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The Hidden Details in Squid Game’s Iconic Set Design: What You Missed

Squid Game 2 production designer reveals the symbolic meanings behind its set, from colors to layouts, shedding light on the story’s deeper layers.

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By minal
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Netflix’s Squid Game isn’t just about survival games; it’s a masterpiece of storytelling hidden in plain sight. Production designer Chae Kyoung-sun recently opened up about the intricate details behind the show’s set design, giving fans more reasons to rewatch the series. From the colors of the uniforms to the layout of the dormitories, every element was crafted with intention.

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1. The Dormitory Colors

In Season 2, the vibrant dormitory colors took on a deeper meaning. Chae explained that the colors of the workers’ uniforms were specifically chosen to reflect their roles and desires.

“The reason for using orange was to emphasize its more negative connotations and its symbolic meaning. I felt that deep orange is even more driven by desire and ambition than red, symbolizing a strong urge to claim and conquer,” she shared.

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Purple, on the other hand, was used for the staircase leading to the Control Room. “Purple carries many symbolic meanings, but I chose it as the color of ultimate power and placed it at the path leading to the peak of the maze staircase,” Chae added.

2. The Maze Staircase

The staircase, which became a central location for the players’ rebellion, was inspired by real-life Korean apartment complexes.

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“I wanted to incorporate the endlessly repetitive structure of Korean apartments,” Chae revealed. The corridor-style layout added variety to the action scenes, creating a dynamic backdrop for the Pink Guards and rebels.

3. Gi-hun’s Apartment

Gi-hun’s return in Season 2 was marked by his stay in a rundown motel, where even the decor hinted at his destiny.

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“While I was reading the script, I thought the name Pink Motel had significance,” Chae explained. The pink sofa and doors symbolized the overwhelming presence of the Pink Guards in Gi-hun’s life. “I wanted them to signal Gi-hun’s fate and imply the beginning of the Squid Game.”

The design also reflected Gi-hun’s psychological state, showing how he could never truly escape the game’s grip.

4. The Six-Legged Pentathlon

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One of the standout moments in Season 2 was the six-legged pentathlon. Unlike the other games, this challenge focused on teamwork rather than individual survival.

Chae shared, “The set was designed to resemble an elementary school, with backgrounds composed of crayon clouds like children’s drawings. Bulletin boards, schedules, and doodles that you might find in a classroom were recreated.”

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The design mirrored the Dalgona game room from Season 1, adding an extra layer of confusion for Gi-hun as he stepped into the challenge.

Chae Kyoung-sun’s thoughtful design choices highlight how Squid Game uses its set to enhance storytelling. From the colors to the layouts, every detail serves a purpose, creating a world that’s as symbolic as it is visually striking.

As fans continue to analyze the series, it’s clear that the show’s design is as much a character as the players themselves.

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