Over a low-medium heat in a metal-bottomed pan OR large metal ladle, add sugar and wait for a few seconds until the edges begin to melt.
Once the edges start melting, lower the heat and stir.
Allow sugars to caramelize and become liquid. Stir continuously.
Once the sugar has become an amber-colored liquid, remove the heat source and allow to cool slightly.
Next, add a very small pinch of baking soda and stir immediately and vigorously until the mixture becomes frothy, a lighter color, and the baking soda has fully dissolved.
Slowly pour the mixture onto a piece of parchment paper, a silicone mat, or a flat surface with cooking spray.
Quickly use a flat metal surface (spatula, the bottom of a pan, a measuring cup, etc.) to press the dalgona until it is about ¼ inch in thickness. Start by gently tapping to make sure it is not sticking to the flat surface.
Before the candy cools completely, use a small cookie cutter to imprint a shape into the center of the candy.
(In the show, Squid Game, the shapes are stars, umbrellas, triangles, or circles.)
Be sure to press just firmly enough to leave an imprint, but not to go all the way through.
Allow the candy to cool, then remove from its surface and enjoy!