‘Squid Game’ sparks talk about inequality in South Korea

Q: “Squid Game” is a South Korean television drama with poor people competing for a prize and the losers being killed – all for the entertainment of the idle rich. It is the most watched show on Netflix, and it is stirring debate about income inequality in one of Asia’s richest countries. Where is South Korea?

Circle the area on this map


Q: South Korean politicians have tried to capitalize on the “Squid Game” and citizens’ feelings about inequality. Which nation has greater income inequality than South Korea?

A. Albania

B. Mongolia

C. United States

D. All of the above

Q: Do richer areas always have more inequality than poorer areas?

A. Yes

B. No

Q: South Koreans cite low pay and long work hours in their complaints about inequality. Nearly 40 percent of South Korean workers earn less than $10,000 a year, and the country consistently ranks near the top in average annual work hours per employee. Of the 37 wealthiest nations, which nation tops the list in hours worked?

A. Chile

B. Mexico

C. Russia

D. United States

Q: South Koreans also see corruption adding to their feelings of inequality. All four living former South Korean presidents have been sentenced to prison for various crimes, ranging from abuse of authority to bribery and embezzlement. Which of these nations is perceived as the least corrupt, according to opinion polls?

A. Australia

B. Belgium

C. Canada

D. Denmark


Answers for this quiz: Click here