Introduction
The global sensation that is Squid Game transcended mere entertainment, embedding itself deeply within the cultural consciousness. Its gripping narrative, intense visuals, and poignant social commentary captivated audiences worldwide. But beyond the deadly games and complex characters, Squid Game subtly, yet powerfully, utilizes food as a narrative device. Seemingly simple Korean foods, like dalgona candy and instant noodles, serve not only to establish the setting and context but also highlight the socio-economic themes of the show and evoke a sense of nostalgia, particularly for a specific generation of Koreans. The use of these foods underscores the desperation, the hopes, and the everyday realities faced by the characters, turning ordinary meals into potent symbols.
Dalgona Candy: Sweetness and Deadly Stakes
Dalgona candy, also known as ppopgi, is a brittle, honeycomb-like candy made from just two ingredients: melted sugar and baking soda. When these are combined and properly heated, they create a light, airy, and delicately sweet treat. Historically, dalgona was a ubiquitous street food in South Korea, especially popular amongst children during the post-war period. Street vendors would set up small stalls, offering the candy for a pittance, making it an affordable and accessible treat for those on a tight budget. Dalgona often featured imprinted shapes in the center, adding an element of fun and challenge; children who successfully extracted the shape without breaking it would often win another candy for free. This small gamble added to the overall appeal.
Squid Game Significance
In Squid Game, dalgona candy takes on a far more sinister role. The Dalgona Challenge presents the contestants with a seemingly innocent task: carefully extract a shape from the candy (a circle, star, triangle, or umbrella) using only a needle, all within a strict time limit. The catch? Any break or crack in the candy results in immediate elimination, with deadly consequences. The contrast between the candy’s inherent sweetness and fragility and the life-or-death stakes of the game is jarring. The simple pleasure of a childhood treat becomes a source of intense stress and fear.
Symbolism and Cultural Connection
The symbolism of the dalgona candy is multifaceted. Its fragility mirrors the precariousness of the contestants’ lives, highlighting the desperation that drives them to participate in the games. Its simplicity, made from humble ingredients, reflects the economic hardships faced by many in South Korean society. Moreover, for many Koreans, dalgona evokes powerful memories of childhood, a time of innocence and simple pleasures. Placing this nostalgic item in the context of a brutal game intensifies the emotional impact, forcing viewers to confront the harsh realities that have led these characters to their desperate circumstances.
Dalgona Candy Craze
Following the premiere of Squid Game, the world experienced a full-blown dalgona candy craze. DIY recipes flooded the internet, as people attempted to recreate the treat at home. Social media platforms, particularly TikTok, became awash with videos of people attempting the Dalgona Challenge, showcasing their successes and (often humorous) failures. The demand for dalgona skyrocketed, with street vendors in South Korea reporting a significant increase in sales. This global resurgence speaks to the power of the show to influence popular culture and highlights the universal appeal of food as a conduit for nostalgia and connection.
Ramen Noodles: A Staple of Survival
Ramen noodles are an undeniable staple in Korean society, and Korean cuisine more broadly. Instant ramen, in particular, is a quick, easy, and affordable meal, widely consumed by students, busy professionals, and anyone on a tight budget. It’s a ubiquitous presence in convenience stores and households across the country. The diverse range of flavors and brands available caters to a wide range of tastes, further solidifying its position as a dietary staple.
Ramen in Squid Game
In Squid Game, ramen noodles appear in several scenes, most notably in the barracks where the contestants reside between games. These scenes depict the participants consuming large bowls of ramen, often supplemented with whatever meagre ingredients they can find. These scenes are more than just casual depictions of mealtime; they provide a glimpse into the contestants’ daily lives and reveal the underlying tensions and struggles within the group.
Symbolism of Ramen
The symbolism of ramen in Squid Game is deeply rooted in themes of poverty and scarcity. The characters, many of whom are deeply in debt or facing economic hardship, turn to ramen as a cheap and filling source of sustenance. It represents their limited options and their desperation to survive, both inside and outside the games. The act of sharing (or competing for) the limited resources available, such as adding extra ingredients to the ramen, highlights the complexities of their relationships. While some demonstrate generosity, others prioritize their own needs, reflecting the overall struggle for survival that permeates the show.
Ramen in Popular Culture
Ramen’s widespread appeal extends far beyond Squid Game. It’s a global phenomenon, enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. Its versatility and affordability have made it a beloved comfort food across cultures. In popular culture, ramen often symbolizes student life, late-night cravings, and budget-friendly meals. Squid Game, however, adds another layer to this existing symbolism, using ramen to represent the harsh realities of economic disparity and the fight for basic survival.
Eggs: Scarcity and Hope
While not as prominently featured as dalgona or ramen, the humble egg makes a subtle but significant appearance in Squid Game. One memorable scene involves Gi-hun’s mother, who struggles to afford even a single egg. This seemingly minor detail speaks volumes about her poverty and the challenges she faces in providing for herself and her son.
Egg Symbolism
The egg, in this context, represents more than just a food item; it symbolizes basic nourishment and the ability to meet fundamental needs. The fact that Gi-hun’s mother cannot afford something as simple as an egg underscores the depth of her economic hardship. It highlights the inequalities that exist within society and the struggles faced by those living on the margins.
Eggs as Hope
The egg can also be interpreted as a symbol of hope and potential. An egg holds the promise of new life, representing the possibility of a better future. Gi-hun’s desire to provide for his mother and escape their cycle of poverty is a driving force behind his participation in the games. The egg, therefore, embodies both the scarcity of their current situation and the hope for a more prosperous future. This subtle detail resonates deeply with viewers, drawing attention to the show’s overarching themes of desperation and class disparity.
The Power of Food in Storytelling
Squid Game masterfully utilizes food to enhance its storytelling, going beyond mere props to create a richer and more meaningful narrative. Food serves as a powerful tool to establish setting and context, grounding the story in the realities of Korean society. The presence of dalgona candy, ramen noodles, and the simple egg provides a familiar and relatable backdrop for the characters’ struggles.
Food and Character
Moreover, food plays a crucial role in developing characters and their backstories. Their relationship with food – whether it’s the craving for a nostalgic treat or the desperation for a basic meal – reveals their motivations, their vulnerabilities, and their past experiences. The contrast between the simplistic and nostalgic foods of their childhood and the brutal and elaborate games they are forced to play further emphasizes the loss of innocence and the corruption of values.
Themes of the Show
Ultimately, Squid Game uses food to reinforce its core themes of class disparity, survival, and the loss of innocence. The seemingly ordinary meals consumed by the contestants become potent symbols of their economic struggles, their resilience, and their yearning for a better life. The show demonstrates how even simple things like food can hold deep cultural and symbolic meaning, resonating with audiences on a profound level and leaving a lasting impact long after the credits roll.
