High Demand for ‘Squid Game’ Tracksuits Cheers S.Korea’s Struggling Garment Sector

Ko Jong-hyun, 59, a clothing factory owner, checks newly made tracksuits inspired by Netflix series "Squid Game" at his plant in Seoul, South Korea, on Oct. 21, 2021. Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters

SEOUL—The “Made in Korea” green tracksuits and pink jumpsuits worn by characters in Netflix’s global hit “Squid Game“ have proven a pre-Halloween bright spot for a South Korean garment industry struggling during the pandemic.

A 598-square-yard garment factory in the Seongbuk district of the capital Seoul was humming this week, green and pink thread flying off stacked spools off serger machines with loud knocking noises in a race to meet orders.