A few months back, the South Korean drama 'Squid Game' was released on Netflix and quickly became a worldwide sensation and streamer's&nbsp;most popular series. Despite all the sensation and madness around the show, its entry is still prohibited in North Korea and anyone who breaks this law will face severe punishment.&nbsp; 
 
Despite the ban, a man&nbsp;smuggled the copies of the smash hit into the country and now as a punishment, he's reportedly sentenced to death for bringing back a&nbsp;copy of the show.&nbsp; 
 
As per the agency,&nbsp;the man has been sentenced to death, after authorities caught seven high school students watching the Korean-language global hit show, sources told.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/lifestyle/news-%E2%80%98squid-game%E2%80%99-creator-hits-back-at-nba-star-lebron-james-maybe-he-could-make-his-own-sequel-424706" hreflang="en">‘Squid Game’ creator hits back at NBA star LeBron James: Maybe he could make his own sequel</a> 
&nbsp; 
The series was smuggled in from China on USB drives. Sources said his sentence would be carried out by firing squad. 
 
A student who bought a drive received a life sentence, while six others who watched the show have been sentenced to five years hard labour, and teachers and school administrators have been fired and face banishment to work in remote mines or themselves, the sources said.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/lifestyle/news-chrissy-teigen-angers-fans-over-%E2%80%98squid-game%E2%80%99-theme-party-why-do-rich-people-miss-the-point-430048" hreflang="en">Chrissy Teigen angers fans over ‘Squid Game’ theme party: Why do rich people miss the point?</a> 
 
A source in law enforcement in North Hamgyong province of North Korea told RFA’s Korean Service, "Early last week, seven high school students from Chongjin City, North Hamgyong Province, were caught watching 'Squid Game.' They were caught by the 109th Joint Command of Staff's inspection.” 
 
This is the first time minors in North Korea were convicted under the law, 'Elimination of Reactionary Thought and Culture' for watching the series. Last year, in December, North Korea passed the law, which prohibits the entry and dissemination of cultural material like films, plays, music and books in the country.&nbsp;

The nine-part thriller follows the story of a cash-strapped contestant&nbsp;playing childhood games with deadly consequences in a bid to win 45.6 billion won ($38 million).&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the director of&nbsp;the dystopic South Korean TV series on Netflix, expressed confidence that the wildly popular show <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/squid-game-director-plans-for-second-season-of-megahit-tv-show-428127">will return for a second season.</a> 
 
"We are in the talks for Season Two," writer-director Hwang Dong-hyuk said in an interview on Monday. "It's all in my head. I have the basic storyline, the broad plan, so we`re in the brainstorming stages.

A few months back, the South Korean drama 'Squid Game' was released on Netflix and quickly became a worldwide sensation and streamer's most popular series. Despite all the sensation and madness around the show, its entry is still prohibited in North Korea and anyone who breaks this law will face severe punishment.

A few months back, the South Korean drama 'Squid Game' was released on Netflix and quickly became a worldwide sensation and streamer's most popular series. Despite all the sensation and madness around the show, its entry is still prohibited in North Korea and anyone who breaks this law will face severe punishment. Despite the ban, a man smuggled the copies of the smash hit into the country and now as a punishment, he's reportedly sentenced to death for bringing back a copy of the show. As per the agency, the man has been sentenced to death, after authorities caught seven high school students watching the Korean-language global hit show, sources told. ‘Squid Game’ creator hits back at NBA star LeBron James: Maybe he could make his own sequel The series was smuggled in from China on USB drives. Sources said his sentence would be carried out by firing squad. A student who bought a drive received a life sentence, while six others who watched the show have been sentenced to five years hard labour, and teachers and school administrators have been fired and face banishment to work in remote mines or themselves, the sources said. Chrissy Teigen angers fans over ‘Squid Game’ theme party: Why do rich people miss the point? A source in law enforcement in North Hamgyong province of North Korea told RFA’s Korean Service, "Early last week, seven high school students from Chongjin City, North Hamgyong Province, were caught watching 'Squid Game.' They were caught by the 109th Joint Command of Staff's inspection.” This is the first time minors in North Korea were convicted under the law, 'Elimination of Reactionary Thought and Culture' for watching the series. Last year, in December, North Korea passed the law, which prohibits the entry and dissemination of cultural material like films, plays, music and books in the country. The nine-part thriller follows the story of a cash-strapped contestant playing childhood games with deadly consequences in a bid to win 45.6 billion won ($38 million). Meanwhile, the director of the dystopic South Korean TV series on Netflix, expressed confidence that the wildly popular show will return for a second season. "We are in the talks for Season Two," writer-director Hwang Dong-hyuk said in an interview on Monday. "It's all in my head. I have the basic storyline, the broad plan, so we`re in the brainstorming stages.

North Korean man sentenced to death over smuggling copies of 'Squid Game' in the country

The creator of Netflix's breakout show, 'Squid Game, Hwang Dong-hyuk responded rather sharply to comments made by NBA superstar LeBron James about the ending.

James expressed that he was not happy with the ending of the show during a press conference exchange with fellow Los Angeles Lakers player Anthony Davis. James’ comments weren’t directed towards Hwang, the man behind the South Korean series, which the creator answered when asked about the same during a recent interview with Guardian.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-wion-exclusive-ub40-we-are-old-frts-now-our-kids-carry-the-flag-for-revolutionary-change-424650">WION exclusive: UB40: We're old, kids carry the flag for revolutionary change</a>

Hwang said that James "is cool and can say what he wants" but he wouldn't change "his ending."

"I wouldn’t change my ending. That’s my ending. If he has his own ending that would satisfy him, maybe he could make his own sequel. I’ll check it out and maybe send him a message saying, ‘I liked your whole show, except the ending'," Hwang said.&nbsp;

The series' ending paves the way for a second season, which was essentially what the NBA superstar was referring to.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-wion-exclusive-bhuvan-bam-%E2%80%98dhindora%E2%80%99-could-have-been-on-any-ott-platform-but-thats-unfair-to-my-viewers-424368" hreflang="en">WION exclusive: Bhuvan Bam: Would've been unfair to release ‘Dhindora’ on OTT</a>

“I know they start it off with a season two, but like, get on the fucking flight and go see your daughter, bro. Like what are you doing?” he said in a clip recorded during the press conference.

During the same interview, the creator said that he had to go through a &nbsp;lot of emotional, physical and mental stress while making this series and that the show's success has not really made him rich.&nbsp;

"I do have enough. I have enough to put food on the table. And it’s not like Netflix is paying me a bonus. Netflix paid me according to the original contract," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-alec-baldwins-daughter-ireland-baldwin-stands-by-him-i-know-my-dad-you-dont-424678" hreflang="en">Alec Baldwin's daughter Ireland stands by him: I know my Dad, you don't</a>

The creator of Netflix's breakout show, 'Squid Game, Hwang Dong-hyuk responded rather sharply to comments made by NBA superstar LeBron James about the ending. James expressed that he was not happy with the ending of the show during a press conference exchange with fellow Los Angeles Lakers player Anthony Davis.

The creator of Netflix's breakout show, 'Squid Game, Hwang Dong-hyuk responded rather sharply to comments made by NBA superstar LeBron James about the ending. James expressed that he was not happy with the ending of the show during a press conference exchange with fellow Los Angeles Lakers player Anthony Davis. James’ comments weren’t directed towards Hwang, the man behind the South Korean series, which the creator answered when asked about the same during a recent interview with Guardian. Also read: WION exclusive: UB40: We're old, kids carry the flag for revolutionary change Hwang said that James "is cool and can say what he wants" but he wouldn't change "his ending." "I wouldn’t change my ending. That’s my ending. If he has his own ending that would satisfy him, maybe he could make his own sequel. I’ll check it out and maybe send him a message saying, ‘I liked your whole show, except the ending'," Hwang said. The series' ending paves the way for a second season, which was essentially what the NBA superstar was referring to. Also read: WION exclusive: Bhuvan Bam: Would've been unfair to release ‘Dhindora’ on OTT “I know they start it off with a season two, but like, get on the fucking flight and go see your daughter, bro. Like what are you doing?” he said in a clip recorded during the press conference. During the same interview, the creator said that he had to go through a lot of emotional, physical and mental stress while making this series and that the show's success has not really made him rich. "I do have enough. I have enough to put food on the table. And it’s not like Netflix is paying me a bonus. Netflix paid me according to the original contract," he said. Also read: Alec Baldwin's daughter Ireland stands by him: I know my Dad, you don't

‘Squid Game’ creator hits back at NBA star LeBron James: Maybe he could make his own sequel

White slip-on shoes are becoming a hot commodity thanks to the wildly popular South Korean survival drama '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-lee-jung-jae-thinks-%E2%80%98squid-game%E2%80%99-critics-should-watch-it-again-422089">Squid Game</a>', with sneaker maker VF Corp reporting a small increase in demand for its Vans brand. 
 
The series, which became a global sensation and the No.1 program on Netflix, shows hundreds of cash-strapped players competing in hyperviolent games, sporting shoes resembling Vans'&nbsp;all-white slip-ons.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-squid-game-jumpsuits-to-kim-kardashian-pop-culturememe-inspired-halloween-costumes-422971" hreflang="en">From 'Squid Game' jumpsuits to Kim Kardashian: Pop culture/meme-inspired Halloween costumes</a> 
 
"We saw a nice spike -- well, I`d call it a small spike, but I'll promise this is not a damned annual event," VF Chief Financial Officer Matt Puckett said on Friday, adding the apparel maker would use this moment to build on Vans` connection to pop culture. 
 
VF Corp missed Wall Street estimates for quarterly revenue and profit on Friday due to global supply chain disruptions and production shortfalls in Vietnam.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-squid-game-boosted-netflix-pulls-in-subscribers-422171" hreflang="en">Squid Game-boosted Netflix pulls in subscribers</a> 
 
The 'Made in Korea'&nbsp;green tracksuits and pink boiler suits worn by characters in the show have proven a pre-Halloween bright spot for the South Korean garment industry struggling during the health crisis.

White slip-on shoes are becoming a hot commodity thanks to the wildly popular South Korean survival drama 'Squid Game', with sneaker maker VF Corp reporting a small increase in demand for its Vans brand.

White slip-on shoes are becoming a hot commodity thanks to the wildly popular South Korean survival drama 'Squid Game', with sneaker maker VF Corp reporting a small increase in demand for its Vans brand. The series, which became a global sensation and the No.1 program on Netflix, shows hundreds of cash-strapped players competing in hyperviolent games, sporting shoes resembling Vans' all-white slip-ons. In pics: From 'Squid Game' jumpsuits to Kim Kardashian: Pop culture/meme-inspired Halloween costumes "We saw a nice spike -- well, I`d call it a small spike, but I'll promise this is not a damned annual event," VF Chief Financial Officer Matt Puckett said on Friday, adding the apparel maker would use this moment to build on Vans` connection to pop culture. VF Corp missed Wall Street estimates for quarterly revenue and profit on Friday due to global supply chain disruptions and production shortfalls in Vietnam. Also read: Squid Game-boosted Netflix pulls in subscribers The 'Made in Korea' green tracksuits and pink boiler suits worn by characters in the show have proven a pre-Halloween bright spot for the South Korean garment industry struggling during the health crisis.

'Squid Game' mania has shoppers snapping up Vans' white slip-on shoes

Everyone wants a piece of cake (read candy) off Netflix’s latest hot shot show ‘Squid Game’ that has taken over the internet and become a major buzzword. Among the memes and games that have inspired netizens to take up some challenge from the show and make it fun, there is news that a Beijing bakery has started a candy contest based on Squid Game.&nbsp;

A Beijing bakery has introduced a new challenge for customers to make this candy from 'Squid Game' -- the one we saw participants make shapes out of in one of the challenges. While those who lost were killed off in the South Korean series, there won’t be any such punishment at the bakery.&nbsp;

The candy has now become popular as Dalgona candy as it looks like it’s made out of coffee and sugar. It is actually made by melting sugar and adding baking soda to create a hard treat.&nbsp;

The Chinese bakery has started the contest that will cost $9. The idea is to make the candy from scratch in under 10 minutes and carve them out into various shapes. The last stage of the creation is especially tricky since the mixture sets quickly and becomes prone to cracking.

The Chinese bakery's owner, Hao Jing, is herself a big fan of 'Squid Game'. In an interview to Reuters, she said, "Our customers are mainly young people and young people make up many of this show's fans."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Netflix has reported <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-squid-game-boosted-netflix-pulls-in-subscribers-422171">billion-dollar profits and booming subscriber growth</a> Tuesday that beat forecasts as global hits like Squid Game drew viewers in droves. Squid Game became Netflix's biggest show ever, watched by a "mind-boggling" 142 million households in the four weeks after its release in mid-September, executives said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-lee-jung-jae-thinks-%E2%80%98squid-game%E2%80%99-critics-should-watch-it-again-422089" hreflang="en">Lee Jung-jae thinks ‘Squid Game’ critics should watch it again</a>

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-viral-mumbai-police-has-done-it-again-and-this-time-with-squid-game-watch-421027" hreflang="en">Viral: Mumbai Police has done it again and this time with 'Squid Game'; Watch</a></h2>

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-malaysian-salon-paints-squid-game-manicures-of-tiny-coffins-green-tracksuits-420904" hreflang="en">Malaysian salon paints 'Squid Game' manicures of tiny coffins, green tracksuits</a></h2>

Everyone wants a piece of cake (read candy) off Netflix’s latest hot shot show ‘Squid Game’ that has taken over the internet and become a major buzzword. Among the memes and games that have inspired netizens to take up some challenge from the show and make it fun, there is news that a Beijing bakery has started a candy contest based on Squid Game.

Everyone wants a piece of cake (read candy) off Netflix’s latest hot shot show ‘Squid Game’ that has taken over the internet and become a major buzzword. Among the memes and games that have inspired netizens to take up some challenge from the show and make it fun, there is news that a Beijing bakery has started a candy contest based on Squid Game. A Beijing bakery has introduced a new challenge for customers to make this candy from 'Squid Game' -- the one we saw participants make shapes out of in one of the challenges. While those who lost were killed off in the South Korean series, there won’t be any such punishment at the bakery. The candy has now become popular as Dalgona candy as it looks like it’s made out of coffee and sugar. It is actually made by melting sugar and adding baking soda to create a hard treat. The Chinese bakery has started the contest that will cost $9. The idea is to make the candy from scratch in under 10 minutes and carve them out into various shapes. The last stage of the creation is especially tricky since the mixture sets quickly and becomes prone to cracking. The Chinese bakery's owner, Hao Jing, is herself a big fan of 'Squid Game'. In an interview to Reuters, she said, "Our customers are mainly young people and young people make up many of this show's fans." Meanwhile, Netflix has reported billion-dollar profits and booming subscriber growth Tuesday that beat forecasts as global hits like Squid Game drew viewers in droves. Squid Game became Netflix's biggest show ever, watched by a "mind-boggling" 142 million households in the four weeks after its release in mid-September, executives said. Also Read: Lee Jung-jae thinks ‘Squid Game’ critics should watch it again Viral: Mumbai Police has done it again and this time with 'Squid Game'; Watch Malaysian salon paints 'Squid Game' manicures of tiny coffins, green tracksuits

Squid Game: Chinese bakery starts candy contest inspired from show

Netflix's 'Squid Game' refuses to slow down!

The Korean survival drama, since its premiere on September 27, has been topping charts in over 94 countries.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-m-night-shyamalan%E2%80%99s-next-knock-at-the-cabin-gets-new-release-date-420851" hreflang="en">M. Night Shyamalan’s next 'Knock at the Cabin' gets new release date</a>

&nbsp;Now, in a recent interview, Lee Jung-jae--the actor behind the gambling addict character Seong Gi-hun a.k.a. Player 456--revealed that he would love to reprise his role for a second time. "Of course. Because I've received so much love and support from [viewers], of course I have to play him again if there is a season 2," he said when asked about whether he would be up for the challenge, again.&nbsp;

 
"But at this point I don't know anything about how the story is going to turn out, or how the characters are going to change, or if there is going to be any new characters adding to the series. I don't know anything right now. And I also don't know whether if Gi-hun's role was still be the main role or like a minor role on the side. But whatever it's going to be, of course I would have to say yes," revealed Lee Jung-jae, while discussing the status of a potential season two.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-marvels-eternals-to-be-bigger-than-shang-chi-and-black-widow-advance-ticket-sales-suggest-so-420666" hreflang="en">Marvel's Eternals to be bigger than 'Shang-Chi' and 'Black Widow'?</a>

While talking about the finale scene, Lee Jung-jae revealed that it was tough on him 'emotionally and physically'.&nbsp;

 
"That would be because Gi-hun is very hurt because of all these games. And he knows he has to admit the fact that he deceived others in order to survive himself, so he's very disappointed in himself and in Sang-woo [Park Hae-soo], his close friend, because he betrayed him. These two characters are fighting against each other with their life on the line when they're childhood friends, so the scene itself is very heartbreaking. It was very emotionally tough. Secondly, I remember that when we were filming that scene when the two were fighting, it was in winter, so the weather was very cold. In Korea the winter is very freezing cold. I remember filming that scene for about four days in the rain with the sprinkler, so it was very emotionally and physically tough," concluded the viral star.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bts-jimin-gets-soju-shots-with-jungkook-and-j-hope-on-his-birthday-420837">BTS: Jimin gets soju shots with Jungkook and J-Hope on his birthday</a>

Netflix's 'Squid Game' refuses to slow down! The Korean survival drama, since its premiere on September 27, has been topping charts in over 94 countries. Also read: M.

Netflix's 'Squid Game' refuses to slow down! The Korean survival drama, since its premiere on September 27, has been topping charts in over 94 countries. Also read: M. Night Shyamalan’s next 'Knock at the Cabin' gets new release date Now, in a recent interview, Lee Jung-jae--the actor behind the gambling addict character Seong Gi-hun a.k.a. Player 456--revealed that he would love to reprise his role for a second time. "Of course. Because I've received so much love and support from [viewers], of course I have to play him again if there is a season 2," he said when asked about whether he would be up for the challenge, again. "But at this point I don't know anything about how the story is going to turn out, or how the characters are going to change, or if there is going to be any new characters adding to the series. I don't know anything right now. And I also don't know whether if Gi-hun's role was still be the main role or like a minor role on the side. But whatever it's going to be, of course I would have to say yes," revealed Lee Jung-jae, while discussing the status of a potential season two. Also read: Marvel's Eternals to be bigger than 'Shang-Chi' and 'Black Widow'? While talking about the finale scene, Lee Jung-jae revealed that it was tough on him 'emotionally and physically'. "That would be because Gi-hun is very hurt because of all these games. And he knows he has to admit the fact that he deceived others in order to survive himself, so he's very disappointed in himself and in Sang-woo [Park Hae-soo], his close friend, because he betrayed him. These two characters are fighting against each other with their life on the line when they're childhood friends, so the scene itself is very heartbreaking. It was very emotionally tough. Secondly, I remember that when we were filming that scene when the two were fighting, it was in winter, so the weather was very cold. In Korea the winter is very freezing cold. I remember filming that scene for about four days in the rain with the sprinkler, so it was very emotionally and physically tough," concluded the viral star. Also read: BTS: Jimin gets soju shots with Jungkook and J-Hope on his birthday

Squid Game star Lee Jung-jae reacts to rumours of a season 2: I have to play him again

It is not available in China but Netflix's global sensation Squid Game has already built up a huge following in the country, with fans dodging strict internet controls to stream the show and snapping up merchandise such as its unique outfits.

The dystopian South Korean thriller has become the most popular Netflix series launch ever, the streaming giant said Tuesday, but it is unlikely to pass China's censors because of its brutally violent content.

Yet it is already a hit in cities such as Shanghai, where a crowd formed Tuesday at an eatery selling dalgona -- the crisp sugar candy featured in one episode -- with customers gathering at its Squid Game-themed sign to take photos.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/squid-game-actor-lee-jung-jae-reveals-how-hollywood-has-reacted-to-his-performance-420327" hreflang="en">'Squid Game' actor Lee Jung-jae reveals how Hollywood has reacted to his performance</a></h2>

"People were sending jokes related to the show in group chats when I started watching," a customer surnamed Li told AFP.

"It's rather fast-paced and therefore, quite thrilling," the video producer said of the series.

After buying the candy, Li and his friend filmed their attempt at a challenge from the show, where contestants try to cut shapes from the snack without cracking it.

Squid Game features a group of society's most marginalised and indebted people who are forced to compete in a series of children's games until all participants are dead except one. The "winner" gets $38 million.

As the show became an international hit, China's ever-nimble manufacturers raced to tap into demand, with products -- including the bright pink uniforms and eerie masks worn by anonymous guards -- popping up across the giant online shopping platform Taobao.

Vendor Peng Xiuyang told AFP his sales had spiked by around 30 percent thanks to demand for Squid Game merchandise.

He had never heard of the show when a customer asked last month if he sold the masks -- a plain black full-faced covering printed with squares, triangles or circles.

But now vendors like him and plastics manufacturers in the eastern hub of Yiwu are all rushing to meet demand -- from both domestic and international buyers.

"Our customers are those who have seen the series and want to join in the trend," he added.

With Halloween coming up, the spine-chilling masks have become his most sought-after product.

- Illegal distribution -

The lack of official availability has not stopped Chinese audiences from finding ways to watch the show -- including easily available unofficial streaming sites or file-sharing.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-you-can-now-buy-netflixs-stranger-things-squid-game-merchandise-heres-how-420239" hreflang="en">You can now buy Netflix's 'Stranger Things', 'Squid Game' merchandise; here's how</a></h2>

The piracy problem is so widespread that South Korea's ambassador to China, Jang Ha-sung, recently told a parliamentary audit that he had asked Chinese authorities to take action.

"Our assessment is that Squid Game, which is gaining global popularity, is being illegally distributed on around 60 sites in China," Jang said, testifying remotely from Beijing.

As fascination with the show swirls among China's tech-savvy youth, the hashtag "Squid Game" got nearly two billion views on social media, and related topics have been trending for weeks.

Users discussed how they would pass the challenges featured in the show, and wondered what a Chinese version of Squid Game would be like.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/havent-watched-squid-game-heres-what-youre-not-missing-420186" hreflang="en">Haven't watched 'Squid Game'? Here's what you're not missing</a></h2>

But one user said: "It's not like it would pass censors if we made such a show ourselves... if it were too violent, it would just get taken down."

For now, fans just want to have fun.

A customer in Shanghai surnamed Yang said: "I've seen (the snack) being sold online, but it's my first time finding it in real life."

It is not available in China but Netflix's global sensation Squid Game has already built up a huge following in the country, with fans dodging strict internet controls to stream the show and snapping up merchandise such as its unique outfits.

It is not available in China but Netflix's global sensation Squid Game has already built up a huge following in the country, with fans dodging strict internet controls to stream the show and snapping up merchandise such as its unique outfits. The dystopian South Korean thriller has become the most popular Netflix series launch ever, the streaming giant said Tuesday, but it is unlikely to pass China's censors because of its brutally violent content. Yet it is already a hit in cities such as Shanghai, where a crowd formed Tuesday at an eatery selling dalgona -- the crisp sugar candy featured in one episode -- with customers gathering at its Squid Game-themed sign to take photos. 'Squid Game' actor Lee Jung-jae reveals how Hollywood has reacted to his performance "People were sending jokes related to the show in group chats when I started watching," a customer surnamed Li told AFP. "It's rather fast-paced and therefore, quite thrilling," the video producer said of the series. After buying the candy, Li and his friend filmed their attempt at a challenge from the show, where contestants try to cut shapes from the snack without cracking it. Squid Game features a group of society's most marginalised and indebted people who are forced to compete in a series of children's games until all participants are dead except one. The "winner" gets $38 million. As the show became an international hit, China's ever-nimble manufacturers raced to tap into demand, with products -- including the bright pink uniforms and eerie masks worn by anonymous guards -- popping up across the giant online shopping platform Taobao. Vendor Peng Xiuyang told AFP his sales had spiked by around 30 percent thanks to demand for Squid Game merchandise. He had never heard of the show when a customer asked last month if he sold the masks -- a plain black full-faced covering printed with squares, triangles or circles. But now vendors like him and plastics manufacturers in the eastern hub of Yiwu are all rushing to meet demand -- from both domestic and international buyers. "Our customers are those who have seen the series and want to join in the trend," he added. With Halloween coming up, the spine-chilling masks have become his most sought-after product. - Illegal distribution - The lack of official availability has not stopped Chinese audiences from finding ways to watch the show -- including easily available unofficial streaming sites or file-sharing. You can now buy Netflix's 'Stranger Things', 'Squid Game' merchandise; here's how The piracy problem is so widespread that South Korea's ambassador to China, Jang Ha-sung, recently told a parliamentary audit that he had asked Chinese authorities to take action. "Our assessment is that Squid Game, which is gaining global popularity, is being illegally distributed on around 60 sites in China," Jang said, testifying remotely from Beijing. As fascination with the show swirls among China's tech-savvy youth, the hashtag "Squid Game" got nearly two billion views on social media, and related topics have been trending for weeks. Users discussed how they would pass the challenges featured in the show, and wondered what a Chinese version of Squid Game would be like. Haven't watched 'Squid Game'? Here's what you're not missing But one user said: "It's not like it would pass censors if we made such a show ourselves... if it were too violent, it would just get taken down." For now, fans just want to have fun. A customer in Shanghai surnamed Yang said: "I've seen (the snack) being sold online, but it's my first time finding it in real life."

Illegal streams, merch bonanza: Squid Game craze hits China

squid-game-craze

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