You Can Win $4.56 Million In This Real-Life 'Squid Game'

Netflix is recruiting 456 participants to play a real-life “Squid Game” as it announced that it had officially received a go signal to make a reality series based on the infamous dystopian Korean drama. The prize at stake? $4.56 million.

However, unlike the murderous series, it would not be a life-or-death situation. The creators assured that the worst thing that could happen is to go home empty-handed.

“Squid Game: The Challenge” would be a 10-episode series that would be composed of one of the biggest casts and cash prizes in reality TV history.

"As players compete through a series of games inspired by the original show - plus surprising new additions - their strategies, alliances, and character will be put to the test while competitors are eliminated around them," Netflix said.

Participants would have to be at least 21 years old, can speak in English and are willing to spend four weeks on set. The new reality show would start filming in early 2023, although the location has not yet been disclosed.

Fans of the popular show were quick to point out the possible message of the irony in translating the tragic scenes into reality television, says Variety. Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator of the series, contested this, urging fans to not “take things too seriously.”

He added he had met with the creator of the spinoff hoping “they will be carrying on my vision and intention as much as possible for the show.”

The upcoming reality TV show was addressed by Hwang on Monday night during the Emmys, where “Squid Game” bagged a handful of awards.

Hwang won best directing for a drama series for its pilot episode, “Red Light, Green Light” where the famous chant, “mugunghwa kkoci pieot seumnida!” was learned by thousands of people around the world.

One of its stars Lee Jung-jae who played the character Seong Gi-hun became the first Asian actor to ever win the best actor award in a drama.

“Squid Game” holds the record as Netflix’s most popular series of all time with over 1.65 billion view hours in its first 28 days after it premiered in September 2021.

The drama was officially renewed for a second season on June 12, 2022, and Hwang and Netflix confirmed their collaboration once again for a whole new game.