The numerical sequence “456” on TikTok primarily functions as a subtle allusion to the South Korean survival drama, Squid Game. The number corresponds to the participant number assigned to the main character, Seong Gi-hun, within the fictional and deadly competition depicted in the series. Its use on the platform typically signals a viewer’s or creator’s familiarity with the show and often prefaces content referencing themes, aesthetics, or parodies inspired by it.
The symbol’s prevalence demonstrates the significant cultural impact of Squid Game and its rapid integration into internet meme culture. Employing “456” provides a shorthand method for users to signal shared interests and engage with a pre-existing cultural touchstone, facilitating community building and content discoverability within the TikTok ecosystem. Furthermore, its appearance can function as a form of digital word-of-mouth marketing, indirectly promoting the referenced television series.
