TikTok users are attempting a challenge from Netflix show ‘Squid Game’

TikTokers are replicating a challenge from Netflix’s Squid Game. But don’t worry this one is actually safe to try at home

The South Korean drama Squid Game has dominated Netflix’s no. 1 spot since its debut in September. The series follows a group of cash-strapped working-class people as they play schoolyard games to compete for ₩45.6 billion ($38.5 billion USD). The twist of course is that if they lose a game, they die. Fortunately, TikTokers have done away with the lethal consequences to create this viral challenge. 

What is the Squid Game cookie challenge? 

In one episode of the show, the characters must play a game where each person chooses a shape (before they know what the challenge is): a star, umbrella, triangle or circle. They each receive a crispy, thin cookie with the shape outlined on it. 

To win the challenge they must perfectly carve out the shape using only a sewing needle. The hardest shape is the umbrella and the easiest is the triangle. If the cookie breaks, the player dies. The show’s protagonist, Lee Jung-jae, solves the challenge by dissolving the excess cookie by licking it as shown in TikToker @loeyyanss‘ clip of the scene

What is the Squid Game cookie trend on TikTok? 

Korean TikTokers quickly identified the cookie in the show as Dalgona candy or Bbopgi. It’s a toffee-like treat made of sugar and baking soda. Just like on the Netflix series, it has an image stamped in. Children in Korea often eat around the picture without breaking the cookie for fun. 

Inspired by the television show, users on TikTok are learning how to make the classic Korean dessert and playing the game. 

@my.nth

Nghiện phim nên phải tham gia trò chơi, hồi hộp quá m.n ạ #squidgame #dalgona#AnCungTiktok

♬ Squid Game – Green Light Red Light – Yovinca Prafika

The user @my.nth tried to complete the challenge with a triangle shape, but couldn’t do it.  

Meanwhile, @junghayeonfan completed the circle shape with ease but couldn’t do the star. 

How to make Dalgona candy

TikToker @franziee_v shared her recipe on how to make the snack

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Pinch of baking soda 

Steps: 

1. She held the sugar over low heat and stirred it until it became a liquid. 

2. Then she mixed in a pinch of baking soda. 

3. She poured the mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper and let it set for 20 seconds.

4. Lastly, she gently pressed the cookie with a cookie cutter to stamp in the shape. 

In The Know is now available on Apple News — follow us here!

If you enjoyed this story, read about these 5 Gen Z activists who are changing the world.

More from In The Know:

24-year-old shares his everyday misadventures with a bionic arm on TikTok

This $15 drugstore foundation is going viral (again) on TikTok

The ‘best iron I’ve ever owned’: Amazon shoppers love this 2-in-1 hair straightener and curler

Sephora’s 2021 Accelerate program features 8 new BIPOC beauty brands

Listen to the latest episode of our pop culture podcast, We Should Talk: