The “Squid Game” series has officially concluded its epic run. As the most successful Korean series of all time, “Squid Game” ignited a global phenomenon, sweeping awards at prestigious international ceremonies and setting numerous unprecedented records.
Netflix announced on June 29th that the combined cumulative watch time for “Squid Game” Seasons 1 and 2 has reached an astonishing 3.5853 billion hours. Season 1 amassed 2.2052 billion hours within its first 91 days, while Season 2 accumulated 1.3801 billion hours.
Remarkably, Seasons 1 and 2 continue to hold the top two spots as Netflix’s most-watched non-English series of all time. Season 2’s impressive debut week racked up 487.6 million hours, surpassing the previous record of 448.73 million hours set by its predecessor.
A Trailblazer in Awards and Global Influence
“Squid Game” Season 1, which won the Breakthrough Series – Long Form award at the 2021 Gotham Awards, made history the following year by claiming its first trophy at the Emmy Awards, the highest honor in American television. “Squid Game” was the first non-English language work to be nominated in 13 categories, including Outstanding Drama Series, ultimately securing six wins, including Outstanding Directing and Outstanding Lead Actor.
Season 2 broke new ground even before its release, earning an extraordinary nomination for Best Television Series – Drama at the American Golden Globe Awards. At the Critics Choice Awards, Season 2 followed in Season 1’s footsteps by winning Best Foreign Language Series. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, who helmed both seasons, was also honored with a Career Achievement Award at the Gotham Awards.
A Cultural Phenomenon Beyond the Screen
The “Squid Game” craze catapulted the show’s games and Korean culture into global popularity. Dalgona candy making kits and the iconic green tracksuits worn by the game participants flew off the shelves worldwide. Korean children’s games like “Red Light, Green Light” (Mugunghwa Kkoci Pieot Seumnida) and the background music from the marble game, the children’s song “Round and Round” (Dunggeulge Dunggeulge), went viral across social media platforms globally.
Large-scale events allowing fans to experience the drama’s games firsthand were also held around the world. A Netflix representative stated, “‘Squid Game: The Experience,’ which allows fans to become participants in the game, has received an enthusiastic response in Seoul, as well as New York, London, Madrid, Sydney, and other cities.” They added, “We anticipate over 500,000 visitors this summer.”
