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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider A real-life 'Squid Game' took place in Abu Dhabi

A real-life 'Squid Game' took place in Abu Dhabi

Published Oct 14, 2021 04:12 pm

No worries! What they did was definitely child’s play

It’s official, Netflix’s newest Korean series “Squid Game” is a global phenomenon!

After the rise of Dalgona candy demand, urban sighting of its creepy doll, and becoming the most-watched show on the streaming platform, “Squid Game” is now being done in real life—fortunately, without the violence and bloodshed.

Photo from @kcc_uae on Instagram

Last Oct. 12, 2021, the survival drama was recreated in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through an event hosted by the Korean Cultural Center (KCC). No face slapping or paper flipping, 15 players, all UAE residents, were selected based on their basic knowledge of the Netflix show. To give them the complete experience, they were made to wear T-shirts with the “Squid Game” logo and player number, while the staff donned the pink guard uniform with black face covers with a circle, triangle, and square markings.

The two-session event allowed them to try out the games presented in the series, which includes red light green light, Dalgona candy challenge, marbles, and Ddakji. “The games seem a bit brutal in the series to maximize the dramatic element. However, all the games in the show are popular ones played by Korean children from past to present. KCC would like the people in the UAE to learn more about Korean culture by participating in the event.,” Nam Chan-woo, director of the KCC, told Khaleej Times.

As for the prize for winning the games, a whopping 45.6 billion won reward was not mentioned on the KCC website. But according to Insider, each winner was expected to be given a customized green tracksuit.

Related Tags

Korean Cultural Center Squid Game UAE Netflix Arts and Culture
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