What is the Money in Squid Game Called?
Have you ever watched the gripping South Korean drama series, “Squid Game”? If so, you might have been intrigued by the mysterious currency used in the game. This article delves into the details of the money in Squid Game, exploring its origins, significance, and impact on the characters.
Origins of the Squid Game Currency
The currency used in Squid Game is called “Wan.” It is a fictional currency that serves as the main medium of exchange within the game. The origin of the name “Wan” is not explicitly mentioned in the series, but it is likely derived from the Korean word “毵孿” (man), which means “ten thousand” in English. This name suggests that the currency is worth ten thousand South Korean won (KRW) in real life.
Significance of the Currency
The currency in Squid Game holds immense importance for the contestants. It is the driving force behind their participation in the deadly games. Here are some key aspects of the currency’s significance:
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Survival: The primary goal of the contestants is to win the games and collect as much money as possible. The more money they win, the better their chances of survival and a better life for their families.
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Power: The currency also represents power. The richer the contestants become, the more influence they have over others. This power can be used to manipulate the game’s rules or even threaten other players.
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Hope: For many contestants, the currency symbolizes hope. It represents the possibility of a better future for themselves and their families. This hope is what drives them to endure the harsh realities of the game.
Impact on the Characters
The currency in Squid Game has a profound impact on the characters, shaping their actions, decisions, and relationships. Here are some examples:
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Cho Kwon-ju: Cho is a struggling debt collector who joins the game to pay off his family’s debts. The currency becomes his primary motivation, pushing him to survive and win at all costs.
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Gi-hun: Gi-hun is a former professional gambler who joins the game to save his daughter. The currency represents his hope for a better life for his child, driving him to overcome his gambling addiction and face the challenges ahead.
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Debts and Family: Many contestants are driven by the desire to pay off their debts or provide for their families. The currency becomes a symbol of their struggles and the lengths they are willing to go to achieve their goals.
The Squid Game Economy
Within the context of Squid Game, the economy is driven by the currency. Here are some key aspects of the Squid Game economy:
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Exchange Rates: The exchange rate between the currency and real-life money is not explicitly mentioned, but it is implied that the currency is worth a significant amount of real money.
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Black Market: As the game progresses, a black market emerges where contestants can trade goods and services. This black market is driven by the currency and serves as a source of power and influence for some players.
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Debt and Credit: Some contestants accumulate debt during the game, which can be used to their advantage or become a burden. The currency also plays a role in credit, as some players borrow money from others to increase their chances of winning.
The Role of the Currency in the Series’ Themes
The currency in Squid Game is closely tied to the series’ themes of class struggle, capitalism, and the human cost of wealth. Here are some ways in which the currency reflects these themes:
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Class Struggle: The game is a microcosm of the larger class struggle in society. The contestants come from different backgrounds and social classes, but they are all vying for the same prize: wealth and power.
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Capitalism: The currency represents the capitalist system, where wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few. The game’s rules are designed to favor the wealthy, making it even more challenging for the lower-class contestants to succeed.
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Human Cost: The currency is a symbol of the human cost of wealth. The contestants are willing to sacrifice their lives and the lives of others to win the game and secure
