The Uniform Theory That Will Change How You Watch Squid Game

Netflix's "Squid Game" is gripping audiences across the world with its vicious story and razor-sharp social commentary. The South Korean series from Hwang Dong-hyuk follows Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), a gambler who participates in a series of children's games with a brutal twist in an attempt to win around $38 million. The show's unique visuals, shocking violence, and fascinating central story have all clearly struck a chord with subscribers.

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos revealed just how popular the series is at the Code conference (via CNet), saying the show is, "No. 1 in the world, like everywhere in the world," before adding "'Squid Game' will definitely be our biggest non-English language show in the world, for sure." Sarandos even went on to suggest that there is "a very good chance it's going to be our biggest show ever." All this is to say that, given the show's popularity, it isn't surprising that many "Squid Game" fans are already desperate for more.

One of the most striking details that audiences can't stop talking about in "Squid Game" is the uniforms worn by the show's guards and players. The ominous face masks and jumpsuits are an intimidating look, and the lack of facial features takes away the workers' humanity, creating a complete disconnect between the show's two groups. But there's a surprising new theory about the uniforms that will likely change the way you look at "Squid Game."

A new fan theory from @lucy.what1 on TikTok suggests that the actual game in "Squid Game" is much bigger than everyone originally anticipated. The user points out that, in the show's first episode, The Salesman (Gong Yoo) gives Gi-hun (Greg Chun) the choice between picking a red or a blue card — and he picks blue. The theory suggests that each card decides what role the participant has in the game, meaning that if someone picks a blue card they're a player, but if someone picks red they become one of the guards. The guards and their motivations aren't really explored too deeply in "Squid Game," but there's a clear hierarchy between the different circle, triangle, and square masks.

Fans online are still debating the true nature of the guards and why they're participating in running all the games, although @ianhecoxisbored pointed out a flaw with the theory saying that it "makes sense except it doesn't explain why all the guards were men but some of the contestants were women? does that mean no women chose red?"

They followed up their initial tweet by asking, "What was the incentive for people who chose red to agree to become workers/guards? they weren't working with the promise of billions of won so why did they agree to do it?" Casting further doubt on the theory, the user additionally asked, "were they just bloodthirsty and thought killing people was fun?" It's an interesting point, and, hopefully, audiences will learn more about the guards if Netflix decides to move forward with a second season of "Squid Game."