, Squid Game is already planning a second season to air in 2024. The original Squid Game logo depicts the title of the television series, and it is basically written in Korean. It was chosen to have a geometric aesthetic because of the importance of geometric shapes to the story. There is also the Squid Game logo card, font, and shapes to be discussed in this post.

What is Squid Game?

Squid Game is a South Korean television series of Netflix production created and directed by director Hwang Dong-Hyuk in 2021. The nine-part survival TV series follows a group of people as they compete in a bizarre and antagonistic game based on children’s entertainment for the chance to win a cash prize.

About Squid Game

Throughout the course of The Squid Game, 456 individuals compete in a deadly game of survival. They must participate in a series of games similar to those played by children in the past. This time, however, it will be with lethal twists. Generally, the show’s cast will all put their lives in danger for the chance to take home a huge cash prize. Although there has to be only one victor at the end.

Those who are motivated by greed and the dread of dying will basically find The Squid Game to be a dazzling and adventurous tale. There are many social, psychological, and material problems that it brings to light.

After witnessing dozens of deaths in the first trial, many start to regret the decision. However, participants rapidly understand there is no going back. So they have to see it to the end, even though they know they might meet death on the road.

How Did the Name “Squid Game” Come Up?

Each of the tests in the series is basically based on a mechanic from a classic game from the ’70s or ’80s. The eponymous challenge is one example; it’s essentially a form of tag played on a squid-shaped board created on the ground. This challenge is the series finale, including a head-to-head match between the remaining two competitors.

Even though it’s a rather violent show, Squid Game has managed to become the most-watched show on television. In the wake of its debut, the 9-episode Korean series has quickly climbed to the top of Netflix’s worldwide streaming popularity rankings.

After debuting on September 17, 2021, the show’s producers quickly revealed plans to film a second season in early 2022.

The logo for the South Korean (Squid Game) survival drama is packed with allusions and symbolism. The badge’s design may seem simplistic at first glance. Nonetheless, its emphasis on shapes and colors reflects the key themes of the show. Generally, look into all about Squid Game as a TV drama but how about Let the shapes of the logo? The Squid Game show’s logo and visual aesthetic center on squares, circles, and triangles. All of these characters are recycled from the original Squid Game. The square represents the highest-ranking guards in the series, while the circle represents the lowest.

Similarly, the hues of the Squid Game logo have deep symbolic underpinnings, with pink serving as the show’s dominant hue. Much of the show’s decor, scenery, and even the masks worn by the guards are pink.

2021 – Today

First used in 2021, the Squid Game logo is basically a stylized white and pink lettering on a black background. While the original version is Korean, the name was also created with the same concept and symbols used in the English version.

The letters are generally a white bespoke typeface with stretched lines in some letters and merging together in others, creating a two-level effect. Behind the letters “Q,” “A,” and “E” are three pink geometric shapes: a circle, a triangle, and a square.

Squid Game Logo Font

As was previously mentioned, both the Korean and English versions of the Squid Game logo made use of a simple geometric font that featured straight lines. The English alphabet had squat, wide characters in a sans-serif style. They are not necessarily rude and brusque because of this. When necessary, the English version also features rounded and smooth turns. It’s true that they’re more acute in some respects.

Squid Game Logo Color

Black and pink are the primary colors used in the logos. That writing has three components a circle, a triangle, and a square which evoke those shapes in the Korean language. These three pieces stand in stark contrast to the rest, which is tinted a dark black. In the English version, however, the lines are solid black. A darker shade of pink was used to fill in the three letters most similar to the figures.

At the very least, that is the standard color palette. Sometimes they use white instead of black (for instance, in the main poster for the series).

Squid Game Logo Card

Squid Game, Netflix’s latest smash hit, is poised to become the service’s most-watched series ever. The phenomenon on the internet has sparked more pertinent memes and discussions regarding social and economic issues. Some of the issues discussed on the show include; financial hardship, social stratification, and substance abuse. Meanwhile, many compliments have been showered on the logo on the Squid Game card.

In tandem with the meteoric rise in popularity, the critical reception has been extremely positive. In particular, how its varied visual aesthetic offers a darkly surreal spin on traditional children’s games. Consequently, many observers wonder what the logo’s deeper implications might be.

The game console icons (logo) on the Squid Game business card are a nice touch. This is an excellent allusion to the series’s signature format, in which competitors must play a total of six different games.

The symbols can also be used in different ways, though. The initials OJM are actually written using letters from the Korean alphabet (Hangul). It stands for Squid Game or Ojingeo Geim.

Furthermore, the forms are integral to the floor marks in Squid Game. As the opening credits roll, they morph into the show’s name without a hitch.

Squid Game Calling Card Logo Major Clue

In Squid Game, director Hwang Dong-hyuk undoubtedly hid important plot points in plain sight. Fans have dug deep into the meaning of the circle, triangle, and square, however, there is one more secret to be uncovered. The logo on their calling for the Squid Game hinted to the guards that they would be playing in Round 6 of the Games. The game that inspired the title of the Korean drama also happened to be Hwang’s favorite when he was a kid.

The 456 actors in the K-drama have their futures decided by a simple brown paper calling card. Following his victory over the Salesman in a game, Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-Jae) receives the calling card. Three different shapes; a circle, triangle, and square can be seen on one side of the card. While a number can be seen in the reverse.

The players agree to participate in the Games by dialing the number on the card. After that, a pickup location is provided. The card also shows up when Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-Joon) looks into reports of missing people. One of the many hints that pointed to what would happen in Squid Game was written on the calling card.

In Squid Game Episode 6, Gi-hun and Cho Sang-woo (Park Hae-soo) are the only survivors. They discover that the final game from their youth is the squid game. Gi-hun gave a monologue at the start of the K-drama outlining the game he used to play when he was younger.

When you notice that the symbols on the calling card resemble the squid game’s playing field, you get a lightbulb moment. To play the game, the participants draw a square, a triangle, and a circle at the very top of the triangle.

The calling card’s shapes apart from the logo also provide a hint for round 6 right away. The player would have to play one final game to survive, according to the card. According to Hwang, “the squid game is a great metaphor for a highly competitive Korean society” for the Korean Herald. The circle in the game basically stands in for the squid’s head that the winners will receive. So, people who are struggling, in debt, and unable to escape the lives they have built are given the calling card.

What Does the Logo on the Squid Game Invitation Card Mean?

No doubt, there may be some similarities between the PlayStation logo and the shapes on the Squid Game invitation card. However, the latter is not a reference to the video game console in any way.

The three geometric shapes represent individual letters of the Korean alphabet in the Hangul script.

Side by side, it says “O J M,” which are the initials for “squid game” in Korean, which is written as “Ojingeo Geim” 

It is alluded to in the opening scene of the program when the title is subtly changed from the squid game floor marks in the flashback from episode 1.

What are Fans Saying about the Squid Game logo Card?

Squid Game’s logo is a great illustration of how designers can utilize a single icon to convey several concepts. Though they are the show’s creators’ initials, the shapes can also be interpreted as a reference to the role that games play in the narrative.

And the logo’s simplicity was deliberate. The nameless group behind Squid Game defies description.

In addition, only black, white, and pink are allowed. A standout option is a pink hue. When compared to pink, black and white are also quite somber colors. As a result, this contrast may suggest the sinister undertones inherent in playground activities. As a whole, this generates an air of intrigue and distrust. To put it another way, the logo conceals nothing and keeps prying eyes away from the game.

Squid Game Logo Shapes

Squid Game, a Korean drama that debuted on Netflix at the end of September, has become the biggest series to ever air on the service. It has also propelled many fans to begin looking for Squid Game costumes online in time for Halloween.

Seong Gi-hun, a chauffeur with enormous gambling debt, agrees to participate in a mysterious game in order to win the jackpot prize of 45.6 billion won. However, he soon realizes that losing the game will cost him his life. Seong Gi-hun is portrayed in the popular television program Squid Game by Lee Jung-Jae.

Three symbols, a square, a triangle, and a circle have appeared frequently in Squid Game, as viewers would have noted.

The three symbols and shapes are first shown on a calling card that a guy in a suit hands Gi-hun after defeating him in a game of ddaji. Later, when Gi-hun calls the number and visits the game’s facilities, he notices the insignia on the masks of tournament staff members who are dressed in jumpsuits.

The square, circle, and triangle may immediately conjure up images of the PlayStation controllers, but in reality, all three can be found in the schematic required to play the squid game in the sixth round of the deadly tournament. Nevertheless, what do they all signify in terms of the employees? What is the shape that was visible on the ground in the climactic episode of the squid game?

What does the Shape in the Squid Game Mean?

Circle

The employees with circle helmets typically hold the lowest positions. They are unable to communicate until a coworker with a higher position does so. After the participants are slain, they are tasked with removing the bodies.

The investigator Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-jun), who infiltrates the Game plant and poses as a worker, first dons a circular mask before switching to a square mask of a deceased employee.

Triangle

Employees wearing triangle masks appear to be of a higher status than those wearing circle masks, yet they still have to follow instructions from those wearing square masks.

Workers with triangular masks appear to have the power to shoot players when they fail the games with their pistols in hand.

Square

Out of all the employees wearing pink jumpsuits, those wearing square masks have the most power and report to the Front Man. They are permitted to operate the CCTV cameras placed throughout the game’s facilities. They also frequently converse with the players before the beginning of each round.

What is the Meaning of the Shape on the Ground in the Final Game?

The outline of the titular Squid game, also known as ojingeo, a Korean children’s game, is represented by the shape n on the ground in the final game.

The squid game, which takes its name from the shape of the diagram drawn on the floor, is required of the contestants in the sixth round of the competition. Those who have seen the most recent episode of Squid Game will be aware that Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-Jae) and Cho Sang-woo (Park Hae-soo) are the ones who advance to the game where they must play Squid. This, however, is a reference to the first episode where we saw them play it as kids.

Squid requires a triangle and a square, both with little circles on either end, drawn on the ground in a manner similar to how shapes are used to play games like hopscotch.

Players are split up into an offensive squad and a defense team to play the game. Up until they cut through the squid’s waist, the offensive squad can only move around while standing on one foot. The defense triumphs if they can force the attackers outside of the squid’s bounds, while the attack needs to tap the circle on the opposing side of the picture to win.

Why is Squid Game so Famous?

The “Squid Game” is well-liked and popular, no doubt. However, this is because it “exposes the reality of South Korean capitalist culture,” or, to put it another way, “a hellish horror where only money matters.” That is obviously extremely oversimplified; the Squid Game is much more than a straightforward horror film.

What is the Squid Game Symbol?

The Squid Game logo itself serves as the first important emblem. The triangle on top signifies the affluent who dominate the masses, while the rectangle represents the masses themselves. The people living in extreme poverty and debt are represented by the lowest circle. The elite who rule the globe is represented by the top triangle.

Is Squid Game Real?

The Squid Pastime was a well-known children’s game in Korea throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

The lethal tournament itself obviously may be fictional, but the games that make up the actual competition are real. Numerous games, including Red light, Green light, Marbles, Dalgona sweets, Tug of War, and Squid Game, among others, are depicted throughout the episodes. These games are popular with children not only in Korea but also in other parts of the world.

Squid Game Television Series- Overview

A divorced father and debt-ridden gambler Seong Gi-hun, who lives with his mother, is offered the chance. This change is basically to win a significant sum of money by participating in a series of children’s games. After accepting, he is sent to a mysterious place with 455 other players, all of whom are in dire straits financially. The players generally wear green tracksuits and are surrounded by masked guards in pink jumpsuits at all times. The games are being monitored by the Front Man, who on the other hand is dressed fully in black.

Players quickly learn that if they lose a game, they die, while their bodies are added to the 45.6 billion dollar jackpot. Hence, to try to outlast the games’ physical and mental challenges, Gi-hun forms alliances with other competitors including his boyhood buddy Cho Sang-woo and North Korean defector Kang Sae-byeok.

The Series

The show centers on a competition in which 456 contestants, all of whom are in dire financial straits, risk their lives playing a series of hazardous children’s games in exchange for 45.6 billion (US$35 million, €33 million, or £29 million as of a broadcast). The series’s name comes from a popular Korean board game of the same name. Hwang basically came up with the concept because of class division in South Korea and capitalism, as well as his own early life financial troubles.

Even though he wrote it in 2009, he wasn’t able to get a production firm interested in funding the project. However, he succeed when Netflix showed interest in it in 2019 as part of their push to increase their international content.

Launching and Awards

Therefore, on September 17, 2021, Squid Game was released over the world, and it immediately became a media sensation. It has more than doubled Bridgerton’s viewership in its first four weeks after its release. And as a result become Netflix’s most-watched series overall, with 1.65 billion viewing hours and 142 million new subscribers. O Yeong-su won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries, or Television Film for his work on the show, and Lee Jung-Jae and HoYeon Jung became the first Korean actors to win the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series, respectively.

The first season of the show was nominated for fourteen Primetime Emmy Awards. It was also nominated for Best Drama. This nevertheless was the first time a non-English language work had been nominated in this category. Jung-Jae also won the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama series. And at the same time is the first time an Asian actor had won this award for a non-English work.

The second season of the show, which was renewed in June 2022, is expected to air in late 2023 or early 2024. Netflix is also adapting Squid Game into a reality competition show where 456 contestants will vie for a sizable cash reward.

Cast and Characters

Main Cast

In the Squid Game, the player’s character is given a number, which is indicated by the number in parenthesis.

#1. Lee Jung-Jae playing Seong Gi-hun.

He’s a gambling addict and divorced chauffeur. He’s struggling to provide for his daughter and lives with his mother. The man generally plays the game in an effort to pay off his mountain of debt and establish his credibility as a provider. He is into this so that he might gain custody of his daughter before she and her mother and stepfather move to America.

#2. Park Hae-soo as Cho Sang-woo

The former head of an investment group at a stock brokerage firm. At Seoul National University, he was Gi-hun’s junior. However, because he’s wanted by the law for embezzling from his clients and running up huge debts due to poor investment decisions, he decides to join the game and play along to avoid capture.

#3. Wi Ha-Joon in the movie as Hwang Jun-ho

A police officer disguises himself as a security guard and sneaks inside the game to look for his missing sibling.

#4. HoYeon Jung as Kang Sae-byeok

A thief and defector from North Korea. She also gambles in order to hire a broker to bring her parents back from the other side of the border and to purchase a home for the three of them to share.

#5. Oh Yeong-su as Oh Il-nam

An elderly man who has a brain tumor but would rather play the game than wait to die in the real world.

#6. Heo Sung-tae as Jang Deok-su

A mobster who decides to play in order to pay off his huge gambling debt. This debt also includes money he stole from his employer and subordinates.

#7. Anupam Tripathi as Ali Abdul 

A migrant worker from Pakistan gets into action after his employer withholds his pay for months. He, therefore, enters the game so as to be able to provide for his young family.

#8. Kim Joo-ryeo as Han Mi-nyeo 

A  lady who is both forceful and aggressive. She doesn’t explain why she’s playing, she, however, does brag about being arrested five times for fraud, suggesting she’s a scam artist.

Recurring Cast

  • Byeong-gi (Yoo Sung-Joo): A doctor who colludes with bribed security personnel to sell off game-goers’ organs and gain insider knowledge about future competitions in exchange for monetary gain.
  • Ji-Yeong (Lee Yoo-mi): A young woman who has just been freed from prison for killing her abusive stepfather
  • Kim Si-Hyun as Player 242: Player 244 is a preacher who rediscovers his faith in the course of the game
  • Lee Sang-hee as Do Jung-soo: Do Jung-Soo is a former glassmaker
  • Kim Yun-tae as Player 069: Kim Yun-tae is another player in the game. However, he didn’t join the game alone but with his wife, Player 070
  • Lee Ji-ha as player 070: Player 070 is the wife of another participant, player 069. So, she joins the game along with her spouse.
  • Kwak Ja-hyoung as 278: He’s someone who joins hands with Deok-su and hence serves as a goon for him
  • Christian Lagahit as participant 276: A participant who is part of Seong Gi-hun’s Tug of War group after he decided to join his team.
  • Kim Young-ok as Oh Mal-soon; the mother of Gi-hun
  • Seong Ga-Yeong( Cho Ah-in) – Gi-hun’s daughter 
  • Kang Mal-geum as Kang Eun-Ji, ex-wife of Gi-hun and mother of Ga-Yeong
  •  Park Hye-jin as the mother of Sang-woo.
  • Park Si-wan as Kang Cheol, a brother to Sae- byeok’s

Guest Actors

  • Gong Yoo acts as a salesman, convincing people to join the Game.
  • Hwang In-ho (Lee Byung-hun), known as “The Front Man,” is in charge of the Squid Game.
  • Lee Jung-jun, as a guard
  • John D. Michaels – VIP1
  • Daniel C. Kennedy – VIP2
  • David Lee – VIP3
  • Geoffrey Giuliano – VIP4
  • Stephane Mot – VIP5
  • Michael Davis – VIP6

Casting

Lee Jung-Jae was chosen by Hwang to play Gi-hun in order to “destroy his charismatic image displayed in his prior performances,” according to Hwang.

While HoYeon Jung was wrapping up a shoot in Mexico and getting ready for New York Fashion Week, her new management team asked her to upload a video to audition for the series. Despite having low hopes because this was her first acting audition, Hwang remarked, “When I first saw her New York audition tape, I said to myself, “This is the girl we want.” She strikes me as being wild and untethered, like an untamed horse “.

Hwang remarked that it was challenging to find talented international performers in Korea when casting Ali Abdul. Anupam Tripathi was chosen because of his proficiency in Korean and his acting ability. Hwang had previously collaborated with Lee Byung Hun and Gong Yoo on his movies Silenced and The Fortress, respectively, and he asked both actors to play minor roles in Squid Game.

The non-Korean actors who live in Asia were chosen to play the VIPs; in the instance of Geoffrey Giuliano, whose past performance in Train to Busan Presents: Peninsula led to his selection for Squid Game, he played the VIP who interacted with Jun-ho.

Conclusion

Around the time the director of the show was growing up in Seoul in the 1970s and 1980s, Squid Game was a very well-liked children’s game in Korea. Children generally played the game inside a Squid-shaped board that had been drawn on the ground. It is divided into defense and offense.

The show is named after Squid Game, which, according to Squid Game director Hwang Dong-Hyuk, was “the most symbolic children’s game to depict the kind of society we live in today” and was also the time’s most physically demanding children’s game.

Squid Game on Netflix has become a global phenomenon. A show in which a group of people who are having financial difficulties decides to accept an offer to engage in many games in exchange for prize money. However, the outcomes of these games have the potential to be fatal in Korean television series.

Reference

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