7 Squid Game References in K-pop Music Videos
Spotting the Iconic Show's Influence
Squid Game has made a significant impact on popular culture since its release, influencing various forms of media including music videos. The hit Netflix series has captured the imagination of audiences worldwide, inspiring artists across different genres to incorporate elements from the show into their work.
K-pop, known for its innovative and visually striking music videos, has embraced Squid Game's iconic imagery and themes. Several K-pop artists have integrated recognizable symbols, costumes, and game concepts from Squid Game into their music videos, creating intriguing connections between the two cultural phenomena. These references range from subtle nods to more overt homages, demonstrating the show's widespread influence on the entertainment industry.
1) BTS's 'Permission to Dance' - Red Light, Green Light scene
During BTS's "Permission to Dance On Stage" concert series, Jin surprised fans with a playful nod to the popular Netflix series Squid Game. The singer styled his hair in pigtails, mimicking the iconic doll from the show's "Red Light, Green Light" game.
Jin's appearance sparked an impromptu performance on stage. His fellow BTS members joined in, singing the eerie tune from the Squid Game scene. They acted as if they were participants in the deadly game, adding a lighthearted twist to their concert.
The audience quickly recognized the reference, creating an exciting moment of connection between the group and their fans. This unexpected Squid Game tribute showcased BTS's ability to incorporate current pop culture trends into their performances.
Jin's creativity in adapting his look for the concert demonstrated the group's attention to detail and willingness to surprise their audience. The short skit added an element of fun and spontaneity to the highly anticipated concert series.
2) BLACKPINK's 'How You Like That' - Pink Soldiers masks
BLACKPINK's music video for "How You Like That" features a subtle nod to Squid Game's iconic Pink Soldiers. In one scene, the group's members wear pink masks reminiscent of those worn by the guards in the hit Netflix series.
The masks appear briefly but unmistakably, covering the lower half of the members' faces. Their bright pink color stands out against the darker outfits and background, drawing viewers' attention.
This reference is particularly interesting given that "How You Like That" was released in 2020, predating Squid Game's 2021 debut. It showcases the interconnectedness of Korean pop culture and how certain visual elements can become iconic.
The use of these masks adds an element of mystery and intrigue to BLACKPINK's already visually stunning music video. It demonstrates the group's ability to incorporate trendy elements into their performances, even before those trends fully emerge.
3) TWICE's 'The Feels' - Dalgona candy challenge
TWICE's music video for "The Feels" features a clever nod to the dalgona candy challenge from Squid Game. In one scene, the members are shown carefully extracting shapes from candy discs, mirroring the intense second game from the popular Netflix series.
The dalgona candy, also known as ppopgi or honeycomb toffee, is a traditional Korean sweet treat. It gained worldwide attention after its appearance in Squid Game, where contestants had to carefully remove a pre-stamped shape from the brittle candy without breaking it.
In TWICE's video, the members are seen using needles to delicately carve out various shapes from the candy. This reference adds a playful and trendy element to the music video, connecting it to the global phenomenon of Squid Game.
The inclusion of this challenge in "The Feels" demonstrates TWICE's ability to incorporate current pop culture trends into their content. It also highlights the widespread influence of Squid Game on entertainment and media across different formats.
4) ITZY's 'LOCO' - Squid Game tracksuit outfits
ITZY's music video for 'LOCO' featured outfits reminiscent of the iconic green tracksuits from Squid Game. The girl group wore stylish adaptations of the players' uniforms, incorporating elements of the show's costume design into their K-pop aesthetic.
The tracksuits in 'LOCO' maintained the vibrant green color associated with Squid Game, but were tailored to fit ITZY's energetic performance style. The outfits featured cropped tops and form-fitting pants, allowing for greater mobility during dance sequences.
ITZY's costume designers added trendy details to distinguish their tracksuits from the original Squid Game versions. Zippers, pockets, and strategically placed cut-outs gave the outfits a more fashion-forward appearance while still preserving the core look.
This clever nod to Squid Game in ITZY's music video demonstrates the widespread influence of the show on popular culture. By incorporating elements from the series into their visual concept, ITZY tapped into the global phenomenon while maintaining their signature style.
5) SEVENTEEN's 'Rock With You' - Squid Game-themed set
SEVENTEEN's music video for "Rock With You" features a set design reminiscent of the popular Netflix series Squid Game. The visual elements draw inspiration from the show's iconic aesthetic.
In certain scenes, the members perform choreography in a space with geometric shapes and vibrant colors similar to those seen in Squid Game. The backdrop incorporates circular, triangular, and square motifs that echo the symbols used in the series.
The lighting design also plays a crucial role in creating a Squid Game-like atmosphere. Neon hues and stark contrasts between light and shadow evoke the tense mood of the show's deadly competitions.
While the music video doesn't directly reference Squid Game's plot or characters, the visual parallels are unmistakable to fans familiar with the series. This subtle nod adds an extra layer of intrigue to SEVENTEEN's high-energy performance.
By incorporating these design elements, SEVENTEEN taps into the global popularity of Squid Game while maintaining their own distinct musical style and concept. The result is a visually striking music video that captures viewers' attention.
6) ATEEZ's 'Deja Vu' - Umbrella symbolism
ATEEZ's music video for "Deja Vu" features a subtle nod to Squid Game through its use of umbrella imagery. The video shows members holding umbrellas in various scenes, reminiscent of the iconic dalgona challenge from the popular Netflix series.
In one striking shot, an ATEEZ member stands alone holding a red umbrella. This visual echoes the red-suited guards from Squid Game, who carried similar umbrellas. The color red plays a significant role in both the music video and the show's aesthetics.
The umbrella's shape also mirrors the triangle symbol associated with Squid Game's guards. This clever incorporation of familiar elements creates a sense of unease and intrigue for viewers familiar with the series.
While not explicitly referencing Squid Game, ATEEZ's use of umbrellas adds depth to the music video's mysterious atmosphere. It demonstrates how K-pop artists draw inspiration from popular culture to enhance their visual storytelling.
7) STAYC's 'Stereotype' - Marbles game reference
STAYC's music video for "Stereotype" features a subtle nod to the marbles game from Squid Game. In one scene, the members are seen playing with colorful marbles, reminiscent of the high-stakes challenge in the Netflix series.
The marbles in the video appear briefly, but their inclusion is significant given the popularity of Squid Game at the time of the song's release. The game in the show required players to win their opponent's marbles to survive.
STAYC's use of marbles creates an interesting contrast with the song's upbeat melody and empowering message. It adds a layer of complexity to the video's visuals, blending childhood innocence with a more serious undertone.
The reference is cleverly integrated without overshadowing the main concept of the music video. It serves as a cultural touchstone, connecting the K-pop world with the global phenomenon of Squid Game.
This subtle inclusion demonstrates how K-pop music videos often incorporate current trends and pop culture references to engage viewers and add depth to their visual storytelling.
Cultural Significance of Squid Game References
Squid Game references in K-pop music videos reflect the show's immense cultural impact and global popularity. These nods to the series resonate with fans and demonstrate K-pop's ability to tap into current trends.
Impact on Audience Engagement
Squid Game references in K-pop videos boost viewer engagement and generate excitement. Fans eagerly search for Easter eggs and hidden symbols, sparking discussions on social media platforms. This interactive element encourages repeated viewings and deeper analysis of music videos.
Groups like BLACKPINK and BTS have incorporated Squid Game-inspired visuals, resulting in millions of additional views. The familiar imagery creates an instant connection with audiences, bridging the gap between K-dramas and K-pop.
Music video directors often use subtle nods to the series, such as:
Dalgona candy shapes
Green tracksuits
Red light, green light games
These references serve as a shorthand for themes of competition and survival, adding layers of meaning to the videos' narratives.
Cross-Cultural Appeal
Squid Game references in K-pop videos highlight the series' universal themes and global reach. By incorporating elements from the show, K-pop artists tap into a shared cultural experience that transcends language barriers.
This cross-pollination of Korean entertainment forms strengthens the overall appeal of Hallyu (Korean Wave) content worldwide. It demonstrates how different aspects of Korean pop culture can work together to create a more cohesive and recognizable brand.
International fans who may not be fluent in Korean can still appreciate these visual cues, fostering a sense of inclusivity. This approach helps K-pop groups expand their fanbase beyond traditional markets and connect with diverse audiences around the world.
Visual Storytelling in K-pop Music Videos
K-pop music videos captivate audiences through intricate visual narratives and artistic expression. These videos blend striking imagery with thematic elements to create immersive storytelling experiences.
Symbolic Imagery
K-pop videos often employ symbolic imagery to convey deeper meanings. Artists use color symbolism to represent emotions or concepts. Red might signify passion or anger, while blue could evoke sadness or tranquility.
Visual metaphors are another common technique. A blooming flower may represent personal growth, while a shattered mirror could symbolize a fractured identity. These symbols add layers of meaning to the narrative.
Stylized sets and costumes further enhance symbolic storytelling. Elaborate backdrops and wardrobe choices can transport viewers to different worlds or time periods, reinforcing the video's themes.
Thematic Elements
K-pop music videos explore a wide range of themes through their visual storytelling. Love and relationships are frequently depicted, often with dramatic or fantastical elements.
Videos addressing social issues use powerful visuals to make their point. Environmental concerns might be portrayed through contrasting scenes of nature and urban decay.
Personal growth and identity are common themes. Videos may show an artist's transformation through changing appearances or environments.
Some K-pop videos incorporate elements of Korean culture or folklore, blending traditional motifs with modern aesthetics. This fusion creates a unique visual language that resonates with global audiences.
