Rediscovering Korean Children’s Songs: The Global Appeal of ‘Round and Round’ in “Squid Game 2”

Rediscovering Korean Children’s Songs: The Global Appeal of ‘Round and Round’ in “Squid Game 2”

Since its release on December 26, the Netflix original series “Squid Game 2” has garnered significant global attention. Among the highlights is the Korean children’s song “Round and Round.”

The song plays during a matching game called “Mingle,” in which players must form groups matching the called number to escape from a giant circular platform. The rotating platform, which resembles a carousel, spins slowly while the song “Round and Round” plays in the background.

Although the song is a fond childhood memory for most Koreans, its use in “Squid Game 2” transforms it into a haunting and haunting tune. The lighthearted melody contrasts sharply with the deadly stakes, as those who fail the game meet a grim fate.

International viewers expressed interest in the song, calling it “highly compelling and slightly disturbing“. Some have even incorporated it into their daily lives, recreating the “Round and Round” dance as a group. A German DJ showed his admiration by uploading a remix of the song to his YouTube channel, further amplifying its global reach.

“Round and Round” was composed and written by the late Lee Soo-in, a prominent Korean composer who passed away in August 2021. The song has also had notable appearances in K-pop. BIGBANG’s Taeyang named his 2013 hit “Ringa Linga” after the song’s chorus. In particular, former BIGBANG member Choi Seung-hyun (TOP), who appears in “Squid Game 2”, incorporated a “Ringa Linga” dance into his performance, attracting considerable attention. Similarly, Sunny Hill’s “The Grasshopper Song” sampled the melody of “Round and Round” in its lyrics.

The poster of the squid game 2

After putting a global spotlight on the traditional Korean game “Red Light, Green Light” in the first season, the second season triggered a reevaluation of Korean children’s songs as cultural treasures.

With the continuous production and globalization of diverse K content, traditional Korean games and popular songs are proving to be effective cultural bridges to the world.

Currently, “Squid Game 2” has accumulated approximately 500 million hours of viewing worldwide, making it Netflix’s most-watched content during its opening week.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top