Squid Game became 2021’s most popular Netflix show. The survival drama is well-received by most viewers. However, some issues sparked debate all over the internet lately. First, it was the English dubbing of the show that divided fans. Some people believed that the quality could’ve been better. This time, it’s the other way around with people criticizing the English translation.
NBC News reports that bilingual and multilingual Koreans and those who speak the language find that the meaning of the story is lost in translation. They deem that the English translation is sanitized and does not capture the essence of the series at all. Some experts weighed in and stated how translation is an art form. They said that the industry under appreciates translation and underpays those who work in the field, limiting its potential.
Netflix is famous for being a home for international media, and this is not the first time the corporate giant has received criticism for both their dubbing and translation. Many will remember the success of the KDrama thriller Parasite, which caused more people to focus their attention on closed captions.
Netflix did not respond to the inquiries. The open ending of “Squid Game,” and the director’s interview on The Times make fans anticipate the possibility of a second season.
