‘Squid Game’ Cast Explain the Origins of Red Light, Green Light Doll

One of the most memorable games from Netflix‘s Squid Game is the deadly version of “Red Light, Green Light.” During the first game, a giant robotic doll yells in Korean, “Red light, Green Light,” to the contestants. If the players move after she yells “red light,” then they get shot. In the end, the players must cross the finish line before the timer runs out. The doll has become an iconic staple in the series. But, what are the true origins behind the terrifying doll?

‘Squid Game’ star Jung Ho-yeon says the doll originated from Korean school textbooks 

During a special appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Squid Game cast Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-jun, and Jung Ho-yeon talked about the hit Netflix series. Also, they revealed some behind-the-scenes facts about the survival drama.

When Jimmy Fallon commented on the doll in “Red Light, Green Light,” actor and model Jung Ho-yeon revealed the character originated from the Korean school textbooks. “When we were at the school, there were characters – one is a boy, and one is the girl,” she explained. “The boy’s name was Cheolsoo, and the girl’s name was Younghee, and she’s the one.”

In a Youtube video posted by The Swoon, Squid Game art director Chae Kyung-sun said the game was “mostly played in alleys back in the 70s and 80s,” so she used the character to reference that moment in time. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk went on to say the game “Red Light, Green Light” was the first game because it showed the “most shocking plot twist” at the end. In turn, the sinister survival game comes to fruition for the contestants. 

One cast member says they could win ‘Red Light, Green Light’

Although the games featured in Squid Game are pretty challenging, one cast member believes they could win the first game. In an exclusive interview with Deadline, actor Wi Ha-jun revealed that he could win “Red Light, Green Light.” He is best known for playing Jun-ho, an undercover cop that infiltrates the games to find his missing brother. “I used to be a runner in my younger days, and I’m good at controlling my body movements,” he said. “So, I’d excel in Red Light, Green Light.”

Also, the actor said he might be good at Squid Game. The final contestants, Seong Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) and Cho Sang-woo (Park Hae-soo), played the game in the last round. “The actual Squid Game is, in fact, not the kind of game that I played as a child because it’s from an older generation,” he added. “But if I had to partake, I’d probably be good at that too.”

Will there be a ‘Squid Game’ Season 2?

Although the Squid Game cast is on board for a second season, director Hwang Dong-hyuk doesn’t have anything planned. In an interview with Variety, Hwang said the writing process for the first season was challenging. 

“Writing (Squid Game) was harder than normal for me as it was a series, not a film. It took me six months to write and rewrite the first two episodes,” he said. “Then I consulted verbally with friends and picked up clues for improvements through my own pitching and from their responses.”

However, Hwang is open to making another installment – if he could collaborate with other writers.  “I don’t have well-developed plans for Squid Game 2. It is quite tiring just thinking about it. But if I were to do it, I would certainly not do it alone. I’d consider using a writers’ room and would want multiple experienced directors.”

Squid Game is streaming now on Netflix.