A Brief Analysis of Symbolic Metaphors in Korean Drama Squid Game

Abstract

In the US TV series dominate the Netflix platform today, Squid Game as the first Korean series to top the 2021 Netflix platform US series list, has won a high reputation around the world experience is worth in-depth analysis, there are many domestic and foreign scholars on Squid Game this popular Korean drama analysis. The purpose of this study is to briefly explore what symbolic metaphors are used in the Squid Game and the role they play in the series, as well as to analyze what role symbolic metaphors play in the communication of the series. Using the research method of questionnaire survey, this research concluded that the Squid Game uses symbolic metaphor to simplify complex metaphors, mechanisms, characters, and social realities, and uses symbols to show them. Such setting “smoothing” the cultural differences of the series “decoded” by audiences from different countries, and promoted the plot development in narrative. The multiple functions of revealing characters’ hearts and reflecting the theme of the series have promoted the global spread of the TV series Squid Game.