Leave it to Squid Game to turn a deadly children’s game into 2025’s first viral TikTok sensation.
The Netflix show’s Mingle dance has taken social media by storm, with millions recreating the eerily cheerful moves from one of the show’s most intense moments.
The Deadly Game Behind the Dance
In episodes 5 and 6 of Squid Game Season 2, contestants face a twisted version of musical chairs called “Mingle.”
Players have just 30 seconds to form groups matching randomly announced numbers and rush into corresponding rooms.
Those left without a group face instant elimination. The game runs for six brutal rounds, each accompanied by a deceptively cheerful Korean nursery rhyme.
The Scene That Started It All
The viral moment arrives when Player 230, a purple-haired character nicknamed Thanos (played by K-pop star T.O.P.), breaks into dance during the deadly chaos.
Eagle-eyed K-pop fans spotted him recreating moves from BIGBANG’s “Bang Bang Bang” before linking arms with another contestant, spinning joyfully as the “Round and Round” song plays.
His manic laughter and carefree dancing amid the life-or-death stakes created an unforgettable contrast that instantly resonated with viewers.
The Song Behind the Trend: “Round and Round”
The hypnotic tune powering the Mingle Dance is “듣그리 듣그리” (Round and Round), a traditional Korean nursery rhyme composed by Lee Su-in with lyrics by Jeong Geun.
For those wanting to sing along, here’s the complete English translation:
Round and round, clap!
Let’s spin around and dance together
Clapping our hands, clap!
Singing our songs, clap!
La la la la, let’s joyfully dance
Ring-a-ring-a-ring, ring-a-ring-a-ring
Hand in hand, all together
Let’s happily jump around!
The innocence of these lyrics underscores the eerie tension of the “Mingle” game, making it both unsettling and memorable.
Whether it’s nostalgia or morbid curiosity, this nursery rhyme has crawled into the ears of millions, cementing “Mingle dance squid game lyrics” as a key search for fans.
How to Do the Mingle Dance
The trend offers two main variations:
The Group Dance:
- Form a circle with 2-4 people
- Link arms at the elbow
- Skip or step sideways while moving in a circle
- Optional: Add the “clap” movements from the song
Thanos’s Solo Version:
- Start with the “Bang Bang Bang” finger-point move
- Transition into free-style spinning
- Add manic laughter for authentic character portrayal
The TikTok Explosion
@squidgamenetflix sing along while we play a game #SquidGame2 #SquidGame ♬ Round and Round – Squid Game Netflix
The Mingle Dance didn’t just trend; it took over. The first clip of Thanos’s infectious moves, posted by @squidgamenetflix on TikTok, garnered 158 million views in a week.
Soon after, TikTokers like @alekessekes_ and @jojosumanti recreated the dance, accumulating millions of likes and spurring thousands of spin-offs.
@alekessekes_ HAPPY NEW YEAR WITH THANOS! dc: me @bellissa #squidgame #newtrend ♬ Round and Round – Squid Game Netflix
From group dances to solo spins, TikTok users around the world adopted the “Round and Round” sound, turning it into one of the platform’s first major viral moments of 2025.
The hashtag #MingleDance and clips tagged “Mingle dance squid game TikTok” have racked up countless posts, each one a testament to the trend’s staying power.
Why is it So Addictive?
The addictive nature of “Round and Round” lies in its simplicity.
The melody is catchy, the lyrics are easy to sing along to, and the contrast between its lightheartedness and the show’s brutality creates an unforgettable juxtaposition.
Add Thanos’ carefree choreography, and it’s no surprise that TikTok and Instagram embraced it with open arms—and linked elbows.
“Mingle dance squid game song” has since become a top search for fans curious about its origins.
The Role of Music in Squid Game
Music has always played a pivotal role in Squid Game, from the chilling use of “Fly Me to the Moon” in Season 1’s “Red Light, Green Light” game to the classical compositions scattered throughout Season 2.
“Round and Round” carries this tradition forward, blending childlike innocence with psychological tension to heighten the stakes.
Its iconic pairing with Mingle dance footage has ensured it remains a standout moment in the series.
What’s Next for the Mingle Dance Trend?
Can the Mingle Dance maintain its momentum? Given its memeable nature and the global love for all things Squid Game, it’s safe to say this trend has plenty of life left.
From remix videos to potential live performances, the possibilities are endless. And who knows—maybe we’ll see “Round and Round” on the charts next.
From Nursery Rhyme to Viral Fame
The Mingle Dance and its “Round and Round” soundtrack have proven that even the darkest stories can create moments of levity, joy, and cultural connection.
Whether you’re spinning with friends or simply humming along, one thing is clear: Squid Game has given us more than just another TV moment; it’s given us a viral sensation that’ll keep us dancing—round and round.
