Representation of Gi-hun’s Mindset in Emotional Behaviour in the drama series Squid Game (2021)

Abstract

Emotions represented in drama series play a crucial role in shaping readers' and viewers' experiences and engagement with the text. Despite extensive scholarly attention on emotional portrayals, little research explicitly addresses how specific emotional contradictions within characters influence viewer perceptions and responses. Through the drama series Squid Game (2021), among the popular Korean TV dramas, Gi-hun’s mindset affecting his emotional behaviours attracts viewers, turning it into a debatable context due to the portrayals of traditional games drastically modified in ideology. To bridge this research gap, the present analysis investigates the representation of mindset influencing Gi-hun’s emotional behaviour, employing the James-Lange theory of emotion, which emphasises the character’s emotions, actions, and thinking style. A qualitative approach, based on systematic textual analysis and enhanced through data triangulation incorporating script analysis, directorial notes, and audience reception, was used as the method of investigation. This method enhances methodological credibility, providing deeper insights into emotional portrayals.