SOUTH Korean survival drama Squid Game is the biggest show in Netflix’s history – but the series almost had a completely different title altogether.
Since its explosive debut last month, the series has surpassed all expectations, with Squid Game becoming one of the most-talked about shows on the planet right now.
However, according to Netflix Asia executive Kim Min-young, the streaming service almost gave the binge-worthy series a different name.
Concerned that international audiences wouldn’t understand the reference Squid Game – a real children’s game popular in Korea – Netflix originally attempted to retitle the series to Round Six.
“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,” Kim told Hollywood Reporter.
“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.”
Eventually, though, director Hwang Dong-hyuk stepped in to suggest that Squid Game captured the “essence” of the series.
She continued: “I think the more authentic title has actually played really well.
“The title, Squid Game, together with the eye-catching artwork, really captures interest within our service – especially for audiences who have never watched a Korean show before, but are looking for fun things to watch.
“I think we tend to underestimate the curiosity that a lot of our members and audience have.
“In trying to make it really easy to understand what they show is, we could have made a big mistake.”
