Image via Netflix
A hotel in the Gangwon Province of South Korea has introduced a real-life
Squid Game, where participants can take on challenges—sans the killing—for a chance to win five million won (US$4,228).
While the prize money isn’t as appealing as on the hit Netflix series, eager visitors have already filled out all the slots.
According to The Korea Times, St John’s Hotel in Gangneung, South Korea, had publicized the event on its official website, allowing citizens of all ages to take part. It cost 10,000 won (US$8.50) upfront, with participants receiving a business card with a mysterious phone number to start.
During the event, guests will engage in four different games, all held at a pine forest near the hotel. The activities include Red Light, Green Light; tug-of-war;
ttakji chiji (paper tile-flipping); and the
dalgona honeycomb challenge.
The rules will be similar to those in the show, eliminating those who don’t follow the rules. For an extra air of mystery, the host behind the hotel’s
Squid Game will not be revealed till the end of the event.
According to Kotaku, another real-life event is being scheduled in Wonju, Gangwon Province. There, the prize up for grabs are 45,600 points on South Korean social platform, Frip.
The Korea Times said citizens had a mixed reaction to the events, some saying it could be violating Netflix’s copyright laws, and questioning if such large-scale events should be held with the pandemic still raging on.
Given the popularity of the series—which has
surpassed Bridgerton as the streaming service’s number one hit—it won’t be surprising if other real-life
Squid Game events pop up around the globe.
[via
Kotaku, cover image via
Netflix]