A video of a ‘Squid Game ‘themed stall in Imphal is causing waves in social media, establishing that the Korean cultural influence in Manipur is unbeatable. The stall draws inspiration from the international Netflix blockbuster drama.
In the viral video, the vendor dressed as the show’s masked Pink Soldiers while vendors sell quintessential Korean products such as Dalgona candy and ‘ddakji’ paper tiles. The viral video of the setup, posted on Instagram, has gained over 149,000 views, generating buzz among K-drama fans.
The success of Korean culture in India, particularly in the northeastern Manipur state, is undeniable. A Journal of North East India Studies (JNEIS) article points out how media has been instrumental in introducing K-dramas, K-pop, and Korean fashion into the region. This latest viral video further reinforces the state’s long-standing fascination with everything Korean.
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Squid Game Craze
The ‘Squid Game’ series is Netflix’s most-watched Korean drama. The series tracks financially struggling players who participate in fatal children’s games for a huge cash award. The vendors at the stall go all out with the theme, wearing the creepy pink suits and black masks that are so associated with the show’s Pink Soldiers.
Displayed prominently on the stall’s table is Dalgona, the brittle Korean honeycomb candy engraved with intricate shapes, reminiscent of the tense challenge from the series. Nearby, a basket holds folded paper tiles used for ‘ddakji,’ a traditional South Korean game also featured in ‘Squid Game.’ A large banner showcases the series’ title and an image of lead actor Lee Jung-jae, further enhancing the experience.
Social media Reactions
Social media users quickly responded to the viral video, with one user saying, “Manipur’s Squid Game is here!” Another user applauded the creativity as a “nice idea,” and another person playfully said, “Squid Game of a parallel world.”
Korean TV channels, such as KBS World and Arirang, which have been on air since the late 1990s are mostly responsible for K-dramas’ huge following in Manipur. Local video parlors with cheap access to Korean films and dramas also supplement the Korean Wave in the area.
As Hallyu continues to grow in Manipur, such creative establishments as the Squid Game stall only add to the state’s perpetually increasing fondness for Korean culture.
