Squid Game Creator Links Billionaire VIPs to Elon Musk

Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator of Netflix’s global hit Squid Game, has drawn parallels between the series’ billionaire VIPs and real-world oligarchs, with Elon Musk serving as a notable example. In an interview with TIME, Hwang highlighted Musk’s larger-than-life persona and influence, stating, “Elon Musk is everywhere these days, right? Everybody talks about him… some of the VIPs do kind of resemble Elon Musk.”

This revelation comes as the highly anticipated third and final season of Squid Game premiered on June 27, concluding the dystopian saga of deadly games and class warfare. In this season, the masked billionaires, who were previously passive spectators, transform into armed hunters, donning pink soldier uniforms and actively participating in the deadly games with machine guns. Hwang explained that this shift reflects his frustration with how today’s wealthiest figures have stepped into the spotlight, flaunting their control over society. He noted, “In the past, those that really controlled the system were hidden behind the curtain. It’s no longer the case… They willingly take their masks off, almost as if to declare, ‘We’re the ones running everything.’”

Hwang’s inspiration for the show’s final season was drawn from global inequality and recent political unrest. He cited surging inequality, rising political polarization, and political turmoil in South Korea, where Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law before leaving office. These real-world issues have influenced the narrative and themes of Squid Game, making it a reflection of contemporary societal challenges.

The parallels with Musk are particularly striking given his soaring net worth, which currently stands at $409.8 billion — a sum surpassing the GDP of countries like Denmark and Malaysia. Musk’s public battles with Trump over a contentious $2.4 trillion spending bill, which he called a “disgusting abomination,” have kept him front and center in global headlines. Additionally, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos drew attention with a reported $46 million wedding in Venice, complete with 90 private jets, coinciding with Squid Game’s release weekend.

Hwang’s comments underscore the show’s critique of wealth disparity and the influence of the ultra-rich. By portraying the billionaire VIPs as active participants in the deadly games, Squid Game highlights the real-world power dynamics and the consequences of unchecked wealth and influence. The series serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of inequality and the need for societal change.