Filipino creatives could learn from 'Squid Game'
THE global success of the South Korean drama series, "Squid Game," reminds us of the possibilities for earning economic returns that our own creatives can also hope to realize. Plus, the movie shows how an Asian country can bolster its soft power through art and culture.
The movie's achievements can be quantified in monetary terms. It has earned some $900 million. Not bad since the Netflix original only took $21 million to make. And according to reports, that movie even reversed the gloomy outlook for Netflix's stock price.
Other firms also enjoyed a windfall. Sales of the white slip-on Vans worn by the "Squid Game" contestants rose 7,800 percent, according to a report citing Sole Supplier. And demand for the track suits worn on the show rose between 35 percent and 147 percent.
Financial measures, however, capture only part of the movie's impact. "Squid Game" has influenced American popular culture, as evidenced by Halloween costumes inspired by that dystopian story that is part social commentary about income inequality. Because of its violent content though, those Halloween outfits are discouraged by some parents.
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Meanwhile, cast members appear on popular American nighttime shows even though they barely speak English. And parodies of the plot have shown up on television commercials. Clearly, "Squid Game" bolsters South Korea's influence on global culture.
See more at: https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/10/31/opinion/editorial/filipino-creatives-could-learn-from-squid-game/1820394