'Squid Game' Becomes First Korean Drama to Rank No.1 Worldwide on Netflix

Most Watched in 43 Countries... UK’s 'Otis's Secret Counseling Room' Surpassed

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk's "Squid Game" became the first Korean drama to be the most-watched show on Netflix worldwide. According to FlixPatrol, an online video service (OTT) ranking site, "Squid Game," released on the 17th, topped the Netflix TV program world ranking on the 24th (local time), surpassing the British drama "Sex Education." It was the most-watched show in 43 countries, including the United States, Netflix's largest market, as well as Germany, Australia, Japan, Mexico, Canada, Argentina, Thailand, Vietnam, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia. This is the first time a Korean drama has reached the top globally and in the United States. The previous best record was "Sweet Home," which ranked third on Netflix in the U.S.

"Squid Game" is a story about life losers who participate in a mysterious survival game with a prize of 45.6 billion won, risking their lives in extreme games. The title "Squid Game" refers to a game played on a squid-shaped figure composed of circle, triangle, and square shapes. The attacker wins by breaking through the defense and entering the circle, which corresponds to the squid's head. The megaphone was held by director Hwang Dong-hyuk, who also directed films such as "The Fortress," "Miss Granny," and "Silenced." The cast includes Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Oh Young-soo, Wi Ha-joon, Jung Ho-yeon, Heo Sung-tae, Anupam, and Kim Joo-ryung.