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When it arrived on Netflix on September 17th, few could have predicted just how popular the Korean drama Squid Game would become.
Squid Game’s blend of intrigue, death and childhood games has proven to be a winning formula, not least thanks to the tantalising prize money on offer for the series’ characters.
The increasing prize pot provides the motivation for the characters to defy death and continue in the game but just what is the currency used in Squid Game and just how much are they playing for?
- FILMING LOCATIONS: Where was Netflix’s Squid Game filmed?
Squid Game | Official Trailer | Netflix
Release date and plot
Squid Game arrived on Netflix on September 17th and although it initially released without much attention, the show has certainly caught the eye of fans.
The series follows Seong Gi-hun, a man down on his luck and in rising debt with loan sharks.
After playing a game of ddakji with a mysterious man at the train station, Gi-hun is invited alongside 455 other players to take part in a series of childhood games with a huge prize pot awaiting the winner.
However, the childhood games in question aren’t as simple as they were on the school playground as the consequence for losing is death.
What currency is used in Squid Game?
The currency used in Squid Game is won, the money used in South Korea from where the series originates.
In terms of value, ₩1000 is the equivalent to US$0.84 and £0.64 respectively.
For taking part in Squid Game, the series’ characters are competing for a grand prize of ₩45.6 billion, with the life-changing amount of cash left literally dangling in front of the players.
The total ₩45.6 billion prize money equates to an eye-watering US$38.6 million and £28.2 million.
Who wins Squid Game? [spoilers]
Player 456, known as Seong Gi-hun, is the eventual winner of the Squid Game.
Played by Lee Jung-jae, he is the chief character in the series and we follow his exploits from episode 1 where he begins as a down-on-his-luck chauffeur with a gambling addiction.
Gi-hun originally chose to leave the competition at the beginning of episode 2 but when he goes to the police and no one believes him, except for one officer whose own brother is in the game, he decides to rejoin.
In episode 9 Gi-hun is eventually crowned as the winner but is left traumatised by the experience and hardly touches his ₩45.6 billion prize money.
The final scene of Squid Game sees Gi-hun about to board a flight to be with his daughter but he eventually decides to track down the people behind the game instead.
Squid Game is available to stream now on Netflix after releasing on September 17th, 2021.
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