Korean drama 'Squid Game' exposes social realities, much like Oscar-winning film 'Parasite'

Both 'Squid Game' and 'Parasite' are premised on an unequal, winner-takes-it-all society where deception and violence are rampant. Photo: Netflix

The popularity of the new Netflix Korean series, Squid Game, can be attributed in large part to its exposure of social and capitalist realities, critics said.

In that regard, the nine-part thriller, which revolves around a group of people taking part in a series of deadly games to win 45.6 billion won (RM161mil) in prize money, is drawing comparisons to the Oscar-winning black comedy Parasite.