Squid Game Creator Links Elon Musk to Wealthy Villains

Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator of Netflix’s Squid Game, has drawn a parallel between the show's wealthy villains and real-world billionaires, with Elon Musk being a notable example. Hwang's remarks come as the third and final season of the globally popular series premiered on June 27, bringing the series to a close.

In an interview with TIME magazine, Hwang stated that the VIP characters in the show, who are billionaire spectators, increasingly reflect real-world figures like Musk. "Elon Musk is everywhere these days, right? Everybody talks about him," Hwang said. "Not only is he the head of a huge tech company that controls the world almost, but he's also this showman." Hwang noted that after writing the third season, he realized that some of the VIPs in the show resembled Musk.

The evolving portrayal of the ultra-rich in Squid Game reflects Hwang’s frustration with the growing visibility and influence of real-world oligarchs. In the past, those who controlled the system and maintained power were hidden behind the curtain, but this is no longer the case, especially in America. Hwang believes that the powerful individuals who control the system no longer hide behind a curtain but willingly take their masks off, almost as if to declare, ‘We’re the ones running everything. We’re the ones in control.’

Musk’s recent actions, such as stepping down from the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), have added to the public scrutiny of his influence. DOGE was created to slash federal spending but was mired in controversy over its humanitarian impact and disputed savings claims. Since leaving DOGE, Musk has publicly clashed with Trump over a $2.4 trillion spending bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination” that undermines everything DOGE achieved.

Hwang’s comparison of the show's villains to Musk is not without merit. Both the fictional characters and the real-life entrepreneur are known for their ambitious and often controversial actions. The show's portrayal of the villains as ruthless and manipulative reflects a growing public sentiment that wealthy individuals often prioritize their own interests over the well-being of society as a whole. This critique is likely to resonate with viewers who are concerned about the growing wealth disparity and the concentration of power in the hands of a few.

The third season of "Squid Game" is expected to build on these themes, providing a more nuanced and critical examination of the role of wealth and power in society. As the series continues to gain popularity, it is likely to spark important conversations about the impact of wealth disparity and the need for greater accountability among the powerful. Hwang's comparison of the show's villains to Musk is a timely reminder of the importance of these issues and the need for continued scrutiny and criticism of those in positions of power.