‘Squid Game’ Causes 7,800% Spike In Vans Sales

The popularity of Netflix’s new South Korean series Squid Game has been credited with a 7,800% surge in the sale of white slip-on Vans.

Squid Game premiered internationally on the streaming platform on September 17. It was welcomed with roaring praise, rising to become the number one most-watched show in 90 countries. The series has so far maintained a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The show follows a group of 456 desperately indebted people, convinced to play a series of deadly children’s games in the hopes of winning $38 million.

Helmed by director Hwang Dong-hyuk, the show stars Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo and Wi Ha-joon, among others.

Now, according to Variety, the popularity of Squid Game has begun to seep into the pop culture of Halloween. Reporting a massive 7,800% rise in the purchase of white slip-on Vans, the spike has been attributed to the popularity of Squid Game and the proximity of October 31st.

Numbered green tracksuits with white slip-on shoes have become an iconic look, associated with the 456 contestants in the show. The look starkly contradicts the pink boiler suits worn by the masked guards of the competition, who will surely also be represented this Halloween.

The fact that these outfits have been so quickly absorbed into the culture of Halloween is a testament to the relatability of the series. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk previously said he wanted audiences to find the character’s relatable and did not overcomplicate their stories.

Seeking to reflect and parody capitalist society, it appears many people were sympathetic to the contestants in Squid Game. Come October 31st, people should get an idea of just who would play the game if given the chance.

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