Oman today_ The South Korean series Squid Game gained global fame not only for its captivating and unique storyline but also for its costume design, which plays a crucial role in conveying the underlying messages within the narrative. The costumes may appear simple at first glance, but they are carefully and intelligently crafted to align with the story’s eerie and tense atmosphere, while also addressing social and class-related themes.
Colors play a key role in the costume design; the red uniforms of the guards symbolize power and control, evoking a sense of fear and dominance, while the green tracksuits worn by the players convey innocence and victimhood. This color contrast effectively highlights power and weakness within the story. Additionally, the geometric shapes on the guards’ masks are not only aesthetically striking but also represent their rank and status. Circles are assigned to the lowest ranks, triangles to mid-tier personnel, and squares denote the most powerful individuals.
The simplicity of the costume design, devoid of intricate details, is intentional to focus attention on the essence and humanity of the characters. The use of numbers instead of names on the costumes symbolizes the loss of personal identity and reflects a ruthless system where people are reduced to mere numbers and statistics. Moreover, the costumes are designed to evoke a sense of timelessness, pointing to the ongoing corruption and social inequality present throughout history and across societies.
Finally, the players’ outfits are chosen for comfort and freedom of movement, ensuring they face no physical constraints during their activities. Overall, the costume and set design of Squid Game utilizes colors, symbols, and simplicity to critique social structures and class disparities, demonstrating how costume design can effectively communicate profound social and cultural messages.