Dissecting Squid Game and Parasite

Zoom webinar

If Parasite made history in the film industry by being the first foreign-language film to win the Academy Awards for best picture and three other awards, Netflix’s Squid Game has further proved that South Korea’s entertainment industry is a power to be recognized. Squid Game has been named Netflix’s most-watched show and has been the talk of many towns since its’ release. From the striking visuals to the clever details in each episode, Squid Game is now Netflix’s most-watched show.

Some say the story characters are cliched, while others say that is precisely why the show is so relatable, thus a global hit. With unique cinematic techniques and unpredictable storylines, both Squid Game and Parasite explore many themes like socio-economic and gender gaps in South Korea. What would sociology, cultural and film studies academics have to say about these two shows? What are the parallels? Were there any crucial details or background stories we have missed? What are the implications of having non-English language films/shows gain worldwide popularity?

Please join us to hear Dr. So Hye Kim, Dr. Rebecca King-O’Riain, and Dr. Aaron Magnan-Park discuss the Squid Game and Parasite through their academic expertise.

October 25, 2021
9:30pm      Japan | South Korea
8:30pm      Hong Kong | Beijing | Singapore
6:00pm      Delhi
2:30pm      Paris
1:30pm      Ireland | London
7:30am      Chicago

Speakers

So Hye Kim (PhD’19)
Research Professor
International Research Center for Korean Languages and Culture
Korea University

Rebecca King-O’Riain
Associate Professor
Department of Sociology
Maynooth University

Aaron Han Joon Magnan-Park
Assistant Professor
Department of Comparative Literature
University of Hong Kong

About /pɒp/Asia

The UChicago Yuen Campus /pɒp/Asia series will address topics that originate, revolve around and affect the Asia-Pacific Region. From music and anime to tattoos and the exploding interest in crypto currencies, we’ll explore the cultural goings-on in deep corners around the region and how they are influencing the rest of the world. Read more.