The fifth game in Squid Game is the glass bridge challenge, a nerve-wracking survival game. Unlike traditional children’s games, the glass bridge wasn’t originally a game but rather a part of everyday life in Korea’s past.
Up until the 1980s, Korea had many small rivers and streams where stepping stones were used as makeshift bridges. For children, crossing these stepping stones turned into an exciting and playful activity, which might have inspired its appearance in Squid Game.
Stepping Stones in Modern Korea
Today, stepping stones can still be found in urban parks, particularly around artificial streams. For instance, in Seoul, the famous Cheonggyecheon Stream features stepping stones that allow visitors to enjoy a leisurely walk while experiencing a bit of nostalgia. If you ever visit Gwanghwamun in central Seoul, you can take a stroll along Cheonggyecheon and easily spot these stepping stones.
The Glass Bridge in Squid Game
In the show, the glass bridge consists of panels made of tempered glass, strong enough to hold the weight of one adult, and ordinary glass, which shatters under the same weight. Players must choose which panel to step on with a 50% chance of survival at each step. If they choose the ordinary glass, they fall to their death in this high-stakes survival game.
A Memorable Scene
One of the most iconic moments in this game is when Han Mi-nyeo, who had aligned herself with various players for survival, takes revenge on Jang Deok-su, the gangster who had used and discarded her. In a dramatic act, she grabs him and pulls him into the abyss with her.
Cultural Context: A Sacrificial Heroine
For Koreans, the image of a woman sacrificing herself by dragging a man to his downfall is deeply ingrained in their cultural history. A historical figure often referenced in this context is Nongae, a courtesan during the Imjin War (late 16th century). Nongae famously lured a Japanese general to a pavilion and threw herself into the Namhangang River with him, sacrificing her life for her country.
Similarly, Han Mi-nyeo’s action in Squid Game resonates as an act of righteousness. When Deok-su refuses to move forward, putting others’ lives at risk, she chooses to sacrifice herself to eliminate him, ensuring the survival of the remaining players.
If you share the story of Nongae and its parallels with Han Mi-nyeo’s actions with Korean friends, they’ll likely be impressed by your deep interest in Korean history and culture. It’s a perfect conversation starter that could give you a unique perspective on Korea’s rich historical background!
