Squid Game: The TV‑Series That Took Over Our Lives
Since its explosive debut in September, the Korean thriller Squid Game has become the new binge‑watch staple, flooding our feeds and spawning a riot of memes. It’s not just a show – it’s a cultural phenomenon that’s rewriting the definition of “pop‑culture heat.”
Why It’s Stuck in our Heads
- Heart‑pounding twists: Every episode ends with a cliff‑hanger that makes you double‑check the time of your next meeting.
- Relatable drama: The characters are people we could easily meet at a bar or a train, and their desperation feels all too real.
- Iconic visuals: The brightly coloured masks, couple‑shooting circles and the eerily calm “red‑light, green‑light” spots give you something instantly recognizable.
Businesses jumping on the Bandwagon
Companies didn’t want to miss a beat and have started turning the show’s games into marketing tools. From corporate jokes on snowboards to interactive icons on billboards, it’s all about blending entertainment with brand message.
Get In on the Hype – Here’s How
- Try the Honeycomb Challenge: Grab a sheet of honeycomb candy, crack it open and race to find your favorite flavour. It’s a sugary test of agility that might require you to practice your “pick‑up” dance moves.
- Play “Red Light, Green Light” Virtually: Hit up your favorite app or website, and sneak your way past the ‘traffic light’ while staying invisible. The stakes? Your social status on Twitter. (You’re welcome, bragging rights!)
- Host a “Squid Game” Party: Make your own board‑game version for friends, complete with dares, coins, and a creepy soundtrack. Seeing who’s genuinely afraid to lose will earn you the title of “Game Master.”
- Office Competitions: Try themed speed‑running ping‑pong or reverse scale climbing to keep the office morale high. It’s a perfect excuse to excuse that “forgot to take the midday rendezvous” excuse to a manager.
- Pick or Sell the Shape‑of‑Ball Stakes: In the show, each game comes with a stake that’s as bizarre as the rules. Start a trend on your store, offer a mystery‑box deal, and watch customers line up like they’re booking a slot in the First‑Round of the show.
So whether you’re a fan, a marketer, or just a fellow squirrel looking to see a little unicorn in your life, next time you cherry‑pick your snack, just remember: you are in the Squid Game world, and the stakes are always way higher than a laundry basket. Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favour!
A Squid Game staycay at Goodwood Park Hotel
Sotong Game Staycation: A Squid‑Game‑Slick Get‑Away at Goodwood Park Hotel
Goodwood Park Hotel Singapore, in cahoots with travel platform KKDay, has dropped the most daring bed‑and‑breakfast adventure yet – a fully‑squid‑game‑themed staycation that’s been freshly tweaked for local taste. The lounge can’t wait for you to fuse your love for Netflix drama with Singaporean flair.
What’s on the Menu?
- Red Light, Green Light – Get up close to the iconic doll that never remembers the stop!
- Dalgona Candy – Break the classic chewy treat that every teen‑ager stirs up in their kitchen.
- Squid‑Game‑Inspired Wardrobe – Slip into outfits that mirror the original series; no need to actually run for your life.
- a Deluxe Mayfair Room (room only) for two people – a cozy corner to rest after all that frenzy.
Bonus: The Sotong Game Challenge
Feeling brave? The package includes two entrance tickets to the Sotong Game Challenge at Tudor Court, featuring five retro‑Singaporean game stations. Think of it as a cross‑cultural mash‑up of “Air Hang” and “Sokop.” The challenge is all about working as a team and proving who’s the real champion.
Rewards – It’s Not a Billion‑Won Jackpot
While you won’t be walking out with 45.6 billion won (S$52.3 million) – that’s a fantasy for another time – you might still snag:
- a three‑course steak dinner for two – because even the toughest game deserves a hearty meal.
- or, the grand prize, one million Grab Rewards points, which can be used for rides, food, or even a future Netflix binge.
Want to know how to book? Smash the Goodwood Park Hotel website (just type the URL in your browser) for all the nitty‑gritty details and get ready for a stay that feels like a reality‑show lightning round.
Make Squid Game-themed ang ku kueh
Bake Your Own Squid Game‑Inspired Kueh!
If you’re a fan of Ang Ku Kueh and a bit obsessed with the style of those masked guards from Squid Game, you’re in for a treat. Ji Xiang Confectionery is rolling out a fresh batch of hands‑on classes where you’ll learn to shape, wrap, and fill these delightful treats—no culinary wizardry required.
What the Workshop Has in Store
- Guided, free‑hand shaping techniques that’ll transform plain dough into creepy‑cute guard masks.
- Hands‑on practice on wrapping and moulding to get that perfect, snug shape.
- Tips on filling and sealing so your kueh stays moist and tasty from box to bite.
- All the ingredients and tools you’ll need—yes, they even hand you a box to take home your masterpieces.
How It Works
Because this one’s a step‑up from the beginner session, Ji Xiang recommends kicking off with the introductory class if you’re new to the craft. Once you’ve got the basics down, the advanced workshop will let you go full on creative mode.
Prices
Get it done for a bargain:
- First participant: $125 on weekdays, $130 on weekends.
- Subsequent kids in the group: $85 weekdays, $90 weekends.
Ready to stroll into a kitchen that feels like a mainland of pastry science? Book a slot by visiting the Ji Xiang website today and bring home your own “Squid‑Game‑guard” Kueh before the next big binge episode.
Cut out your own honeycomb candy at Brown Butter Cafe
Honeycomb Challenge at Brown Butter Cafe — No Death, Just Delicious!
What’s the Deal?
- Grab a sweet little honeycomb candy and channel your inner sculptor.
- Choose one of the classic shapes—circle, star, or heart.
- Carve it out in under 120 seconds or face the “death” of a weird Instagram meme.
- Score a prize card only adds to the fun; you’ll get a free latte or a mouth‑watering slice of cheesecake.
Why Is This So Fun?
It’s all about using your fingertips to make something edible and eye‑catching. Think of it as creative playtime with a slight touch of suspense—but the only stakes are caffeine and dessert.
Now, a Brain‑Twister!
Brown Butter Café has upped the ante by sending the ultimate test: cut out multiple shapes at once. The details are brewing, but you can already feel the excitement building.
Where’s the Sweet Spot?
Head over to #01-18/19, Forum The Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Road, Singapore 238884 before your friends brag about stealing your prize.
Have the young ones dressed in adorable Squid Game outfits
Squid Game‑Inspired Fun for the Whole Family
Got a little player who loves a good costume?
Let’s bring the drama of Seok‑yeol’s favorite show straight to your living room!
Kiddo Corner – Cute & Practical Gear
- Participant Tracksuits – Soft, comfortable jumpsuits that mimic the iconic blue tracksuits from the series, perfect for running around, rainy weather, or playtime chaos.
- Guard‑Style Pink Outfits – Bright, eye‑catching garments with the unmistakable pink detail that’ll have your child stepping out in style (and a bit of whimsy).
- All sizes from baby to junior – No child is left out.
Adult Edition – Keep the Spirit Alive
- Squid Game T‑Shirts – Shorts, tees, and long‑sleeved options featuring the show’s most iconic symbols.
- Dalgona DIY Kit – Ready‑to‑shake honeycomb candy recipe and everything you need to try the famous “candy” challenge without leaving home.
Whether it’s for a themed party, a school photo, or just to add some extra fun to your day, Bibimpicks has you covered.
Check out their website for the full range and stock up for the next big event or just for a little daily excitement.
Play the Red Light, Green Light game on your phone
Get Squid‑Game‑ish Fun Without Leaving Your Couch
Forget just binge‑watching Squid Game on Netflix – there’s a way to actually play the show’s iconic Red Light, Green Light. The brilliant tech whiz behind Dude Studio, Eugene Soh, has whipped up an Instagram AR filter that puts you right in the middle of the action.
What’s the Filter Called?
The name? “RedLite, GreenLite”. You’ll find it under the “Browse Effects” option in Instagram Stories, and it’s a bit of a tech‑savvy prank that makes your face ride a digital character down a finish line.
How It Works
- Look straight into the camera.
- When the AR doll starts “singing” and dancing, you blink to signal your character to start moving.
- Stop blinking (or let the doll notice your motion) and you’ll be forced to stop and face the fun (but less brutal) penalties the series is infamous for.
Think of it like a playful “watch your step” game taped onto your smartphone screen – a lot less gore, a lot more giggles, and a whole lot of “I hate that filter!” moments.
Why It’s Worth a Try
Besides the obvious nostalgia rush, the filter lets you get a little physical activity, test your reflexes, and brag about the fact that you beat the house (without actually eating anyone!). And if you’re a fan of the show’s quirky aesthetics, you can even customize the background palette to match the show’s neon vibe.
So fire up your IG Stories, search for RedLite, GreenLite, and let the “red light” run sneak up on you!
Did You Know?
Another local hotspot is the Bugis confectionery shop, where they’re whipping up a Squid‑Game‑themed ang ku kueh that’ll have you feeling like a character from the series in a candy‑filled, fashion‑forward twist. Check it out if you’re in the mood for sweet treats that promise an extra layer of drama.
Author: The Singapore Women’s Weekly
