The real-life violence that inspired Squid Game

Lee Jung-jae (right, pointing) played laid-off worker Seong Gi-hun in Squid Game. (Image: Netflix)

Sun, 29 Dec 2024

By Claire LeeA factory turned into a battlefield, riot police armed with tasers and an activist who spent 100 days atop a chimney – the unrest that inspired Netflix's most successful show has all the hallmarks of a TV drama.This month, the second season of Squid Game has been released. In the dystopian vision of South Korea, desperate people compete in deadly versions of traditional children's games for a massive cash prize.But while the show is a work of fiction, Hwang Dong-hyuk, its director and writer, has said the experie...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.
Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Work

For Pete's sake, will you please shut up and let me work!

Tips for politely fending off chatty co-workers so you can do what you're paid for.

The Washington Post 5:00am

World Opinion

Seriously, can’t AI think of better names for itself?

Product nomenclature, from the best (Ziploc) to the worst (Snödrottning).

The Wall Street Journal 5:00am

Seriously, can’t AI think of better names for itself?

On the Money

On the Money: Bishop's netball foray, Halbergs, and more

We break down a netball exhibition match and explore a Trans-Tasman rumour about NZME.

Dileepa Fonseka 22 Feb 2025

On the Money: Bishop's netball foray, Halbergs, and more

Sponsored

A taste of NZ luxury at 40,000ft

Singapore Airlines upgrades in-flight dining with Sid Sahrawat.

Singapore Airlines

Sponsored

Study NZ’s top MBA – on your terms

A world-class master's that fits around work and family life.

University of Aukland Business School

More Media

Markets

NZME confirms job cuts

About 30 roles are being cut from the NZ Herald newsroom, and several well-known journalistic names – including the political editor – have opted for voluntary redundancy.While the company has reduced the overall number of net redundancies from about 38 to 30, it still expects to...

Staff reporters 19 Feb 2025