우리는 말이 아니야. 사람이야. - 성기훈

This meme began to gain popularity after the release of Netflix's original series 'Squid Game' Season 3 on June 27, 2025. As this line encapsulates a core message of Season 3, it was actively quoted in media articles and YouTube videos immediately after its release to explain the drama's themes or discuss the character Seong Gi-hun, quickly becoming widely known.

"We are not horses. We are humans." is a pivotal line from 'Squid Game' where the protagonist, Seong Gi-hun, asserts human dignity and resists the inhumane system of the game. Even in Season 1, Seong Gi-hun emphasized human dignity by telling the game organizers, "Listen. I am not a horse. I am human. So I'm curious. Who are you, and how can you do such things to people..." In Season 3, this line appears in a scene where he vehemently declares, "We are not horses, we are humans," to the VIPs watching the cruel survival game, demonstrating what it means to be human with his entire being. This line criticizes the loss of humanity within the capitalist system and the limitations of majority rule, embodying the overarching theme of the entire 'Squid Game' series, which ultimately champions the preservation of humanity and speaks of hope for humankind. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk also stated that through this line, he "wanted to ask a fundamental question about whether humanity exists within us, and whether that humanity has the ability and power to make the world a better place."

"Oo-ree-neun mahl-ee ah-nee-yah. Sah-rahm-ee-yah. - Sung Gee-hoon"

This meme is primarily consumed by all viewers who watched Netflix's 'Squid Game,' which became a global phenomenon. It is widely used by men and women of all ages who empathize with the drama's profound message and are immersed in Seong Gi-hun's character arc.

The line "We are not horses. We are humans." is primarily quoted to explain the core themes of the 'Squid Game' series or to emphasize Seong Gi-hun's humane qualities and the values he pursues. Rather than being used humorously in specific situations, it is often employed as a symbolic phrase to convey the drama's message or represent Seong Gi-hun's identity. For instance, this line frequently appears in drama reviews, analytical videos, and articles when discussing the critique of humanity's loss or the importance of restoring dignity.

This meme is a line that carries a very serious and profound thematic message from the work 'Squid Game'. Therefore, using it indiscriminately in lighthearted situations or without understanding the original context may dilute its meaning or make it seem inappropriate. As it is a line imbued with deep reflection on human dignity and life, respect for the original message is required when using it.