B2 – Upper Intermediate
After the popular TV show Squid Game ended, many people around the world were left shocked by its story. The show showed people struggling with debt, poverty, and unfair treatment. However, for many South Koreans, these problems are not just part of a TV drama. They are real-life challenges that some people still face every day.
Read this article to learn more.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg665pyn82o
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “cut-throat” mean? “Squid Game was born against the backdrop of cut-throat competition and widening inequality in South Korean society – where people are too stressed to have children and a university placement exam is seen as the defining moment of a person’s life.” Use this in a sentence.
- What’s the meaning of “to be brushed to the side“? “Those darker messages seemed to be brushed to the side on Saturday night, as a massive parade celebrated the release of the blockbuster’s final season.” Make a sentence with this.
- Define “eponymous”. “In the show’s later seasons, viewers follow Gi-hun’s quest to bring down the eponymous games, which are packaged as entertainment for a group of wealthy VIPs.” Use this in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- Do you think entertainment like Squid Game can help people understand serious social problems better than news stories? Why?
- Do you think the global popularity of shows that address social issues (like Squid Game) can influence real social change? Why?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of using fiction to highlight real problems like poverty and inequality?
- The show includes characters such as a laid-off factory worker whose story is inspired by real events. How does this make the drama more powerful or meaningful?
- In your country, what are the biggest financial pressures people face today?
- What changes would you like to see in your country to reduce inequality or unfair competition?