Squid Game’s VIPs Are Similar to Elon Musk, Says Creator

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According to creator Hwang Dong-hyuk, it was Elon Musk who served as an inspiration for the VIP characters in Squid Game‘s upcoming season 3. The reason behind this transformation is that the villains now actively engage in violence, mirroring real-world billionaires who no longer shy away from displaying their power.

Hwang Dong-hyuk on how Elon Musk inspired Squid Game’s VIPs

In an interview with TIME, conducted through a translator, Hwang Dong-hyuk commented, “Elon Musk seems to be omnipresent these days, doesn’t he? He not only leads a massive tech empire that dominates the world in many ways, but he also has a flair for showmanship.” Furthermore, he admitted that when writing Season 3, he found himself thinking, “Certainly some of the high-profile characters bear a resemblance to Elon Musk.

In the first season, the high-class spectators known as VIPs were portrayed as wealthy, mysterious individuals who wagered on lethal competitions. Often referred to as “shady millionaires,” these VIPs watched players perish while being indulged by the game’s crew. Their involvement became more significant in Season 3, where they discarded their disguises (animal masks), donned soldier outfits, and started killing contestants using machine guns, which was first shown in Episode 3.

According to Hwang, the increased influence of the VIPs signifies a change in real-world power structures. Previously, those holding significant control and power were often discreet, operating like an unseen conspiracy. However, this is no longer true, particularly in America. He further explained that the owners of big tech companies are becoming more prominent, openly supporting their chosen candidates with their funds… They seem to be shedding their secrecy, almost boasting, “We’re the ones calling the shots.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but notice the striking resemblances between the characters in this season and today’s influential billionaires. The creator, Hwang, has made it clear that these characters aren’t modeled after any specific individuals, yet their thoughts and actions seem to mirror those of real-world oligarchs, providing a fascinating exploration of the elite class’s mindset.

In that chat, I found myself echoing, ‘These days, it’s all about the power held by a select few.’ I was expressing how our storyline mirrors the growing economic disparity worldwide, along with the evident impact of tech magnates.

All three seasons of Squid Game are now streaming exclusively on Netflix.

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2025-07-02 13:41