In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through both the entertainment and tech communities, Hwang Dong-hyuk, the mastermind behind Netflix’s global phenomenon Squid Game, has openly admitted that the infamous VIP villains were partially inspired by none other than Elon Musk. The masked, grotesquely wealthy elites who ruthlessly orchestrate the life-or-death games in the series, according to Hwang, were drawn from real-life billionaires whose influence on society feels dangerously unchecked.
During a recent interview with a prominent entertainment magazine, Hwang candidly explained how the behavior of certain tech moguls, particularly Musk, influenced the creation of the VIP characters. “When I was writing the script in 2018, I kept seeing headlines about billionaire space races, crypto speculation, and reckless decisions that affect millions of lives. Elon Musk was often at the center of these conversations,” Hwang stated. He continued, “These people gamble with the future, with resources, with lives—sometimes with no regard for the consequences. It’s not just fiction. It’s reality dressed in a mask.”
This revelation quickly went viral on social media, with fans of the series flooding comment sections, debating whether Musk truly embodies the qualities of the show’s cruel VIPs. Some agreed wholeheartedly, pointing to Musk’s controversial ventures—mass layoffs at Tesla, chaotic leadership at X (formerly Twitter), and his obsession with space colonization as examples of a billionaire playing god. Others defended Musk, claiming the comparison is unfair and exaggerated, highlighting his contributions to renewable energy and space exploration.
However, this isn’t the first time Squid Game has been tied to critiques of capitalism and extreme wealth inequality. The show itself became a cultural mirror, forcing millions around the world to reflect on the brutal realities of economic survival. Hwang’s open admission only amplifies that message, directly pointing fingers at real-world figures who epitomize wealth concentration and unchecked power.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first pop culture jab Musk has faced. Over the years, he has been portrayed as both a visionary and a villain, a genius entrepreneur and an out-of-touch billionaire. But being cited as inspiration for masked predators who bet on human suffering? That’s a new level of controversy.
When reached for comment, Elon Musk responded with his characteristic sarcasm, tweeting, “I guess I should’ve asked for royalties,” followed by a laughing emoji and a meme of himself wearing a Squid Game VIP mask. While his followers found it amusing, critics saw it as further proof of his detachment from the serious societal issues the show addresses.
As the entertainment world continues to unpack Hwang’s statement, one thing is clear: Squid Game was never just a game. It’s a brutally honest commentary on the invisible games being played every day by those who hold the power—and the terrifying truth is that some of the players aren’t hiding behind masks at all.