Squid Game’s Green Tracksuit Inspiration Revealed By Costume Designer

Following Netflix’s Squid Game becoming a global sensation last year, the costume designer reveals the significance and inspiration behind the titular tracksuits’ colors. Created and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, the series gained massive popularity on the streaming platform after its release in September, garnering three SAG award nominations. After breaking Netflix’s streaming records, the series was announced for an unexpected season 2 renewal.

Squid Game follows the dystopian story of a series of survival games, with participants playing to win a cash prize. Prior to being picked up by Netflix, Hwang’s project of allegorizing the illusion of free will in capitalism was rejected by multiple studios over a decade, reportedly due to its gruesome nature. However, the metaphorical series that represents today’s atmosphere of top-down society has proven itself to be resonant with audiences worldwide. Recently, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos teased the expansion of Squid Game into a universe for the streamer.

In an interview with IGN, Squid Game costume designer Cho Sang-kyung reveals the central concept behind the tracksuits, along with what inspired the choice of colors. Cho explains that the matching tracksuits were inspired by the ones sold in supply stores in front of schools, which were heavily green and burgundy. After the team decided on the former over the latter, Cho recommended the color pink for the masked guards, as pink and green stand opposite each other on the color wheel. Read her full quote below:

I wanted their presence to stand out, so I suggested dressing the characters in matching tracksuits commonly sold in the past in supplies stores in front of schools. When we were younger, we wore burgundy and green a lot, but I thought green would go well with this series. As we decided on green, I explained to the director that we should dress masked characters in the contrast color, pink. As always, a simpler approach sends a stronger message.

The characters leave the dormitory, unsuspecting and clueless about their matching tracksuits and masked characters until they enter the game hall where they start to feel fear and panic. The most powerful image in this scene is red blood splattering across the green tracksuit, an apt introduction to the tone and manner of the series.

The art of costume design tends to be underappreciated, despite playing an essential role in filmmaking. Previously, Hwang had revealed that the production team had gone through countless designs for Squid Game‘s masked men, as they were originally going to wear animal masks and boy scout outfits. Likewise, the Spanish heist crime drama Money Heist is also notorious for the signature look of the robbers throughout the series, sporting their jumpsuits and the Salvador Dali masks. Amusingly, the success of the Money Heist franchise has led to a South Korean remake of the series, starring Squid Game‘s Park Hae-soo.

Undoubtedly, the duality of the tracksuits has contributed to the show’s enduring recognition, inspiring many fans to dress up as the characters for Halloween last year. The design team’s attention to detail is apparent while watching the series, and Cho’s explanation of their costuming process highlights how strong but simple choices can end up being incredibly meaningful. Although Squid Game season 2 is confirmed, it is currently unknown as to whether the next episodes will stick to the same visual style.

Source: IGN