Is Squid Game Based On A True Story? Answered

Squid Game is not based on a real story and is not inspired by an actual event.
Hwang Dong-hyuk stated that the idea of Squid Game came to his mind from reading Manga and watching Japanese animations.
Squid Game Season 2 will be released on Netflix on December 26, 2024.

Themes like battle royale have caught massive influence in recent times majorly because of video games. However, in 2021 when Netflix came out with Squid Game, the show encapsulated the thrill and essence of a battle royale mixed with the twisted adaptation of children’s games, and the next thing you know, Squid Game became one of the most successful releases in 2021. So, the theme itself begs the question, is Squid Game based on a true story? Let’s find out.

No, Squid Game Is Not Based on a True Story

Image Credit: Netflix (via Tudum)

Considering how twisted and inhumane the concept of Squid Game is, you would be happy to know (I hope you are) that Squid Game is not based on a true story . The concept of this show is inspired by Manga and Anime.

The creator of Squid Game, Hwang Dong-hyuk while speaking with The Hollywood Reporter explained how the idea of creating such a show came to him. He explained how his financial troubles became the reason for the idea of this show. He elaborated-

“So back in 2008, I had a script that I had written, which I was running around with trying to get investment, but it didn’t work out and it wasn’t made into a movie. That actually put me into a really difficult financial situation — I was broke. So I spent a lot of time killing time in comic book cafes, reading. And I read a lot of comic books revolving around surviving death games — manga like Liar Game, Kaiji and Battle Royale.” – Hwang Dong-hyuk

Hwang further said that these stories where people neck deep in debt put themselves willingly in life-or-death situations to have a chance of clearing their debts became quite intriguing for him. He also admitted that if then he had the chance to participate in such an event, he would happily do it.

“And well, I read some stories about these indebted people entering into these life-and-death games, and that became really immersive for me because I was struggling financially myself. I was even thinking that I would love to join a game like that, if it existed, to make a bunch of cash and get out of this terrible situation.” – Hwang Dong-hyuk

Hwang Dong-hyuk also had an interview with Variety , where he admitted that Japanese animation and comics were a major inspiration for Squid Game but the games featured in them were a bit too complicated for him so, he went with what he was comfortable that is, children’s games he was familiar with.

“I freely admit that I’ve had great inspiration from Japanese comics and animation over the years. When I started, I was in financial straits myself and spent much time in cafes reading comics including Battle Royale and Liar Game I came to wonder how I’d feel if I took part in the games myself. But I found the games too complex, and for my own work focused instead on using kids’ games.”

Is Squid Game Based on a True Story? Answered - 2

Shashank Shakya is an entertainment writer at Beebom. He has completed his Bachelors (Honors) in English Literature and is a published author. Shashank boasts incomparable knowledge about the Marvel and DC universe, along with other branches of entertainment with substantial experience in the field of writing.

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Squid Game: America will begin filming on February 26, 2026.
This update came to us via a listing made on the Film and Television Industry Alliance, where David Fincher is also listed as the director.
As of now, we don’t have a tentative release date for Squid Game: America

Netflix has given us probably the most successful battle royale show of all time with Squid Game, and it might have been slightly disappointing for fans to watch it end with its final season. Even though the series has come to an end, the Game will live on with its spinoffs, and the first one in line is none other than the much-anticipated spinoff set in the USA, titled Squid Game: America is now confirmed to begin filming in 2026, and here is everything you need to know about this update.

Squid Game: America to Start Filming in February 2026

A Crew Member in Squid Game Season 3 - 11

Image Credit: Netflix (via YouTube/Netflix, screenshot by Shashank Shakya/Beebom)

It has come to light that Squid Game: America is set to begin filming in February 2026, in Los Angeles . This reveal came to us via a listing on the Film and Television Industry Alliance website , where a filming date is mentioned to be February 26, 2026.

The listing of the TV show includes several names, including David Fincher listed as the director, original Squid Game director Hwang Dong-hyuk, and producer Kim Ji-yeon as producers, Dennis Kelly as screenwriter, and the only cast member mentioned on the webpage as of now is Cate Blanchett, whom we saw in the Squid Game finale post-credit scene . The new webpage also comes with a brief description that reads-

“A US version of the Korean hit series, the spinoff is set in the same world but we get to see how the games are handled in America.”

So, as of now, the only thing we know is that this series will pick up exactly where the final season of Squid Game ended, where we saw the recruiter, played by Cate Blanchett, playing ddakji with a man. It’s hard to say if we will see any returning characters with this one.

Is Squid Game Based on a True Story? Answered - 12

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Squid Game was the first survival TV show to become hugely popular in 2021. It quickly surpassed even the most popular shows on Netflix and became the most-watched series on the platform. Now that the saga has ended on a tear-jerking note, I’m pretty sure there are fans who would want to know what other shows have the audacity to give the same feel. Well, here, I’ve listed five of the best TV Shows like Squid Game that can fill the void.

1. Alice in Borderland

Image Credit: Robot Communications Inc. (via YouTube/Netflix, Screenshot By Aparna Ukil/Beebom)

Release Date: December 10, 2020
Director: Shinsuke Sato
Cast: Kento Yamazaki, Tao Tsuchiya, Nijirō Murakami, Ayaka Miyoshi, Aya Asahina, Dori Sakurada, Sho Aoyagi, Riisa Naka, Yuri Tsunematsu, Hayato Isomura

Alice in Borderland is one of the must-watch shows for everyone who liked Squid Game. Despite boasting a different narrative style and themes, this survival thriller drama series shares way more similarities with Squid Game than any other show in existence.

Like Squid Game, Alice in Borderland also forces its characters to participate in deadly games. However, the only difference here is that the one to survive in the Squid Game will go home with the huge cash prize that will give them financial freedom, while in Alice in Borderland, the characters get to extend their visas by winning the game. Squid Game makes players play some childhood games with deadly twists, and Alice in Borderland makes its characters go through some of the most complex games that test their intellect, physical strength, decision-making, and more.

Alice in Borderland Season 1 was released before the pilot season of Squid Game, but it didn’t receive the initial traction it deserved due to a lack of marketing. However, the success of Squid Game popularized the genre, and AIB got the attention it deserved. It has blessed us with two seasons so far, and the third season is set to be released on September 25, 2025.

2. The 8 Show

Image Courtesy: Netflix

Release Date: May 17, 2024
Director: Han Jae-rim
Cast: Ryu Jun-yeol, Chun Woo-hee, Park Jeong-min, Lee Yul-eum, Park Hae-joon, Lee Joo-young, Moon Jeong-hee, Bae Seong-woo

In Squid Game, we see 456 players forced to play the life-or-death games; on the other side, The 8 Show features only eight players who must do everything to win the game of survival. With each round, they are rewarded with more time to live. Both TV shows shed light on wealth disparity and human desperation. They particularly illustrate what extreme pressure does to an ordinary person.

The thriller series was released in 2024 and mostly garnered positive reviews. It also remained on Netflix’s Top 10 chart for three consecutive weeks.

3. Death’s Game

Image Credit: Saram Entertainment (YouTube/ Prime Video Singapore, Screenshot by Aparna Ukil/Beebom)

Release Date: December 15, 2023
Director: Ha Byung-hoon
Cast: Seo In-guk, Park So-dam

Death’s Game and Squid Game are polar opposites, but again, it is a television series that comes from a South Korean production, and it also explores themes of societal pressure, survival, and morality. When the main protagonist Choi Yee-jae loses all hope and tries to commit suicide, Death itself stops him.

The invisible supernatural entity then punishes him by giving him 12 chances to live his life. If he fails to survive in even one of his lives, he will be sent to hell, and if he prevents his death, even if in his one lifetime, he can continue living his ordinary life.

4. All Of Us Are Dead

Image Credit: Kim Jong-hak Production (YouTube/Netflix, Screenshot By Aparna Ukil/Beebom)

Release Date: January 28, 2022
Director: Lee Jae-kyoo and Kim Nam-soo
Cast: Park Ji-hu, Yoon Chan-young, Cho Yi-hyun, Lomon

Regardless, All of Us Are Dead and Squid Game are both set in Korea, which allows international fans to become familiar with the country’s culture.

5. 3%

Image Credit: Boutique Films (YouTube/ Netflix, Screenshot by Aparna Ukil / Beebom)

Release Date: November 25, 2016
Director: César Charlone, Daina Giannecchini, Dani Libardi, Jotagá Crema, Philippe Barcinski
Cast: João Miguel, Bianca Comparato, Michel Gomes, Rodolfo Valente, Cynthia Senek, Vaneza Oliveira, Rafael Lozano, Viviane Porto

The first season of 3% was released in 2016, and it was the first Portuguese-language original television series on Netflix. Like Squid Game, this series also explored the themes of classism, wealth disparity, and survival.

3% takes place in a dystopian world that is divided into two parts: ‘Inland’ and ‘Offshore’. The former side includes the poor class, while the latter consists of the elite. So, the 20-year-olds of the Inshore are pushed to go through some tests that will decide their fate. Only 3% who pass the tests get to join the rich, while the ones who fail stay behind to spend their lives in poverty and face dire situations.

Is Squid Game Based on a True Story? Answered - 18

Aparna is a Senior Entertainment Writer at Beebom with 4 years of experience in the industry. Specializing in Jujutsu Kaisen and everything horror, she brings in-depth insights and a passion for storytelling to her coverage. Recently, she has interviewed Abby Trott, the voice actress behind Demon Slayer’s Nezuko and Dandadan’s Momo. She has also interviewed Adam McArthur, the one to voice Yuji Itadori in JJK, delivering exclusive content for fans. Previously, she contributed her expertise to some notable publications including Sportskeeda, Dexerto, and Forever Geek, honing her craft in entertainment journalism.

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