Netflix’s ‘Squid Game’ Produces A No. 1 Song

Squid Game became a global phenomenon when it premiered on Netflix in 2021. The series was the rare smash not in the English language, and it showed how tastes for content had changed around the world. While it was acclaimed by critics and won several Emmys, the show wasn’t known for the music featured across its episodes—at least not at first.

That’s changed with season two. The second iteration of the violent series was released on the streamer in late December 2024, and now the program has reached the Billboard charts–and with more than one song, which is unusual for such a thriller.

A pair of tunes connected to Squid Game debut on the World Digital Song Sales chart this week. The show even manages to collect a No. 1 hit on the Billboard ranking, which tracks the bestselling songs performed in a language other than either English or Spanish throughout the U.S.

This week, the tally is led by “Mingle Game Squid Song: Merry-Go-Round,” which anybody could guess comes from the TV show. The single is credited to a group named Bodybag Zippers, who appear to have no other major releases, though they are named as the main name on the Squid Game season two soundtrack album.

Just a few spots further south comes another tune that’s attached to the program. “Squid Game-2 ‘Mingle Game’ (Marry Go Round Song)” launches at No. 5 on the purchase-centric tally.

That song is credited to a different musical act, one which has even less of a footprint than the Bodybag Zippers. MC Baazigar appears to earn his first hit in the U.S. with the Squid Game cut. The artist doesn’t even have a Spotify page, so this is easily the biggest win for them.

Songs from the Netflix blockbuster occupy 20% of all the spaces on the World Digital Song Sales chart this week, which highlights how immensely popular the series is, especially in America. Half of the ranking is filled with arrivals, as artists like Lisa, Felix, Yoo Yeonseok, and BSS all launch new tunes on the sales-only roster this time around.