Humans are...

These words are now unforgettable for the millions of Squid Game fans all over the world. Squid Game has become the highest-viewed K-drama on Netflix. I was never a K-drama fan until ‘Squid Game premiered in 2021. Twenty-two episodes and four years later, I now own a Player 045 tracksuit, a pink soldier costume, and toys from the series. I eventually saw myself on Korean National News the night after the series’ fan event at Seoul Plaza last June.

- ALVIN NEIL A. GUTIERREZ

But I’m not just fanboying here. As an assistant professor of strategic human resources, I have been using this series that all Gen Z can relate to in my lessons. In fact, I love this K-drama so much that I play Squid Game-themed slides and music and wear my 045 tracksuit on my first class meeting every term.

Now, you might be wondering how such a series can be relevant to strategic human resources, and what it can teach us daily.