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In the twisted world of Squid Game, the masked VIPs represent the peak of privilege, people so rich and powerful that watching others fight to the death becomes their form of entertainment. But according to creator Hwang Dong-hyuk, these fictional elites might not be so far from reality.
Speaking in an interview with Time, Hwang said that while working on the final chapter, he noticed how much some of the fictional VIPs reminded him of Elon Musk. Musk, as he put it, has become such a prominent and unavoidable figure in today’s world:
"Elon Musk is everywhere these days, right? Everybody talks about him. Not only is he the head of a huge tech company that controls the world almost, but he’s also this showman."
He continued:
"After writing [Season 3], of course I thought, ‘Oh, some of the VIPs do kind of resemble Elon Musk.’"
According to Hwang, Musk's visibility and influence in nearly every aspect of society made him an easy mental reference point when shaping the personalities of these wealthy characters.
Keep reading to explore what else the Squid Game creator shared.
Squid Game creator sheds light on how American politics inspired the unmasked VIPs
In the same interview, Hwang Dong-hyuk also mentioned that in earlier seasons of Squid Game, the VIPs were shown as anonymous spectators, extremely rich individuals who watched the brutal games unfold from behind ornate masks. But Season 3 takes things a step further. This time, the VIPs don’t just observe, but they also participate in the killing.
It was one of the VIPs' decisions to make Jun-hee's baby a player as well and make her participate in the game. Hwang explained that these characters literally remove their masks and step into the game to take lives themselves.
This major shift in their behavior wasn’t just for dramatic effect in Squid Game Season 3. It was carefully crafted to reflect how power and control work in today’s real world. The creator said:
"In the past, those that really controlled the system and maintained power... However, it’s no longer the case, especially in America."
He continued:
"We talk a lot about oligarchy these days, but these so-called big tech owners... The people who really control the power and the system no longer hide behind a curtain."
Hwang said this new development in Squid Game Season 3 was heavily influenced by what’s happening in American politics and society. He pointed out that in the past, those who held real power, whether in politics, business, or media, tended to operate from the shadows. They influenced decisions behind closed doors and stayed out of public view.
But now, especially in the U.S., that secrecy is fading. Wealthy tech leaders and corporate giants are no longer staying hidden. Instead, they are openly showing the world who they support, where they invest, and how they influence global systems.
In Hwang’s words, these people no longer feel the need to hide. They take pride in revealing their role in running the show. They’re not just silent forces behind the scenes anymore. They’re stepping into the spotlight and openly declaring their dominance, much like the VIPs who now walk into the game and get their hands dirty.
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