Tell us your favourite Squid Game character and we’ll reveal your dream course

Never since “Star Wars” and “Lord of the Rings” have characters in a film or TV show become so recognisable, so loved or hated (ahem, Sangwoo) as fast as Squid Game characters have.

Spreading around the world by word of mouth, especially via social media, “Squid Game” has topped Netflix charts in more than 80 countries. It has drawn 111 million fans since its debut less than four weeks ago.

The reason behind this is clear: Squid Game characters are rich, dynamic and deliciously polarising, with personalities that shine despite those drab green tracksuits and oh-so-terrible subtitles changing the meaning of too many scenes.

They also make a great base for students unsure about what to study in uni. How you align with each of the Squid Game characters says a lot about you. So, if you have strong feelings for Squid Game characters, we have the potential programmes you would enjoy. Trust us, this is a puzzle we’ll ace (wink).

The world needs more people to care for our ajummas and ajeosis. Source: Anthony Wallace/AFP

Player 001: Oh Il-Nam

If you sympathise with and want to protect Player 001 like Seong Gi-Hun did — even if this puts your life in danger — you’ll do well in Aged Care programmes. Every country in the world is experiencing growth in the number and proportion of older people in their population — as such, there is great demand for people who can care for them professionally. Aged Care courses are offered at the vocational, diploma and degree levels.

“It says here you have to listen to me because I’m your manager.” Source Giuseppe Cacace/AFP

Police officer Hwang Jun-ho

Like ushering players into place and being the voice of authority? Take up a Management degree. Typically offered at the postgrad level, the Master of Management focuses on the theoretical side of the management field compared to an MBA. Subjects found in a MiM programme typically focus on strong mathematical or analytical skills and the final dissertation may be research-oriented.

If you prefer to be in uniform and enforcing the law, a degree in law or law enforcement will prepare you to join the police or other armed forces.

i hate myself for making this

squid game doll dancing to Saturday by @twentyonepilots pic.twitter.com/fcShfK3ILL

— sca-ry¹ 17 (@circlethetrack) October 8, 2021

Red Light, Green Light Doll

This killer robot identifies players based on motion sensor technology. Originally a military invention, it now incorporates emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. A degree such as Artificial Intelligence and Robotics will show you the ins and outs of AI applications, such as facial and speech recognition, as well as language translation. In no time, you’ll be able to build your own robot doll — that’s ethical and legal, of course.

Women pose for selfies as they sit on a bench along the Han River in Seoul on September 15, 2021. Source: Anthony Wallace/AFP

Han Mi-Nyeo

No one steals a scene quite like Han Mi-Nyeo. At her worst, it’s like “riding a roller coaster.” But don’t discount her directness for being dumb. Many of the suffragettes — female activists who fought for women’s right to vote — that shook the status quo were just as unpopular and disliked. You can learn more about them in a Gender Studies programme, which typically explores roles and behavioural patterns linked to gender.

Many classes will take examples from contemporary issues, from the #MeToo movement to the lack of representation of women in STEM fields.

Source: Twitter/@oliviaszew

Ali Abdul

When he wasn’t melting our hearts with his kindness, Ali Abdul was a foreign worker mistreated by his employers in a Korean factory. If you’re moved to protect abused souls like Ali and to uphold their labour rights, consider a degree in law or human rights. If you’re into working with your hands, like assembling parts in a factory, we suggest vocational courses in Manufacturing or Construction.

Actor Park Hae-Soo played the character Cho Sang-woo, a graduate of the prestigious Seoul National University, on “Squid Game.” Source: Tobias Schwarz/AFP

Sangwoo

Sangwoo is a disgraced investment banker who stole money from his clients and lost it in the stock market. But what was the education that helped him to become a banker? You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in finance to get an entry-level position. To level up, the Master of Finance exposes students to areas such as financial theory, investments, current trends in the market as well as the tools needed to navigate the ever-changing industry.

South Korean actor Lee Jung-Jae walks on the red carpet of the 50th annual BaekSang Art Awards in Seoul on May 27, 2014. Source: Jung Yeon-Je/AFP

Seong Gi-Hun

Was it luck or smarts that led to Gi-Hun’s victory? We’re wagering it’s the latter, plus a sprinkling of luck. A Master of Strategy can prepare you for a corporate career directing a company to reach its goals.

Gi-Hun is also a man wrought with the ethics of the games. He did not accept the hyper-violence and grieved for every team member that died. If you’re attracted to this side of him, consider a degree in Philosophy. With the guidance of thinkers, from Socrates to Confucius, you’ll get an idea of what is morally good and bad and morally right and wrong.