Your social media feeds are almost certainly flooded with mentions of Netflix’s new hit series Squid Game. The Korean drama joined the streaming service just over a fortnight ago and is projected to be Netflix's biggest original show to date, surpassing Bridgerton. “We did not see that coming, in terms of its global popularity,” said Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos. 

This nine-episode thriller centres on 456 people, each of which is facing financial ruin and as a result feels as though they have nothing to lose. They are all targeted and presented with a mysterious opportunity to partake in a series of seemingly simple children’s games, like tug-of-war and Red Light, Green Light, to win an extremely large sum of money. What the contestants don’t initially know though, is that the losers of each game will be killed. 

As binge-worthy and impressively made as this K-drama is and the incredible reviews it has received, it’s worth noting that it certainly isn’t for everyone as it by no means shy’s away from violence. Perhaps what’s most impressive about this series though, is that people who wouldn’t typically enjoy shows of this kind can’t seem to turn it off. 

For those who have watched the series (the below content contains spoilers) we have rounded up 8 things you probably didn't already know about the dystopian thriller.

8 Fun Facts You Probably Didn't Know About Squid Game

1. The show took over 10 years to plan

In an interview with The Korea Times director Hwang Dong-hyuk shared that the concept for the K-drama came in 2008 and it was originally meant to be a feature film. The show's "unfamiliar and violent" plot resulted in it taking over a decade to be aired. Netflix announced plans for the series in September 2019.

2. Jung Ho-yeon (Kang Sae-byeok) is also a model

Jung Ho-yeon's portrayal of a North Korean defector and pickpocketer in this thriller series is stunning. Aside from her acting talent, the 27-year old has a well-established career as a model. Ho-yeon was named 'Korea's next top model' by Vogue and appeared on the fourth season of the TV series Korea's Next Top Model. She is currently the highest followed Korean actress on Instagram – with over 13 million followers and counting – and was also ranked as one of the "Top 50" fashion models by Models.com. 

3. The show had a different name

Before being dubbed 'Squid Game' the Netflix series was originally titled 'Round Six'. 

4. #SquidGame has taken over TikTok

To give some insight into just how big this show already is, the hashtag #SquidGame has already racked up over 25 billion views on TikTok.  

5. The complex stairs are metaphors for the game

One of the most impressive aspects of the show is the striking visuals. The iconic design of the staircase was modelled after the famous M.C. Escher lithograph titled "Relativity" which depicts a world in which the normal laws of gravity do not apply. While the stairs in Squid Game follow the rules of gravity, the bold hues and complex layout reflect the absurdity of the world in which the contestants are living and how the rules of the real world don't apply. 

6. SPOILER: The walls in the players' room foreshadow the games

An easter egg you likely missed is the graphics behind the bunkbeds in the room where the 456 players sleep. Behind the metal bunk beds was the answer to what games the players would play throughout the six days, and they became increasingly visible as players were killed and beds were removed.

7. Several elements were drawn from real-life inspirations

Thankfully we aren't referring to the more grotesque parts of the show.  In an interview with Radiotimes.com, Hwang Dong-hyuk drew his inspiration from Japanese manga and anime, including Battle Royale and Liar Game. The creator told that the theme of survival resonated with him during a tough financial situation and the show draws upon the competition modern capitalist society encourages. 

The interview also revealed that the title Squid Game was inspired by his childhood. “Squid Game is a game I used to play as a child in the schoolyard or the streets of the neighbourhood,” he shared. “This is a story about people who used to play this game as children and return to play it as adults."

8. You can visit the doll from episode one 

After watching the show many of you will want to stay as far away from this sinister doll as possible. But for those who are keen for a photo op when restrictions are lifted, you can find the prop in Jincheon County, a rural area around three hours north of Seoul.

Looking for more shows to stream this month? Here are 8 Fresh TV Shows to Binge-Watch in October