Netflix has revealed that the phenomenally popular Korean drama, Squid Game, was originally given a completely different title.
If you've at least watched the first episode of the smash-hit TV show, you should be aware that "Squid Game" is a real-life children's game in the East Asian country.
In the opening scene of the series, the show explains the rules of Squid Game to the viewers; an explanation that will lay the foundations for the events of the series finale - namely the sixth and final round of the deadly competition for a hefty cash prize.
The narrator explains at the start of the episode:
"In my town, we had a game called the Squid Game. We called it that because it’s played in a court shaped like a squid. The rules are simple. Children are divided into two groups, the offense, and the defense.
"Once the game starts, the defense can run around on two feet in bounds, while the offense outside the lines is only allowed to hop on one foot. But if an attacker cuts through the waist of the squid past the defense, they are given the freedom to use both feet. […] We called that 'inspector royale.'
"When we were ready for the final battle, the attackers gathered at the entrance to the squid. In order to win, the attackers must tap the small closed-off space on the squid’s head with their foot.
"But if someone on the defense manages to push you outside the squid’s boundary, you die. […] Once you tap the squid’s head, you win and yell out, 'Victory'."
Despite the show's now-iconic title, Netflix Asia executive Kim Min-young has revealed the streaming platform momentarily gave the show a different name - due to concerns that non-Korean viewers would not get the reference to what is a real children's game in Korea.
"Initially, we knew we wanted this show to travel but we were worried the title Squid Game wouldn’t resonate because not many people would get it," she told The Hollywood Reporter.
She added: "We went with the title 'Round Six' instead, wanting it to be more general and helpful for telling people what the show is about – there are six rounds to the game."
Ultimately, director Hwang Dong-hyuk assured her that Squid Game captured the "essence" of the show.
Kim continued: "I think the more authentic title has actually played really well. The title, Squid Game, together with the eye-catching artwork, really capture interest within our service – especially for audiences who have never watched a Korean show before but are looking for fun things to watch."
Ultimately, Kim said that she is glad that Hwang convinced Netflix to stick with the 'Squid Game' title, adding that they almost made a "big mistake".
Thank goodness they changed it. 'Round Six' certainly isn't as memorable or thought-provoking!
