'Squid Game's' Creepy Giant Doll Is Real, Resides in Rural Korean Museum

With Squid Game quickly becoming one of Netflix's most successful shows, one character has stood out for many fans.

The creepy animatronic doll that features in the first episode, and ultimately introduces the players to the bloodbath that is the games, has become a key part of the show's promotions.

What fans might not know however, is that the doll is actually real, and for a short period of time, was on public display for visitors to see.

The doll resides in a horse and carriage "museum experience village" called Macha Land in Jincheon County, a rural area three hours north of Seoul.

Pictures shared online by fans of the series showed the doll proudly displayed at the entrance of the museum, despite seemingly having a missing hand.

On September 27, however, the museum updated visitors on its site, informing that the doll is no longer on display.

According to Korean daily newspaper Hankook Ilbo, the decision to keep the doll after filming was made by its manufacturer, who made it specifically for Squid Games.

After they wrapped up filming, the doll was taken to Macha Land to be stored privately, but Hankook IIbo reports that miscommunication meant it was accidentally publicly displayed instead.

In a call with the publication, the manufacturer said they regularly keep items stored at the museum.

Although the actual doll used in the Squid Game production is no longer able to be seen, a smaller version was installed by Netflix at a mall in the Philippines in mid-September.

The doll is placed at the Robinsons Galleria Ortigas Mall in Manila, and even sports the chilling glowing eyes of the real one, as it spins its head side to side.

It might not be able to initiate guns, as in Squid Game, but it is able to detect jaywalkers. The doll's eyes glow red if it senses someone crossing the street while the light is red.

TikTok users have used the 10-foot-tall doll as a prop for their viral videos, recreating the "red light, green light," game in the mall—minus the deadly consequences, of course.

Netflix Philippines announced the arrival of the doll on its official Twitter account, writing: "Better play by the rules because she's always watching. Will you make it past the first round of Squid Game?"

The video, soundtracked by the eerie tune the doll sings, showed passers-by freaked out looking at the doll.