Squid Game Season 3 has reignited discussions around its controversial VIP scenes, which have been a persistent point of criticism since the show’s debut. Despite the global success of the series, fans continue to express dissatisfaction with the awkward dialogue and performances of the wealthy masked spectators. Recently, actors and creator Hwang Dong-hyuk have addressed these concerns, shedding light on what went wrong and what efforts were made to improve.
Why Are the VIP Scenes So Different?
The VIP scenes in Squid Game stand out due to their use of English, contrasting with the predominantly Korean-language series. According to Hwang Dong-hyuk, the initial issue was the casting of non-professional actors for these roles in Season 1. He explained, “We tried to cast the best, capable actors as VIPs for Season 3, so I hope it’ll come off better.” However, fans still found the performances jarring and unconvincing.
What Went Wrong with the Acting?
Several factors contributed to the unnatural delivery of the VIPs’ lines. One major issue was translation. Dialogue was sometimes translated by non-native speakers or even through automated services like Google Translate, resulting in stiff and awkward lines. Additionally, the actors faced physical challenges: wearing heavy masks and being positioned at a distance, which required them to shout their lines, further affecting their delivery.
Editing also played a role. Korean editors, unfamiliar with the nuances of English, may have selected awkward takes. One Season 1 VIP actor admitted, “We were only given our scenes, so we had no idea of the tone.” This lack of context likely contributed to the disjointed performances.
Did Season 3 Improve the VIPs?
Despite efforts to improve casting in Season 3, fans were still unimpressed, labeling the VIP scenes as “cringe” and “worse than Season 1.” Some viewers even joked that the dialogue sounded “like Grok, Meta AI, and ChatGPT having a conversation.” The forced participation of the VIPs in the games also drew criticism for feeling unnecessary and contrived.
Were the VIPs Based on Real People?
Hwang Dong-hyuk has hinted that the VIPs were inspired by real-world elites, such as Elon Musk, stating, “The people who really control the power and the system… willingly take their masks off.” This suggests that the exaggerated performances might be intentional satire. However, fans argue that this satire fell flat, failing to resonate as intended.
“The people who really control the power and the system… willingly take their masks off.” — Hwang Dong-hyuk
The Broader Implications and Future of Squid Game
The ongoing debate over the VIP scenes highlights the challenges of cross-cultural storytelling and the importance of effective translation and casting. As Squid Game continues to captivate audiences worldwide, these discussions may influence future productions and the approach to international casting and dialogue.
Looking ahead, it remains to be seen how Hwang Dong-hyuk and the production team will address these criticisms in potential future seasons. The show’s creators have an opportunity to learn from past mistakes and refine their approach, ensuring that all elements of the series align with its otherwise high standards.
As Squid Game evolves, the lessons learned from the VIP scenes could serve as a valuable case study for other international productions seeking to bridge cultural and linguistic divides.