Korean Cultural Center of Chicago holds K-experience 'Squid Games' in Wheeling

The Korean Cultural Center of Chicago in Wheeling held the event K-experience "Squid Games" in the midst of the huge popularity of the Netflix K-drama of the same name.

The main objective for the event was to properly promote these childhood games. Eighty preregistered participants were divided into six groups and had the opportunity to experience a total of six games that included Squid Game, Dalgona Candy, Marbles, Ddakji Game, Tug-of-War, and Red Light-Green Light.

After finishing all of the games, winners of each game received Korean snacks and treats, while winners from each group received Korean snack packages.

Hannah Yoon, a freshman at Glenbrook North High School and winner of the grand prize, said, "It was exciting to see a lot of different people of all ages at the event. I liked how organized all the games were and how encouraging the game hosts were. I feel like I got to get to know a lot of new people, and our interactions and constant support of one another led to the victory of our team."

A total of 45 volunteers, including Junior Ambassador student volunteers from the Korean Cultural Center, spent the past six weeks preparing for the event. All of the volunteers helped to facilitate the games at the center's event hall, gallery, museum and the cultural center park.

But, most importantly, having fun with the participants made this event a success. On Facebook, the event was shared by more than 4,000 people and reached 500,000. It was a success in promoting these games as being safe and fun, where the Netflix drama portrayed them as being violent and dangerous. It was a fun event that the entire family enjoyed, with participants from young children to adults in their 30s and 40s - a festive atmosphere for everyone.

Meanwhile, the stage setting (wall decals) and game equipment prepared at the Korean Cultural Center, 9930 Capitol Drive, Wheeling, will be available for visitors until the end of December. Visitors are welcome from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays to experience the game and take photos. Admission is free; advance reservations are required for group visits at event@kccoc.org.

The Korean Cultural Center of Chicago (KCCoC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote and organize Korean cultural, artistic, educational and social activities. KCCoC seeks to be a community landmark where people of all ethnicities can come together and explore Korean traditions and culture through various classes, programs and events. Approximately 80,000 visitors visit the cultural center annually. KCCoC strongly encourages cross-cultural understanding that can embrace and empower all people to coexist peacefully.

For information, visit www.kccoc.org.