We have to credit the Reddit army and Twitter (X) squad for coming up with this. However, how true is it? Is Squid Games actually based on real life, or is it just another TikTok trend? Let’s uncover the truth.
How did the Rumor Begin?
Lately, there’s been a big buzz on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and Instagram. People are discussing how the popular Netflix series Squid Game might be based on real-life events. But here’s the truth: Squid Game is a work of fiction, and no real-life incident inspired it. The confusion started when the user Cityhermitai posted an AI-generated photo that looked like the deadly game sets from the show. Another user (blink_loveee10) posted a TikTok video using AI-generated images as a reference; let’s break this down.
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The photo looked eerily similar to the sets used in the show, with giant playground equipment and colorful but unsettling designs. Alongside the image, the user claimed it was based on a “hidden historical event” in which people participated in deadly games for survival.
According to Timesnownews, This post quickly went viral, spreading across X, Reddit, and Instagram. People began sharing the image with their made-up stories, saying the event occurred in the 1980s or 1990s. Some even added fake “facts” to make the rumor more believable.
The Truth About the Image
I REPEAT! The image in question is not real. It was created using AI tools that can generate incredibly realistic-looking photos. According to another report published by Capitalfm, the user who uploaded it later admitted it was fake. However, the rumor had already spread like wildfire by the time this confession came out.
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What Squid Game Is Actually About?
Let’s start with the basics. Squid Game was written and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, who has openly said the story is entirely fictional. He came up with the idea in 2008 during a difficult time when he was struggling financially. The show critiques societal inequality, debt, and the extreme measures people might take when desperate.
While the games in the show are based on real children’s games from South Korea, like “Red Light, Green Light,” they’re given a dark twist to the story. None of the deadly events in the series ever happened in real life.
The Conspiracy Theories
According to some media house reports, some theories claim Squid Game was inspired by events like the Brothers’ Home internment camp in Busan, South Korea. However, this is not quite true. According to a report published by CNNWorld, this facility was active in the 1970s and 80s, and was a place of horrific human rights/Child abuses. Homeless, specifically children, were labeled as “vagrants” and were forcibly taken there under the guise of rehabilitation.
However, Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has never mentioned the Brothers’ Home as an influence. While there are superficial similarities—like the use of uniforms and authoritarian control—these are purely coincidental.
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Why Do People Believe Fake Stories?
The internet is a powerful tool, but it’s also a place where misinformation can spread quickly. When people see a convincing image or hear a story that sounds exciting or shocking, they’re more likely to believe it without checking if it’s true.
The time has come. AI-generated content is becoming more common, and while it can be fun and creative, it can also lead to confusion.
At the end
Squid Game is not based on real-life events; the viral posts claiming otherwise are simply not true. The show’s creator used his imagination and personal experiences to tell a fictional story that resonates with audiences worldwide.
While some show elements draw inspiration from real-life struggles, like financial hardship or societal inequality, the plot is entirely fictional. So, the next time you see a shocking post or photo online, take a moment to think: Is this real? Take Care! 😀
