South Korean thriller series Squid Game has made it into the top of Netflix chart since September across the world. The co-CEO of Netflix Ted Sarandos has even claimed that its direction is moving forward to become the most popular non-English-language show in the world. With only just 9 episodes and approximately 8 hours to finish the whole series, Squid Game never failed to deliver plot twists in every turn.
What is the Squid Game all about?
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk said he chose “Squid Game” as the title for the series because of his vivid memories and interpretation of the sport at a press conference last month in South Korea. He said that it is “the most physically intense childhood game I played in the neighborhood alleyways as a child was Squid Game. In fact, I definitely enjoyed it. Furthermore, I chose it as the show’s title because it’s the most evocative game that symbolizes today’s competitive culture.”
Squid Game is about sending indebted people into a game of survival where they were asked to play children’s games and winning the prize worth ₩ 45.6 billion ($38 million). Subsequently, it is a lump sum amount that can be used to pay off debts, stop the loan sharks, and start over again. However, this is more than just any other children’s games of having winners and losers. It is a game with fatal consequences including the annihilation of one’s values, morale, and life.
The Debt Dilemma
On other hand, describing the series as grim and gruesome are plain understatements since there are no words that could specifically define the actions done towards the losers in the Squid Game. Each episode is an utter violence as the call of desperation in resolving debt dilemmas resonate in each character. It is whereas all indebted people are desperate to win the pot money so they could go back to their normal lives again at all cost.
Every character in the Squid Game series has his or her own story of debt dilemma. Subsequently, this is what pushed the characters to join the Squid Game as a way to break free from debt. Nonetheless, there is the other side of the coin that the Squid Game players might have missed. It is by turning the tables in favor of a more directed path of financial revival. There are certain things that they should have done to avoid the Squid Game hellhole.
What should the Squid Game players have done?
There is this famous adage that desperate times call for desperate measures. In a fight towards financial freedom, Squid Game players placed themselves in a dystopian game of life and death. A sheer reflection of what happens in this capitalistic world. However, is this the only path for the indebted people? Let us reflect on the financial dilemma of each character and what are the things they should have done to break free from its shackles.
Gi-Hun
A worsening gambling addiction coupled with chasing loan sharks, distressing financial instability due to unemployment, and failing relationship towards his wife, daughter, and mother is the life of this Squid Game’s protagonist. However, it all boils down to one root evil which is gambling.
According to Clinical Psychologist Dr. Martin Hsia, gambling can be a rewarding experience for gamblers such as Gi-Hun.
“There are many reasons why people gamble. Some of these include escaping unpleasant feelings, making money quickly, or being able to chase money that was lost. Most of all, it can be a way to rationalize losing. They may also be inclined to downplay the significant losses that they suffered as a result of their gambling. People who gamble often have rituals related to their superstitions. Some of these include playing cards and having a good luck number.”
– Dr. MARTIN Hsia
In Squid Game, Gi-hun betted on his daughter’s birthday during a horse game which caused him to win the jackpot prize. Consequently, it somehow gave him more reasons to continue gambling not long after his prize money was stolen. Due to this unfortunate event, he decided to deal with the recruiter at the train by playing Ddakji in return of a hundred grand. He used the money to buy a birthday gift for her daughter and shares some to her mother. In reality, however, gambling did not make his life any better.
What should Gi-Hun have done, then?
Gi-hun might have avoided taking part of Squid Game if only he was not lured by easy money.
Well, the moment Gi-Hun lost his job for some reason, he should have utilized his savings to build a small business or apply for other jobs that he can do. In times like this, it is important that one has financial literacy. In this way, he will be able to know his next steps and strategize his breakthrough from his greatest financial downfall.
On the other hand, he could have sought help from a professional to alleviate his gambling addiction and mental health challenges. Likewise, if only he had managed to retain his family, then he will have a stronger support system during life’s rock bottom.
Sang-Woo
Contrary to Gi-Hun, Sang-Woo is a financial literate who graduated from a prestige ivy league university in South Korea. Despite his great background, his financial downfall started when he became complacent on investments. He took the high risk on stocks and futures without any clear plan Bs once it failed. Likewise, he might have overlooked some points in sustaining a healthful investment. He should have used his connections from the university to help him course through his financial decisions.
What should Sang-Woo have done, then?
Sang-Woo may have been financially literate, but he lacks the right equipment and strategy in managing his finances. He was somehow taken by greed without realizing the consequence of losing. Moreso, he has gambled all his money on investment that is not working for him. Hence, he should have asked financial professionals regarding his financial activities.
Gaining Financial Freedom through Camella Manors
There are lot of things that we can learn from each Squid Game characters. The bottom line is that financial freedom involves your non-negotiables, family, and financial goals.
In order to achieve financial security and stability, you should establish your non-negotiables. These are the variables in your life that you should not take for granted nor give up in the process. Non-negotiables can be rooted from your principles as a person, especially when you are faced with adversities.
Next, you should involve your family in making huge decisions such as investing in an affordable condo property. Apart from support, you can gain perspectives that you have not thought of in the first place. This will clarify your decisions in life because you have seen the other side of the coin.
Finally, you should recognize your financial goals. You should have a clear sense as to why you wanted to buy a condo property or why you want to lease it for passive income. In other words, you should know where you are heading to.
For instance, you need to ask yourself why should you invest at Camella Manors? For one, you will experience an unparalleled pine-estate lifestyle that is rarely experienced in other condo developments. Second, you get to enjoy comfort through its resort-themed amenities and convenience because your home is in a communicity. Lastly, condos appreciate faster over time as the demand for vertical properties increase with lands becoming more expensive as time passes by.
Everything in life is a risk. For this reason, you need to equip yourself with the right attitude and knowledge on how to deal with losses and how to strengthen wins. Above all, you need to invest your hard-earned money to a property that you can trust the most.
