While Squid Game viewers have long wondered about the meaning of the triangle, square, and circle shapes that regularly appear in the series, program creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has given a definitive answer to such fan queries. In a recent discussion, the renowned filmmaker disclosed what prompted him to use such symbols in Squid Game, while also expanding upon their relevance to the real world.
Hwang Dong-hyuk on what triangle, square, and circle shapes mean in Squid Game
During a recent press conference, Hwang Dong-hyuk explained the meaning of the shapes that feature extensively in Squid Game, noting that he thought of the symbols when he first conceptualized the idea for the South Korean series.
“Those are actually the shapes that first came to mind when I first conceived the idea… because I was quite literally thinking of myself as a kid… and the circle, triangle, square is exactly what you [draw] on the ground,” Hwang Dong-hyuk remarked. (via Dexerto)
Notably, the shapes make up an essential part of the narrative that Squid Game has established across its three seasons. Aside from featuring on the guards’ masks, on the Dalgona cookies, as well as on the card that Gong Yoo’s character handed out while recruiting players, the symbols also constituted the arena of the final game in Season 1.
During the discussion, Hwang Dong-hyuk also described the Squid Game symbols’ connection to the real world, stating that the shapes actually “represent the limitless competition in late capitalism.” He added, “It’s used in our show to show the different classes among the master guards. I just think that these simple and fundamental geometric shapes… came to symbolize our show, as well as some of the issues that we face in current society.”
While the Squid Game franchise will continue to expand with the help of an upcoming spin-off, fans will have to bid goodbye to Seong Gi-hun’s story in Season 3. The final installment in the critically acclaimed South Korean series is now available for streaming on Netflix.
