Introducing “Pyramid Game”: The High School Drama Capturing Worldwide Attention
“Pyramid Game,” a drama series presented by Tving, has quickly become a topic of conversation even before its international debut. The show offers a glimpse into the lives of 25 high school students, featuring characters such as Baek Ha-rin (Jang Da-ah), the leader of school violence, Seong Su-ji (Kim Ji-yeon), the new student who confronts her, and Seo Do-ah (Shin Seul-gi), the helpful class president.
The New “Squid Game” Reflecting Harsh Realities
The British broadcaster BBC recently hailed “Pyramid Game” as the new “Squid Game,” praising its ability to present the harsh reality of school violence. The broadcaster noted that “Pyramid Game” has caught the world’s attention almost three years after “Squid Game,” Netflix’s most-watched non-English series. Both series, according to the BBC, make real-life issues like violence more digestible by basing their narratives on games.
Pyramid Game, Early Acclaim and Domestic Buzz
Since its launch last month on Tving, “Pyramid Game” has captivated audiences with its ten-episode run. Even before its release abroad, “Series Mania” in France, Europe’s largest series event, invited it as the sole Korean work, leading to early international reviews. Domestically, the series is stirring excitement as the latest drama to tackle school violence. Its original webtoon, a cast including Kim Ji-yeon of “Twenty-Five Twenty-One,” Shin Seul-gi from “Solo Hell,” and Jang Da-ah, sister of IVE’s Jang Won-young, and its relatable themes of ostracism and violence are drawing significant attention. Fans are eagerly discussing and anticipating each new episode in online forums.
Reality Through the Lens of a Game
The drama’s appeal lies in its incisive depiction of reality through a fictional game. In the story, Baekyeon High School’s Class 2-5 holds a monthly “Pyramid Game” that ranks students by votes. Those who receive no votes or refuse to play become outcasts, facing intense bullying. This setup, while seemingly unreal, effectively exposes the structural dynamics of school violence, evoking a chilling response as even the lowest ranks scorn the outcasts. Viewer reviews highlight the drama’s realistic portrayal of school violence, with some noting, “Reality can be even harsher than this portrayal.”
Pyramid Game, A Protagonist’s Fight Against Violence
The show’s protagonist, Seong Su-ji, aims to dismantle the game and, by extension, the cycle of school violence by collaborating with her classmates. Furthermore, this storyline prompts viewers to wonder about the possibility of such resistance in real life. Director Park So-yeon emphasizes the unique nature of the series, stating, “The outcast vote emerges from societal indifference and unconscious biases. The series stands out by addressing school violence through mental and strategic games rather than physical confrontations.” She also highlights the pervasive nature of violence, suggesting it is a contagion spreading unnoticed.
Korean Dramas Resonate Globally with Social Commentary
Korean dramas are increasingly gaining international acclaim for combining social commentary with entertainment. “Pyramid Game” follows the success of “Squid Game” and “The Glory,” joining other notable works like “LTNS” and “Lee Jae, Soon to Die” in sparking global conversations on societal issues. Director Park attributes this trend to the emergence of OTT platforms, which allow for the exploration of challenging themes. The rise of the webtoon and web novel markets also contributes to the increased visibility of diverse topics, despite some criticisms of their provocative nature. The BBC lauds the storytelling approach of using games as metaphors, describing it as an effective way to tackle universally relevant issues.
Reference: https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/023/0003822287?sid=103
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