*This was traumatic..* SQUID GAME S1 pt.1/3 | First Time Watching | reaction/review

[@MilaniMavango]

I think the second episode is called "HELL" because it mostly shows their real lives back home which are miserable and feels like they're in "hell" making the game their savior or heaven.

[@manon_0411]

In Korean, the episode is also named "hell", but the line that the episode is named after is translated differently in the subtitles. When the old man meets Gihun outside the convenience store, it's translated as "Out here, the torture is worse", but the Korean says "it's more like hell out here" or, for a very literal translation "out here, it's more hell" ("than in the games" is understood). So yes they literally mean that they're going through hell in their daily life. They don't say or think that the game is their savior or heaven though. They acknowledge that the game is absolutely horrible, but that it's the lesser of two evils compared to their life.

[@ammaleslie509]

Thanks for these translation details. Much appreciated! ​@@manon_0411

[@taemingguk]

Thank you for watching it in its original language. The emotions hit so much harder than the dub. Looking forward to your reaction as always! ♥️

[@wendydarling5790]

Yes! Original language always!

[@FarhanMustofa-u1r]

Wait ,There's a channel who watch it in dubbing? ,there's a dubbing for this?

[@taemingguk]

@@FarhanMustofa-u1ryes and it’s just as bad as you would think an English dub would be. I can think of at least three other reaction channels, including one that is currently dropping episodes of this, that watched the dub and it almost made it to where I couldn’t watch them react because the dub is so bad 😂

[@manon_0411]

I live in Korea and always watch Korean stuff in Korean, but when I visit my parents they sometimes watch Korean series in FRENCH DUB and that just makes me want to rip my ears out every time. I cannot be in the same room, it's so bad. Very little emotions, missing context that is usually given in tones, etc. So bad.

[@tallicafan85]

i watched it in English first. i hate reading movies.

[@JeM130177]

I always thought episode 2 was so smart because then we can’t spend the series saying people didn’t know what they were getting into. Which sure they didn’t at first but…they definitely do after game 1

[@aliceblack9712]

Just wanted to tell you that your reaction videos are great. I appreciate how you make effort to comment are analyze what's going on on the screen, but manage to keep the balance between that and still being observant. It's not just watching someone staring at the screen and occasionally yelling wows. Thanks for your hard work!

[@suvijii841]

The episodes do really fly by; I loved how you were like "that's three episodes already?! danggg I have to wait until next week". This show really gets people involved!

[@thomaskang6562]

Somehow, Episode 2 has the lowest IMDB rating of the series when it's my person favorite of the show. You have the whole voting scene which perfectly subverts expectations, then the answer to why people in these crazy situations don't go to the police, but then we move on to the efficient and effective setup of our character's motivations that affect the outcome of the show by humanizing them and making the stakes much higher and more real as they are force to navigate the games, and we get to see some of who they are outside of the games, in contrast to what they end up getting up to inside of them. Without this episode nearly the entire emotional backbone of the show is gone and that's the main draw of the show in the first place.

[@shibainu2528]

It also changes the context of the show, instead of "death game they accidentally got themselves into, now they must survive at all costs to return to their normal lives" it's "death game they willingly signed up for, they must survive at all costs for a better life outside the game"

[@ondrejvasak1054]

I agree, it's my favourite episode too or possibly second favourite after ep 6. It really made the show stand appart for me when I was watching it for the first time pulling me in. The whole concept of the 2nd episode is a masterstroke and completely recontextualizes the show. No idea why the ranking is the lowest, maybe not enough death? I guess most people just have shit taste. 😀 Minor spoiler below. . . Also episode 2 gives us the true winners of squid game, it's the 15 or so people who chose not to come back.

[@AJSHABEEL11]

I didn’t read the whole of what you said but It’s Definitely my Favourite to

[@Nikolas5842]

Same ep 2 is def my favourite

[@manon_0411]

Please remember that "hyung" means "older brother" and can also be used by a man to address a slightly older man he's emotionlly close to. It will be important at some point to understand character dynamics.

[@Lale_Canfeda]

Translating "hyung" as "older brother" is wrong. In Korean BLs, when two guys with an age gap are in a relationship, one still calls the other "hyung". Calling your boyfriend "big brother" wouldn't make any sense at all. So your second description is more accurate.

[@manon_0411]

@Lale_Canfeda My friend, I have lived in Korea for 10 years. I have spoken Korean for nearly 10 years. I literally translate Korean webtoons for a living, most of which are BLs. The origin of 형 was to address a literal older brother and has evolved over time to include an older male person you feel close to. In this very series, it is used both by Sangwoo to address Gihun as a friend and by the detective to address his literal older brother. "Hyung" means "older brother" too and has meant that for longer than "older male friend". Just like "oppa" can be used by a woman to address her literal older brother or a guy slightly older than her. Just like a guy can use "noona" for both his literal sister and an older woman. Knowing this kind of stuff is part of my literal job, please do not try to correct an expert when you do not actually know what you are talking about. Thank you.

[@ondrejvasak1054]

@@Lale_Canfeda No, I think you are just making assumptions because it would sound strange in your culture, probably making it sound like incest. But in Korea the sensibilities are clearly different and this is completely normal. So if you ever have Korean boyfriend, please call him older brother. 😀

[@Lale_Canfeda]

@@manon_0411 Thank you for the explanation. It makes more sense now. I'm not an expert in Korean, unlike you. So it's good that I learned something new.

[@charizarr]

I BEG you give Alice in Borderland a try after this show! It's the same concept, and so incredibly thought provoking !

[@gustenender4028]

YESS 100%

[@mariem92]

Alice is even better than Squid Game, I think. I know it's a bit different, but still. When Squid Game came out and got all the attention I was so pissed because I really think Alice deserved as much love as Squid Game!

[@MicukoFelton]

And Kaiji: The Ultimate Gambler!

[@charizarr]

@@mariem92 no absolutely! AlB is one of the best shows ever like I have never felt as attached to a show

[@justatiefling9528]

YESSSSS I loved Alice in Borderland, I'd LOVE to see his reaction to it!

[@juliejanisbooks6580]

I'm watching Squid Game now for the first time and literally thought this morning how cool it would be if you reacted to this show... perfect timing!!

[@kirashields7383]

It's so good! I watched when it first came out and have rewatched many times. Season 2 comes out December 26th and I'm so excited!

[@babs3241]

Ah, episode 3, where we get to know Han Mi-nyeo. She's lowkey my favorite, except for a few moments. And of course, the real MVP: Jun-ho's phone battery.

[@Lale_Canfeda]

She's quite a jerk but still so funny lol

[@anukoo87]

You seem like a genuinely nice person. I´ve been watching people who just crack jokes in serious moments in movies or series not really concentrating in what they´re seeing but you seem really connected with your emotions and its so refreshing! Enjoying your rections, cheers from Finland!

[@CheeseNacho_]

a detail that's not very clear at the beggining is that between the pink guards, the ones that have a circle are the lowers in the hierarchy, triangles are next and the squares are the highest authority, so at the end our detective basically climbed up ranks by taking that mask

[@kay-jay1581]

6:06 Gong Yoo! Yes he is a famous actor also well known for train to Busan. Also forget the games, I would pay 100 dollars to be slapped by Gong Yoo 🤣

[@kirashields7383]

Exactly, I'D pay HIM to slap me 😂😂 I love train to Busan ❤ have you seen The Silent Sea? That's also really good 😍

[@teejaykaye]

The second episode is so fucking important in this show. It really drives home the point that for these people, the game truly is the better option than languishing in their insurmountable debt and awful life circumstances,

[@funkyguyhere]

If you like Squid Game i highly recommend Alice In Borderland! It has a similar premise but it gets very complex and it's a fantastic watch!

[@TriceeXO]

YES PLS PLS

[@firstlast-wm3li]

Quiet, you. This is about Squid Game.

[@kookies2160]

@@firstlast-wm3liIkr, I watched both but hearing people like this makes me want to unwatch it lol. Especially when anybody with the ability to have a deeper level of understanding would know that both shows are almost so different and the only obvious similarity is that they play life-threatening games

[@aquatadevore9335]

Today I learned that diarrhea is hereditary, it runs in your jeans

[@kirashields7383]

Lmaooo 😂

[@smiraclec]

Whattt 😂

[@-LydiaXedits]

20:52 adding onto this- it’s really easy to think they were all stupid for running back or moving when the rules said not to but in the pure shock and panic, anyone would. Anyone would, it’s instinct to run from danger. They didn’t know what they signed up for- the contract was so incredibly vague. The truth is, it’s hard to behave and think rationally when under pressure and severe panic.

[@clarissa182]

You are in for a ride. I loved Squid Games. The sets and cast was top tier. My heart barely handled binging it. I can't wait for S2!

[@jessxani]

OH MY GOSHHHHHH I'M SO EXCITED TO REWATCH THIS WITH YOU!!! It was so popular when it came out and I really think the show was worth its hype! I really hope you tune in for Season 2 as well! Side note, if you ever decide to get into more Korean movies, please give Parasite (Oscar winning movie) a try! It has a crazy good plot! I love when you analyze and catch a lot of details that some viewers can't easily catch... I really think you'll like Parasite!!!

[@rawaby8923]

As expected your reactions never disappoints , love how you recognized the train to busan actor and how you knew that sangwoo was trying to off himself

[@MacCheekz1990]

When I watched the Star Wars Acolyte series recently, I didn't regocnize that the main character here from Squid Game was in it too and playing a major role and was actually really good, despite people saying the series was bad lol.

[@BlackavarWD]

20:38 "It's a bit of a gamble" hilarious 😅 the whole episode was about gambling 😂

[@floor_meesschaert]

I hope you react to "alice in borderland" aswell someday!! I personally liked it a bit better than squid game😊

[@TheLiverpoolOwen]

omg same

[@Niloc_]

Alice in Borderland was great! saw it half a year before Squid Game came out

[@adrianaaa.santos]

i so agree with you!

[@kirashields7383]

I love both! So excited for SG S2 on the 26th and hopefully S3 of AIB will be soon too!

[@floor_meesschaert]

@@kirashields7383 yesss🔥

[@warungglobal-s9v]

I love that you are on point about almost everyone mental state here and you understand the choice they make. Watching ppl react to this series sometimes really get on my nerves because the complain a lot about the choices the characters make

[@raimundkeller6115]

It has become quite the pleasure watching your reactions. You are well spoken, are able to follow the plot and overall seem like someone I'd like to hang out with. Please keep doing what you're doing. After watching your Arkane, Stranger Things and many more reactions, I now finally subscribed and I honestly don't know what took me so long, because you have quickly become one of my most favorite reaction youtubers.

[@manon_0411]

For info, 1,000 won equal 1,10AUD, so Gihun's winnings at the horse race were just under 5,000AUD. Just divide whatever the amount they talk about by 1,000 to get an approximate AUD equivalent.

[@warmmilk9480]

Considering that it costs about twice as much to live in Aus as in South Korea, I did the math to be about 97.1 million AUD in Australia, if you're looking at it in terms of cost of living which is a bit more reasonable than just direct currency conversion. Also you definitely meant 1,000,000 won. But it would be more accurate to say by living cost, his winnings were like $10,000.

[@manon_0411]

@warmmilk9480 I didn't mean 1 million won anywhere. 1,000 won equals 0.68 USD and 1.10 AUD. So the ratio is about 1 AUD = 1,000 wons. 1million won would be 1,100 AUD.

[@warmmilk9480]

@@manon_0411 Okay, so you meant 1,000 = 1.1 ...Which is still a typo, just a different typo. And still meant the exact same thing I was saying. But I already explained my math anyway. 1:1 conversion rates tell you nothing about the actual value of the money.

[@Danlutz40]

You reacting to this series is definitely one of the highlights of my day. Already can't wait to see your reactions to the rest of the season.

[@MissMissyArt]

I loved this show and I was sad when it somehow got dumbed down into child’s media on the internet, since there’s so much nuance in it

[@amilyalee1306]

I got so excited when I heard you were going to react to this!! I find it awesome that parts of Korean culture and cinema can get to more people :DDD Some things are definitely lost in translation, but it's fun anyway I don't know if you caught it, but the pickpocket girl and her brother are from North Korea, so she's trying to bring her mother into South Korea to be with them. That's also why she didn't pick up on why the workers were melting sugar, they didn't have games or childhood activities like that in the North. It also makes her determination and ruthlessness a bit more understandable. The honeycomb game is popular in Korea. You'll find the dalgona crackers sold on streets and sometimes, if you can get out the shape without breaking it, then you get another one for free (I think).

[@avadaw4692]

just rewatched since the second season is coming out its absolutely horrifying but i love the story and the characters.

[@Allu257]

Not him calling sae byeok a kid😭 Btw nice video Keep it up👍

[@Uwublorbo]

I never noticed before that the box with the lighter gun is black with a pink ribbon, just like the boxes they put the dead players in 😮

[@Khiara]

aaa i love how you put the episodes together bc i wouldnt been able to waitt xD

[@kptree1323]

Three shows I beg you to watch after this: Alice in Borderland (Japanese live action), Goblin (Korean live action), and Legend of Vox Machina (American animation but heavily anime inspired)

[@synthwolfe8906]

for the honeycomb challenge, it's ranked generally as the triangle is easiest, as it has all straight lines, but also the fewest lines total. Square is next easiest for a similar reason. Umbrella is hardest for the unusual shape. And Circle is the next hardest as it has no straight lines.

[@sammyg77]

Wow, you recognised him, nice, that recruiter guy is indeed from "train to busan"

[@kirashields7383]

He's Gong Yoo ❤ very good actor. I also recommend The Silent Sea ❤

[@FWIIAN]

YEAAAAAAAAAH AND JUST IN TIME FOR THE NEW SEASON THIS MONTH IM SO EXCITED FOR YOUR REACTIONS

[@thedrunkenelf]

I’ve been to Korea quite a bit (I’m Australian) and a million won is about a thousand dollars. It’s not a perfect conversion but it’s around that. The most common bank note is the 10,000 or the 20,000. They are about 10 or 20 dollars.

[@marynguyen210]

I just finished rewatching this drama like 2 days ago and here I am again watching your reaction to it. I can’t wait for season 2!!!

[@annakang3566]

So happy to watch this! One thing annoying though, is why they mistranslated as “if all the players agree to leave…” when the original line actually said “the majority vote” obviously… looks minor but it makes so many reactors around the world confused and it is quite frustrating! 😅haha anyway I look forward to your next reaction!

[@JediDanD]

"You will be eliminated, from the competition?" . . . Yes, from the competition; St. Peter will see them out . . . X3 Triangle Guy walks into the bathroom and opens up on Player 212, he's like "I don't get paid enough for this sh*t . . ." XD

[@MelatoninCapallini]

AHHHH I’m excited to see you watch more of this show!

[@dylmarieeee]

hi Oscar! I’ve been watching your channel for a while, I absolutely love your content! I would love to see you watch, “Horton hears a who”, and, “chicken little”. Absolute CLASSICS! You’ll love them! 🤍

[@LanaBanana_21]

14:08 Which sicko created this.. "Honey, you got a storm coming"

[@NeaNomad]

So psyched that you're watching this!! I agree that episode 2 may not be as intense but its soo necessary for getting to know and empathize with the characters. Just to set you up for more emotional devastation later on :') I echo other suggestions for Alice in Borderland if you like this genre!! AiB is less commentary on late stage capitalism and more existensial with fantasy/sci-fi elements, but no less intense, emotional, and entertaining! I know it was less popular but I personally find it more fun to watch than Squid Game (after you get over a particular hurdle early in season 1). Another point in AiB's favor is that it was only 2 seasons and now it's over! Nice and contained.

[@CarolineForest]

I also like how he might be in debt, but he is not greedy.

[@itspribanerjee]

Wow this is so fun watching with you! Cant wait for part 2/3

[@coratcariad]

I'm so excited that you're watching this!! I can't wait for your reactions to the rest of it.

[@annawehmeyer]

I'm glad you're doing this series. It's a really fun show and great for a reaction. I haven't seen anything of season 2 though.

[@neishawnjohnson7602]

I love squid game. Ali is definitely a sweetheart and a beloved character you get attached too. Can't wait until season 2😩😩

[@tg8285]

I cannot even express how happy I am that you're watching this 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 I really believe that everyone should watch this show it is by far one of the best I've ever seen❤❤❤❤❤ enjoy mate Pay attention to everything. 31:56 "He's so nice..." (ummm yeah...) winking 😜

[@EricaDLucas]

I love the "illusion" of choice in the second episode. It's played to be like it's fair, after all they chose to go despite knowing the odds, but what other chance did they have? It's painfully accurate, the whole capitalism commentary of how people get themselves in awful situations/jobs and the system plays it to be their choice, but the reality is that it's always people who virtually CAN'T "choose" anything else. The thing is that the game needs the existence of people in poverty to function, and so does capitalism

[@MyLifeMyWay93]

Thank you for watching it in the original language it’s MUCH better this way

[@JustJebei]

"All I know, are there a bunch of characters in this show, and some of them die" 😅🤣

[@happytummy_702]

You made my day, so happy you’re reacting to this series!!

[@serenapritchard8374]

I love squid game so much! But it also crushes my soul 😂 excited to follow this journey!

[@JeM130177]

Oooof this is a tough one for sure! But good! Good luck!

[@cuclainne]

The funny thing is, the actor who played the gangster with the tattoo is actually an introvert in real life.

[@bartoluf]

NO WAAY I LOVE THIS SERIES!!! i hope u wont be stressed too much during this, but it's really good..the ending killed me lol

[@justd8855]

I am so happy that you are watching this show ❤

[@emiliaxoxo]

i'm not a big fan of this show, however i am a fan of you and am always excited for your takes so i will be tuning in!!

[@its-aydonus6842]

Admit it, Oscar, you started watching this because of the Macca's commercials. Great speculation and commentary of the episodes so far, always love your reactions

[@rebekah975]

You should absolutely try Alice In Borderland it's even better but didn't get as much hype. The games and characters are way better. It came out a year before Squid Game and compared to AIB , Squid Game just doesnt hit as good. Unfortunately most people didnt see AIB to know that!

[@gustenender4028]

100%

[@TriceeXO]

I personally like AIB more too. It’s so so good

[@firstlast-wm3li]

No. Reported.

[@firstlast-wm3li]

​@@TriceeXOno.

[@faiththezebra6266]

Alice in borderland was amazing! I read the manga back in the day, and I didn’t realize it had been made into a series until after Squid Games came out. I remember thinking how similar it was to AIB when I watched it lol

[@Prime66665]

I was watching Squid Game reactions today. You should have seen my eyes when I saw this video in my recommendations posted about 3 hours later🤣

[@MrTbk1701]

When this came out everyone was talking about it I didn’t watch it for the longest time then one night I said ok I will see what all the fuss is about. One of the most amazing shows I’ve ever seen. I will enjoy the idea with you. 🖖

[@XclusiveTV]

Love that you're going through this series, enjoy!

[@Ryne_Barrow]

SCORPION. one of the best shows and based on true story of the 4th smartest man in the world, Walter Obrian

[@fantasyland3646]

Cool squid game, I'm usually not here in your KZbin video comments cus I'm watching your full reaction on Patreon

[@kirashields7383]

OMGGG SQUID GAME REACTION YESSS ❤ only about two weeks till Season 2! 😍

[@gritoalaire]

Thank you for this Oscar! You made my night ❤️

[@azrierubyjane]

Oh man can’t believe you finally reacting to this show!!

[@cuesegue]

Was funny how Dalgona (the honeycomb) tins sales went up during this show! They had them everywhere, they even had game packs for the holidays!😂😂😂

[@Evskiiii]

Love your reaction towards the series! Can't wait to see you react towards the rest of the episodes! ☺️

[@LordofFullmetal]

Watching him fall in love with Ali like: Man you're gonna be so upset later

[@MrDevintcoleman]

You could sort of comfort yourself, during the first game, with the idea that if you hear a shot, it’s not for you. The bullet intended for you, if you’d made a mistake, would hit you before the sound of the shot reached your ears. Dark but true haha. In real life, if you were going to get shot, and “saw” it coming, the order would be: see the flash, die, the sound waves pass by.

[@cyrilramos3167]

Sooo happy you're doing this!

[@MonkieKatt]

the old man gets me every time- i love him so much

[@maddycoleman8063]

Since you’re watching Squid Game I highly recommend watching Alice in Borderland afterwards if you haven’t seen it. It’s a similar concept as far as death games but imo so much better!

[@kirashields7383]

Yes! It's kinda a bit darker and a bit more dystopian in a way. Both are very good. So excited for next season for both ❤

[@diegojavier5328]

Alice in Borderland is SOOO GOOD I would love for him to react to it!!

[@firstlast-wm3li]

It ain't.

[@didianogabriel331]

You have me hooked now. You have to do all episodes in one sitting lol

[@luiiangel-t5j]

Oh squid games? “I remember it very well!”

[@carriesmith742]

This show is incredible!

[@KayHarperOfficial]

Watching/listening while I work! Thank you! 🎉

[@RoyalLynx7]

Me waiting for pt3 so I can start watching season 2 on Netflix... Come on Mr Cocoa Couch... I can't wait any more. ; )

[@ejtappan1802]

Squid Game = traumatic, horrifying, crazy. Yes to all of this. Still, it is a fascinating study of human nature, human weakness, and human strength. Loved your reaction. Enjoy!

[@AcousticTelevisions]

To help with some context a bit later, I recommend researching just a little bit on words like "oppa", "seonsaengnim" and "hyung". It will give you a bit better understanding of some dialogue later where the subtitles translate them a little weirdly and the nuance is lost.

[@thatweirdfangirl15]

FINALLY!! I have been waiting for this and cannot wait to see the rest of the reactions and the emotional trauma this show gives lol

[@ellen_127]

I know a lot of comments already said it but if you like this show you should totally react to Alice In Borderland, it's on a whole different level!

[@TriceeXO]

YES

[@firstlast-wm3li]

No.

[@SubKween]

"He's so nice" That's one way to put it 😅

[@myboatforacar]

1 AUD is about 963 won. So basically 1000 to 1

[@auntvesuvi3872]

Thanks, Oscar! 🎲 I think you're going to love it.

[@jenny_lee_87]

Thanks for reacting 💜

[@tiptop3922]

You made the right choice to watch with original, Korean sound, not with terrible, English dubbing

[@jenni5104]

Oh man, I'm so here for this. 😂 Buckle in!

[@bellatordei3440]

That was actually a real island in korea

[@vukkumsp]

42:53 famous last words 😅

[@Oliver-Vader-Emma]

There was a person trying to organize a real squid game on the dark web and they got busted. I believe either 500 or 5000 people signed up

[@ItsSteveMC4437]

hits different after season 2

[@prettymuchbangtan]

SECOND SEASON DROPS DECEMBER 26

[@kbaylor123]

I’ll never hear “Fly Me to the Moon” the same way again 😂

[@madieartwolf]

34:35 Oscar: is there a single character in this movie that’s actually doing well for themselves …..well you seee ☝️🤓