PETALING JAYA: “Squid Game” is taking the world by storm.
Directed by South Korean film director and screenwriter Hwang Dong-hyuk, the drama series involves hundreds of contestants who are competing for a top prize but who suffer deadly consequences when they lose.
Since its launch on Sept 17, it has become the first Korean drama to clinch the top spot on Netflix in the US, and elements from the series have been incorporated into events and business ventures around the world.
In Malaysia, RapidKL recently used a scene from the series to promote the use of their cards instead of tokens for train rides. And there are other local business owners who have been inspired by their love for this groundbreaking series.
Mohammad Farid Omar, 34, is the owner of Fixology Printing Studio in Ulu Kelang, Selangor. A lover of thrillers, he got hooked on the series and even began a Telegram group called “‘Squid Game’ Fans Malaysia”.
“I find the series to be very realistic compared to superhero movies. It illustrates the importance of being able to manage debt, while showing money can’t buy happiness,” he tells FMT.
He acknowledges that the programme is more suited to an above-18 audience due to the gruesome nature of certain scenes.
Inspired by the series, Farid, who is also a content creator on TikTok, has begun selling custom “Squid Game”-themed apparel. Sales, he says, have been encouraging.
“Most of my customers are young people from Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia, who enjoy wearing the apparel when they are out and about or taking photos for social media,” he says.
Given the violence in some sequences, one might assume the series’ fans are primarily male. According to Farid, however, at least 30% of the members in his Telegram group are female.
In fact, love for “Squid Game” could be a family affair as his wife, Kazimah Kassim, is also a big fan.
“The first time I watched it, it was pretty scary for me. But after the first round I wasn’t scared anymore, and I ended up viewing it more than once with my siblings who didn’t want to watch it alone,” the 33-year-old laughs.
“The show depicts how those who are desperate can be willing to do anything, and that is why it is important for people to manage their finances well.”
All races, young and old
Akmal Anassabil, the owner of Titastore in Kajang, finished watching all nine episodes in one night.
“I find the series to be very unique and there are lessons we can learn from it. It shows just how important money is in society and the value humans place on material things,” he says, adding, like Farid, that the show is not suitable for younger viewers.
The 38-year-old has drawn inspiration from the series to produce “Squid Game” button badges, which are now one of the top-selling products in his store on the Shopee online shopping platform.
“Within 30 minutes of listing the button badges on Shopee, the sales volume was impressive. My customers are from the young and middle-aged group, mainly Malaysians of different races,” he shares.
According to Akmal, Titastore is the first business to sell themed button badges on Shopee. The store also sells non-“Squid” merchandise such as stickers, hats and lanyards.
A quick browse on Shopee and Lazada reveals that “Squid Game” mania is well and alive on these platforms. Themed products from other sellers include marbles, biscuits and masks.
Not to be left out, Netflix has also launched official merchandise in their e-commerce shop. There are, however, only a limited variety of items, and these are only available in the US at the moment.
‘Squid Game’ fans can check out Farid’s online store here and Akmal’s store here.
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiggFodHRwczovL3d3dy5mcmVlbWFsYXlzaWF0b2RheS5jb20vY2F0ZWdvcnkvbGVpc3VyZS9lbnRlcnRhaW5tZW50LzIwMjEvMTAvMTAvaG93LXNxdWlkLWdhbWUtaXMtaW5zcGlyaW5nLWJ1c2luZXNzLXNhdnZ5LW1hbGF5c2lhbnMv0gEA?oc=5
2021-10-09 23:30:40Z
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