‘Squid Game’ Creator Reveals Secret Meaning Behind The Show’s Iconic Shapes

In Squid Game, the masked workers who oversee the deadly games wear red jumpsuits and black masks marked with one of three shapes: circle, triangle, or square. These shapes denote a strict hierarchy within the game’s operations, as explained by Hwang Dong-hyuk. Circle-masked workers are the lowest rank, tasked with menial labor like cleaning blood, serving food, and disposing of bodies. Triangle-masked workers are mid-level enforcers, armed with weapons to maintain order and eliminate losing players. Square-masked workers are the highest-ranking, acting as managers who oversee the games and communicate directly with the Front Man.

“The circle symbol represents the workers, the triangle is the symbol for the army, while the square is for the manager,” Hwang stated at a 2021 Netflix press conference. This structure mirrors real-world class systems, where power and privilege escalate with rank.

Beyond hierarchy, the shapes carry a linguistic significance rooted in Korean culture. The circle, triangle, and square represent the letters “O,” “J,” and “M” in the Korean alphabet (Hangul), which together spell “OJM,” the initials of “Ojingeo Geim” (Squid Game in Korean). This connection is subtly hinted at in the show’s opening sequence, where the squid game’s playing field—a diagram of circles, triangles, and squares—morphs into the title card.

The shapes also draw from the traditional Korean children’s game that inspired the series. Played on a field drawn with these geometric forms, the game’s layout resembles a squid, tying the shapes to the show’s nostalgic yet brutal premise. Hwang noted that these shapes were among his earliest inspirations, recalling his childhood memories of drawing them on the ground.

Hwang Dong-hyuk has emphasized that the shapes symbolize more than just the game’s mechanics—they reflect the “limitless competition in late capitalism.” The rigid hierarchy of the masks parallels societal structures where individuals are stratified by wealth and power. The dehumanizing masks, which strip workers of individuality, underscore the show’s critique of a system that reduces people to their roles in a cutthroat economy.

The shapes also evoke universal symbolism. In Korean philosophy, the circle, triangle, and square align with the “cheon-ji-in” concept, representing heaven, humanity, and earth, respectively. This cultural layer adds depth to the show’s exploration of human struggle within an unforgiving system.

The simplicity of the shapes—reminiscent of PlayStation controller buttons—creates a stark, unsettling aesthetic. Their clean lines contrast with the chaotic violence of the games, amplifying the eerie atmosphere. Psychologically, the featureless masks evoke fear and detachment, allowing guards to commit brutal acts without emotional exposure. This anonymity reinforces the power imbalance between the faceless authority and vulnerable contestants.

Fans have also speculated about additional meanings, such as the shapes representing the squid game’s playing field stages or even philosophical concepts like the infinite (circle), form (triangle), and structure (square), as seen in Japanese monk Sengai Gibon’s artwork “The Universe.” While Hwang hasn’t confirmed these theories, they highlight the shapes’ layered resonance.

As Squid Game gears up for its third and final season in 2025, the shapes will likely continue to play a pivotal role. The season’s synopsis hints at Gi-hun (Player 456) facing deadlier games and moral dilemmas, with the Front Man and VIPs maintaining their grip on the operation. The shapes’ symbolism—hierarchy, cultural roots, and capitalist critique—will likely deepen as Gi-hun’s rebellion against the game unfolds.

Hwang’s revelation about the shapes underscores why Squid Game resonates globally: its simple yet profound symbols capture universal truths about power, survival, and identity. Whether you see them as letters, ranks, or metaphors, the circle, triangle, and square are the heartbeat of this gripping dystopian tale.