For my money, the image that defines the tragedy of Netflix breakout k-drama “Squid Game” occurs in its second episode after the deadly stakes of its competition game show have been revealed and the remaining contestants have been given the option to vote on whether to terminate the contest or to stay.
One woman steps up to the ballot stand and looks for a moment as if she’ll opt to cancel the game. Then she glances up at the piggy bank suspended above her filled with billions in South Korean currency – so much money, and so close! Given the choice between the sure thing of living under the weight of debt or an uncertain outcome, she votes on a chance to either get rich or die trying.
