A 50-year-old South Korean filmmaker who has captured the world’s imagination with a dystopian survival drama that throws up uncomfortable questions about contemporary society has been named The Straits Times Asian of the Year.
Every year, the editors of The Straits Times pick a person, a group or an institution that in their judgment has significantly impacted Asia in the year past. Mr Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator of Squid Game, was chosen this year for an expression of creativity that, while fictional and not without flaws, holds up a useful mirror to society.
The Netflix series created by Mr Hwang has emerged as more than a mere television show, said the citation to the award.
The drama involves a group of people, caught in dire personal circumstances, who contest in a series of win-or-die games for a 456 billion won (S$529 million) cash prize.
“As social commentary, it has sparked soul-searching about capitalism, inequality and how societies treat the less fortunate. As a commercial enterprise, it makes a compelling case to Hollywood for the viability of non-English content... Above all, as a vehicle of soft power, it has taken South Korea’s global cultural influence, already high, to the next level,” said the citation.
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin December 06, 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin December 06, 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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