Squid Games’ soul-wrenching themes and an amazing cinematography helped it rise to prominence within no time. However, it isn’t made for everyone. So, if you have children, this Squid Games parents guide will give you an insight into why your child should not be watching the series without your permission.
An Overview of the Famous K-drama
Korean dramas have taken the world by storm. While most of them are lighthearted and fun to watch, the makers are slowly shifting to other genres. If we take a look at one of the highly talked about K-dramas of all time – Squid Games, we have a lot to discuss.
The story revolves around 465 people belonging to different age groups and classes. While half of them are under heavy debt, the others are looking for a way to make quick money. They get a chance to participate in a series of games that have a huge prize money. However, they are unaware of the fact that losing the game could cost their lives.
The players can be seen wearing green tracksuits and are constantly monitored by guards in pink tracksuits. In addition to that, there is an in-charge of the game – The Front Man, dressed in a black outfit and mask.
Fast forward to the last episode, there are three finalists who are treated with a delicious dinner. After the dinner is over, they are left with a knife so that they can kill the weakest amongst the three before the final game.
Why is Squid Game Rated MA?
Squid Game was quick to become the top viewed television series upon its release back in 2021. While it focuses highly on capitalism and class divides, there are several other elements which make Squid Game a little too triggering for kids.
These include usage of drugs and alcohol, profanity, and violence. Therefore, as per the television guidelines the show is specifically for mature adults making it unsuitable for children under the age of seventeen.
Is There Nudity in Squid Game?
Squid Game broke several records; all for the right reasons. However, this doesn’t mean that kids should be allowed to watch this series. While there is less to moderate nudity in Squid Games, it is still considered a bad influence on their developing mind. Additionally, there are some violent sexual themes which also make it a big no-no for underage children.
If we talk about other inappropriate themes, you will find severe violent scenes including hanging dead bodies, display of organs like heart, and people being stabbed and killed. Not only that, but there are several other intense scenes which may have a terrible impact on your kid.
Actors in Squid Game
While there are 456 players taking part in the contest, the main cast comprises ten supremely talented actors. Let’s take a look at what they had to offer in the series.
Remember Lee Jung-jae from Keanu Reeves’ Lake House? He plays the role of Seong Gi-hun, a divorced gambling addict in the series. Park Hae-soo appears as Cho Sang-woo who is in the police radar for stealing from his clients. Next up we have HoYeon Jung who rose to fame with Korea’s Next Top Model. She was cast as Kang Sae-byeok who gets killed by Sang-woo. (Well, murder was a reason enough for us to write this parents guide on Squid Game!)
You will also see some non-Korean actors in the series including Anupam Tripathi, who got his breakthrough from Squid Game. Additionally, the role of The Front Man is played by Lee Byung-hun who has appeared in some of the highest grossing Korean movies.
Is There Anything Positive that You Can Take From the Series?
While curating this parental guide on Squid Game, we focused on why your child should not be exposed to this television series too early in his life. However, there are some excellent life lessons that one can take from the show.
Firstly, money is important but not at the cost of losing your life. Secondly, greed can only lead to destruction. Every character lands in the game just to win money. However, by the end only one emerges victorious while the others face the wrath of death and destruction.
We also learn the importance of being careful before putting our trust in somebody and the dreadful consequences of addiction.
Squid Games Parents Guide – Final Verdict
Squid Games has a whole different fan base. People from all over the world have been bingeing on this show. However, it just isn’t appropriate for young people. The violence, language, and explicit content is all for a mature audience that knows the difference between right and wrong.
As a parent you cannot be present near your children 24×7 to monitor what they are upto. However, there are a few boundaries you can set up and explain the consequences of their actions. If you children have been trying to watch Squid Game, give them a summary along with the lessons that you may have learnt from the series. It will help you build trust with your child and prevent him or her from indulging in activities that may influence them badly.
We hope this Squid Games parents guide was helpful for you!
