my image Image: Squid Game (Wikipedia Commons)

Author: VANAS Team

The Countries That Love Squid Game

Why Squid Game became such a global phenomenon
Countries hooked on Squid Game
What made viewers feel “addicted”
How teens around the world reacted
Social impact and controversies
Frequently asked questions
Swim in the craze without drowning

1. Why Squid Game became such a global phenomenon

Teenagers everywhere—like many adults too—couldn’t stop talking about Squid Game. This show broke records, becoming number one on Netflix in at least 90 countries and remaining one of the most watched series ever. Season 1 alone drew over 111 million households within 17 days and 142 million by day 28. It racked up 1.65 billion hours watched in that time frame.

Season 2 then debuted at the top in 93 countries, including the U.S., UK, Thailand, Cyprus, Kenya, Oman, Honduras, and more. Yeah, basically everyone with Netflix tuned in.

The show’s addictive appeal comes from its vivid visual design, intense emotional stakes, and universal themes about desperation, unfairness, and survival. It wasn’t just about the games—it was about what people are willing to risk to change their lives.

2. Countries hooked on Squid Game

Squid Game shot to number one in at least 90 or more countries, spanning Asia, Europe, Latin America, Africa, North America, and the Middle East.

In season 2, it debuted at number one in 93 countries including hotspots like Thailand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Portugal, among many others.

Even in places without Netflix, like China, the show spread through pirated episodes. So while it wasn’t officially available in China, millions still watched illegally, and it became a major meme there.

Fans in Iran even said they felt it mirrored real life, joking that no one understands Squid Game as much as Iranians do, because of their own economic struggles and censorship issues.

Even though South Korea invented the show, it wasn't always number one there, since Koreans already had multiple shows with similar survival‑game styles and were more critical.

3. What made viewers feel “addicted”

Addictive shows make you keep watching episode after episode. For many teens, Squid Game felt like that. It scored high binge‑watch sessions because each episode ended with cliff‑hangers and shocking twists.

The visual style (like the giant toy‑like doll, pink‑suits, and neon colors) made it memorable and shareable on TikTok and Instagram. People started dressing up as players, copying games, making dalgona candy challenges—even holding Squid Game themed parties and events in France, Thailand, Netherlands, and more.

It was easy to talk about. You didn’t need subtitles or explanations—just a few seconds of an episode, and your friends instantly knew what you meant. That kind of viral effect contributed to the addictive feel.

4. How teens around the world reacted

Teens in places like Pakistan, India, Brazil, and Europe joined the global conversation. A Reddit user from Europe said it was number one in the Netherlands and Sweden, and everyone talked about it in school or friend groups. In Pakistan, students watched it illegally and shared memes in class.

In East Asia—South Korea, Japan, China—reviews were mixed: reviewers rated it around 3.1–3.8 out of 5 or 7.7/10 on Douban. People there felt the plot was familiar and less surprising compared to the U.S. reaction.

Schools in places like Quebec, France, Belgium, Australia and the U.S. reported kids mimicking the show’s games at recess, quoting it as dangerous and inappropriate for young children.

China officially banned the show because Netflix is blocked there, yet pirated versions circulated widely, damaging original creators and generating huge revenue losses.

Although it was banned in North Korea and some other regions, ironically, that didn’t stop illegal sharing—Squid Game became part of underground culture in places where media is tightly controlled.

6. Frequently asked questions

Does the show appear in every country?

Yes—officially it was number one in at least 90 to 94 countries for season 1, and 93 countries for season 2. That includes locations like Nigeria, Kenya, Thailand, Pakistan, Portugal, the U.S., UK, Honduras, Oman, etc.

Is Squid Game just popular because of violence and gore?

No. While it has intense scenes, its real power comes from emotional storytelling, themes about inequality, debt, desperation and survival that many teens around the world can relate to.

Did people watch it even where Netflix isn’t allowed?

Yes—China doesn’t officially allow Netflix, but the show blew up anyway via pirated versions. Ironically it became more talked about there than in some countries where Netflix is legal.

Why did South Korea show a cooler response?

South Korea already had many survival‑game dramas and the concept felt less original. Critics there rated it lower than international fans did. Some also found it overly violent and predictable.

7. Swim in the craze without drowning

If you watched Squid Game or have friends who did, you definitely experienced the buzz. Teens everywhere shared memes, tried survivor‑style games, played dalgona candy challenges, made costumes, and posted fan art. It turned into a pop culture storm.

For teens interested in creative stuff like cartoons, graphics, or games: this is where Animation plays a huge role. VANAS Online Animation School offers Animation, Visual Effects, and Video Game programs. To launch your career, visit https://www.vanas.ca

Animation lets you bring stories to life—maybe even stories that go viral like Squid Game did. Animators design characters, worlds, moods, and movement. Visual Effects artists make shows feel real with digital magic. And Video Game designers create game mechanics and experiences.

If you're in grade 10–12, and you love shows, movies, games, or storytelling—that’s basically what animation and game design is all about. Animation can make you part of the next big cultural moment, not just watching from the sidelines.

Again, VANAS Online Animation School offers Animation, Visual Effects, and Video Game programs. To launch your career, visit https://www.vanas.ca

Animation isn’t just drawing frames—it’s building worlds. It’s telling stories across cultures, just like how Squid Game crossed borders and languages. Teens around the world related to Gi‑hun’s survival struggle because that universal power of story is what Animation and VFX channels tap into.

If you're fascinated by how Squid Game captivated millions from Iran to Nigeria, France to Pakistan, think about how you could use Animation to create your own global impact.

VANAS Online Animation School offers Animation, Visual Effects, and Video Game programs. To launch your career, visit https://www.vanas.ca