While it includes noticeable anti-capitalist undertones through depictions of debt, inequality, and exploitation—rooted in the creator Hwang Dong-hyuk's personal experiences in South Korea—these economic critiques are incidental to the narrative and not framed through contemporary social justice lenses like DEI mandates, identity politics, or systemic oppression tied to race, gender, or sexuality. Casting is overwhelmingly Korean-led and authentic to the setting, with minor international players like the Pakistani migrant (played by an Indian actor) feeling organic to the underclass ensemble without forced diversity clashes or race/gender-swapping.

No prominent LGBTQ+ representation, gender fluidity, or lectures on traditional norms appear; female characters like Sae-byeok are tough survivors without preachiness. Creator interviews emphasize universal struggles over activism, and the show's massive global success reflects broad appeal unmarred by 'woke' backlash, praised instead for pure storytelling thrills.