Night Has Come vs Squid Game: Who Wins the Korean Survival Shows?

Night Has Come vs Squid Game: Who Wins the Korean Survival Shows?

You’ve binge-watched Squid Game. You’ve analyzed every theory. You’ve even considered a tracksuit for Halloween.

But what if I told you there’s another Korean survival drama that deserves just as much—if not more—of your attention?

Enter “Night Has Come,” the mind-bending psychological thriller that’s flying under the radar while delivering the same tension-filled punch as its more famous counterpart.

But with more nuance. And better character development.

And plot twists that will make your head spin faster than a ddakji card.

The Premise: Beyond Red Light, Green Light

While Squid Game gave us childhood games with deadly consequences, Night Has Come delivers a brilliant premise centered around the classic werewolf/mafia social deduction game. Students at a camp must identify who among them is the “werewolf” before it’s too late.

No pink-suited guards necessary—the real terror comes from not knowing who to trust. The psychological warfare hits harder than any glass bridge could.

Characters You Actually Care About

Sure, Player 456 had his moments. But Night Has Come gives us complex teenage characters dealing with real issues—bullying, social hierarchies, friendship betrayals—before the killing even starts. By the time the game begins, you’re already invested in their stories.

When someone dies in Squid Game, you think “well, that’s unfortunate.” When someone dies in Night Has Come, you feel it in your soul.

The Real Social Commentary

Squid Game beat us over the head with its capitalism-is-bad message (which, fair enough). But Night Has Come explores something perhaps even more relevant: the brutal social dynamics of high school and how quickly human connections can unravel under pressure.

It asks the uncomfortable question: how well do you really know your friends when survival is on the line?

The Verdict

Don’t get me wrong—Squid Game deserves its flowers. It broke barriers for Korean content globally and delivered some iconic moments.

But if you want a survival drama that trades some of the spectacle for emotional depth and psychological horror, Night Has Come is your next obsession.

So finish that dalgona candy, put down that red envelope, and get ready for a game night you’ll never forget.

suaibme

Saibu is a digital entrepreneur with experience in social media management, content creation, and digital marketing. Passionate about online storytelling and audience engagement, and enjoys exploring the evolving digital landscape. A dedicated K-drama fan, and an all-time favorite series: Jumong

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