South Korean protesters in Squid Game outfits defy coronavirus curbs in Seoul

Thousands of Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) members demonstrated across the country for more jobs and better conditions

But the Seoul city government filed a police complaint, saying the protest was illegal under Covid-19 restrictions

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Members of the South Korean Confederation of Trade Unions wear masks and costumes inspired by the Netflix hit as they attend a rally in Seoul demanding job security. Photo: AP

Published: 10:39pm, 21 Oct 2021Updated: 10:55pm, 21 Oct 2021

The Seoul city government said on Thursday it had filed a police complaint against members of South Korea’s main labour group who defied Covid-19 curbs to protest for more jobs and better work conditions while wearing outfits from the TV megahit Squid Game.

Thousands of members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) staged a nationwide demonstration on Wednesday, according to the group.

In downtown Seoul, dozens of members dressed up in flamboyant jumpsuits and masks worn by actors in the Netflix show.

Made in South Korea, the nine-part thriller, in which cash-strapped contestants play deadly childhood games in a bid to win 45.6 billion won (US$38 million), became a worldwide sensation for Netflix when it premiered in September.

Members of the South Korean Confederation of Trade Unions wearing masks and costumes inspired by the Netflix series protest in Seoul. Photo: AP

Union members in Squid Game outfits were seen beating drums to loud music and dancing.

Some held flags and signs reading “Inequality Out” and “Safe Youth Employment; Quality Youth Employment”, footage from the group’s YouTube channel showed.

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