Duolingo has once again proved why it is one of the most loved and downloaded language-learning apps.
It has entered the world of the award-winning series Squid Game that had created a storm on Netflix.
Yes, Duolingo has collaborated with Netflix’s “Squid Game” and launched the “Learn Korean or Else” campaign.
The epic partnership is to promote the Korean language ahead of Squid Game season 2’s premiere on December 26.
Also Read > How Long To Learn Korean on Duolingo?
The reason behind this collaboration is that many users opted for the Korean language course on Duolingo after the first season of Squid Game.
There was almost a 40% interest in Korean Language courses all thanks to the epic series.
Netflix also confirmed that about 13% of all content watched by U.S. citizens last year were non-English titles.
Manu Orssaud, CMO of Duolingo, said that the campaign allows them to continue that momentum in a way only Duolingo can — with humor, intensity, and a bit of chaos!
He further added fans will accept the challenge to learn Korean.
Magno Herran, Vice President of Partner & Brand Marketing at Netflix, explained that Duolingo is the best partner for Squid Game Season 2.
The reason was that fans had moved toward the app to learn Korean after Season 1, and the other reason was that they were willing to go bold with them.
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The Duolingo mascot Duo too has joined the fun and is seen in a Pink Guard uniform from Squid Game as it delivers reminders to complete the lessons.
Whether Duo is showing up in teaser videos, billboards, or TikTok challenges, one thing is clear: skipping your Korean lesson might come with consequences!
The campaign has 40 “Squid Game” keywords and phrases being added to Duolingo’s Korean course. It is to prepare fans for their next binge-watching spree and appreciate Korean culture.
To mark the occasion, the campaign sees Duolingo’s Duo the Owl don the iconic pink costume of the show’s Pink Guards.
The two brands are collaborating to promote the Korean language ahead of the show’s highly anticipated Season 2 premiere on December 26.
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Korean or Get Eaten Ad
There is a Korean or Get Eaten ad directed by Warren Fu and choreographed by award-winning dancer Sean Bankhead created by Netflix to promote Korean Language and Squid Game.
The ad begins with a man running across an abandoned parking lot but is soon surrounded by Pink Guards in Duo masks who are led by Duo the Owl.
The Duo confronts the man as his Duolingo streak has ended.
The guards are seen dancing to the K-pop remix of “Pink Guards” from the “Squid Game” soundtrack with Duo.
Next, the man is seen learning Korean with the help of the Pink Guards till Duo asks them to throw him into a white van and take him to join the deadly game.
The end is quite hilarious with pink petals falling on the man as he shares finger hearts.
Promotions
Duolingo has launched 40 Squid Game keywords and phrases that are added to the platform’s Korean course.
The campaign also includes video spots, an interactive game filter on TikTok that lets users test their Korean skills while playing the show’s “Red Light, Green Light” game.
It also has some Billboards in Los Angeles, and New York City that challenge passersby to “learn Korean to stay safe”.
Duo and his Pink Guards will also be seen on Netflix’s Sunset Boulevard marquee billboard.
The English words will be replaced with Korean.
Squid Game
Squid Game created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, premiered in 2021. It soon went on to be one of the most-watched series on Netflix.
This global sensation had won an Emmy the first ever for a non-English language series.
The franchise continued to rule with the Squid Game: season 2 debuting on December 26 and the third and final season arriving in 2025.
This is not the first time that Duolingo has collaborated to promote language learning. In October it collaborated with WEBTOON to launch a comic series starring the lovable Owl.
Last year, Duolingo and Crunchyroll, an anime streaming service, launched a campaign to promote learning Japanese through fan-favorite anime shows like “Naruto” and “Dragon Ball Z.”
So what are you waiting for go ahead and join the Duolingo Korean Language course to enjoy the popular series in all its glory?
