Gonggi in Squid Game 2: Unpacking Its Roots as a "Girl's Game" Through the Lens of Confucianism

by Cleo from COREALL on February 01, 2025

The global phenomenon Squid Game captivated audiences with its gripping portrayal of childhood games turned deadly. In Squid Game 2, the spotlight turns to gonggi, a traditional Korean game that’s often labeled a "girl's game." But why is that the case? To understand this, we need to explore both the cultural history of gonggi and the lingering influence of Confucian values in Korean society.

But first, if you want to check out our Korean traditional game set featuring gonggi (공기), click here!

 

 

What is Gonggi?

Gonggi is a simple yet skillful game played with small pebbles or colorful plastic stones. Players throw one stone into the air while picking up others in quick succession, requiring dexterity and precision. Though it’s enjoyed by all children today, gonggi has historically been associated more with girls.

 

The Confucian Influence on Gender Roles

To understand the gendered perception of gonggi, we must consider the historical context shaped by Confucianism, a philosophy that has deeply influenced East Asian cultures, including Korea. Confucian ideals emphasized rigid gender roles: men were encouraged to engage in public affairs, physical labor, and scholarly pursuits, while women were often confined to domestic spaces, expected to cultivate virtues like modesty, obedience, and grace.

Games were no exception to these cultural norms. Activities that required physical strength, strategy, or competitiveness—traits traditionally valorized in boys—were encouraged for male children. Conversely, games that emphasized fine motor skills, patience, and dexterity, like gonggi, were seen as more suitable for girls, reinforcing the belief that these traits aligned with feminine virtues.

Gonggi in Squid Game 2: A Symbolic Twist

In Squid Game 2, the inclusion of gonggi isn't just a nostalgic nod to childhood. It serves as a powerful symbol, challenging the traditional narratives around gender and power. The game’s simplicity masks the intense psychological and physical demands it places on players, subverting the stereotype that "girls' games" are less challenging or serious.

By featuring gonggi in such a high-stakes environment, Squid Game 2 critiques the outdated gender norms rooted in Confucianism. It forces us to reconsider how cultural beliefs have shaped our perceptions of seemingly innocent childhood activities.

 

Final Thoughts

While gonggi may have once been considered a "girl's game" due to Confucian ideals about gender roles, its appearance in Squid Game 2 redefines its cultural significance. It’s not just a game of dexterity; it’s a commentary on resilience, adaptability, and the arbitrary nature of societal labels. In the brutal world of Squid Game, survival isn’t about adhering to traditional roles—it’s about mastering whatever game is thrown your way, regardless of its perceived gender association.