The new K-drama thriller “Squid Game” is the first Korean series to rank No. 1 in Netflix U.S. most-watched and also occupies one of the top two spots in more than 70 other countries and territories’ Netflix platforms.
Topping the charts: According to the streaming analytics company FlixPatrol, the hit series beat out the popular British teen drama “Sex Education” which previously maintained the top position on the U.S. chart for its season 3 premiere, reported Korea JoongAng Daily.
- On the global chart, “Squid Game” has secured the No. 2 spot overall.
- The drama leads with the No.1 position in 21 other countries and territories and is No. 2 in 50 others, according to Manila Bulletin.
- While “Squid Game” has become the streaming giant’s most popular K-drama, the drama “Sweet Home,” came close in December, taking the third leading position on the U.S. chart.
About the drama: Starring top South Korean actors and models including Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Jung Ho-yeon, Wi Ha-joon and Lee Byung-hyun, with a cameo appearance from Gong Yoo, the drama follows the story of 456 players fighting for the top prize of 45.6 billion Won in a deadly game.
- Director Hwang Dong-hyuk said he’d started working on the show in 2008 after being “mesmerized” by survival games and wanting to create a Korean version.
- He told The Korea Herald that the project was initially shelved before picking it back up for Netflix. “The idea of a game winner who strikes it rich was unwelcomed [back then]. The brutality and cruelty of the games were of concern.”
- With the show’s release, the director hoped that viewers would be able to seek relief from the competition and pressures of everyday life.
- The show has received critical acclaim from all over the world despite some accusations of plagiarism, scoring 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.3 out of 10 rating on IMDB.
Featured Image via Netflix
