A Tale of Two Shows: The Thrill of KPop Demon Hunters

This weekend, I finally dove into the electrifying world of 'KPop Demon Hunters,' a captivating Netflix sensation that's been taking the globe by storm. Starring the amazing Lee Byung-hun as a menacing villain, this series pits him against a brave group of underdogs challenging his sinister manipulations.

From the riveting plot to the stunning soundtrack and well-developed characters, every minute of KPop Demon Hunters had me glued to the screen. The hype surrounding this film is absolutely justified!

What Went Wrong with Squid Game Season 3?

After much anticipation, I reluctantly turned to Squid Game Season 3. Speaking from my experience as a dedicated fan from day one, I can't help but feel that this franchise should have remained a one-season wonder.

Mild spoilers ahead! While I can't say Season 3 was entirely bad, it definitely left me feeling underwhelmed. The standout performances by Lee Jung-jae and Kang Ae-shim salvaged the experience, and unlike many fans, I appreciated how the season stayed true to the show's original tone and Gi-hun's character arc.

However, the frustrating reality is that all three seasons of Squid Game seem less consequential in hindsight. Fans, let’s be honest: have we gained any deeper understanding of the show since the jaw-dropping finale of Season 1?

The show's reluctance to illuminate the origins of the Games and the masterminds behind them remains one of the most aggravating aspects. Normally, follow-up seasons delve deeper into a show's lore, yet Squid Game seems stuck in stasis.

If only the writing was stellar! Unfortunately, Season 3 is marred by awkward pacing and character missteps. The leads, Gi-hun and In-ho, are relegated to supporting roles with minimal screen time; Gi-hun speaks barely a word in the first three episodes!

Instead, we find ourselves watching Wi Ha-joon’s Jun-ho in mundane subplots that lead nowhere. Devastatingly, his emotional story arc suffers an anticlimactic resolution that leaves viewers baffled.

As for the new characters introduced in Season 2, they also fall victim to careless writing, being unceremoniously eliminated or acting in ways that contradict their previous development. The showrunners frequently claim to reflect real-world issues, but there's only so long that rhetoric can mask subpar writing.

The Winning Experience of KPop Demon Hunters

In stark contrast, KPop Demon Hunters excelled in its storytelling, maximizing its 100-minute runtime to immerse viewers in a vibrant universe filled with compelling heroes and villains. The film's soundtrack competes with recent K-pop hits and has even gone viral, attracting new fans who are drawn in by its catchy tunes.

I highly recommend experiencing the music in the movie for the first time—it’s nothing short of magical!

To Watch or Not to Watch: The Verdict

I know some of you might argue that comparing these two shows is like comparing apples to oranges, as they cater to different audiences. But here's the catch: I had far more fun with a mere 100 minutes of KPop Demon Hunters than I did with six grueling hours of Squid Game Season 3.

Both KPop Demon Hunters and Squid Game Season 3 are currently topping charts in Singapore, proving their appeal. But let’s face it: with its recent cameo teases and the expansive potential of KPop Demon Hunters, both franchises are likely to be milked for all they’re worth.

If David Fincher’s upcoming Squid Game USA mirrors this disappointing season, I’ll be more than happy to stick with the vibrant and thrilling world of KPop Demon Hunters!