Who Wins Netflix’s “Squid Game”? Analyzing the Victor and the Deeper Meaning

Ultimately, Seong Gi-hun, Player 456, wins Netflix’s “Squid Game.” But victory in this twisted spectacle comes at a heavy price, leaving him profoundly changed and questioning the very nature of his triumph.

The Road to Victory: A Grueling Gauntlet of Games and Morality

“Squid Game” isn’t just a thrilling competition; it’s a brutal examination of human nature under extreme pressure. Gi-hun’s journey to the final round is paved with loss, betrayal, and difficult moral choices. He witnesses the descent of his fellow players into desperation, greed, and violence, forcing him to confront his own shortcomings and the darker aspects of humanity.

Navigating the Treacherous Games

Gi-hun’s survival isn’t simply about luck; it’s a complex interplay of strategy, alliances, and fleeting moments of compassion.

• Red Light, Green Light: Gi-hun initially survives due to his reaction speed and the chaos unfolding around him. However, this initial game sets the tone for the ruthlessness to come.
• Honeycomb: His resourcefulness shines as he recalls a childhood trick to carefully extract the shape, demonstrating a capacity for clever problem-solving under pressure.
• Tug of War: Gi-hun’s team leverages Sang-woo’s strategic thinking and, crucially, relies on the surprise tactic of a final lunge to overcome their superior strength disadvantage.
• Marbles: This round is perhaps the most emotionally devastating, forcing Gi-hun to betray his newfound friend, Il-nam. While Gi-hun believes he outsmarted Il-nam, the truth is that Il-nam ultimately allows Gi-hun to win, adding a layer of complexity to Gi-hun’s guilt.
• Glass Stepping Stones: Gi-hun relies on the sacrifice of others, particularly the glass expert, to navigate the precarious bridge. This highlights the ethical compromises necessary to survive.
• Squid Game: In the final showdown against Sang-woo, Gi-hun’s moral compass is truly tested. He initially fights fiercely but ultimately refuses to kill Sang-woo when he has the chance, choosing to forfeit the game. Sang-woo, realizing the depth of Gi-hun’s despair and unwilling to let him live with the burden of killing him, sacrifices himself so Gi-hun can claim the prize.

The Weight of the Prize: A Pyrrhic Victory

Winning the “Squid Game” brings Gi-hun a vast fortune, but it also saddles him with immense guilt and trauma. He is haunted by the faces of those who perished and struggles to reconcile the horrific events he witnessed with his conscience. He doesn’t immediately use the money, overwhelmed by the moral implications of his survival.

His victory is far from triumphant. He initially lives in a state of isolation and despair, unable to find meaning in his newfound wealth. He’s a shell of his former self, struggling to connect with the world after experiencing such profound loss and witnessing such brutality. It’s a stark commentary on the corrupting influence of wealth and the devastating consequences of extreme competition.

A Chance for Redemption: A Final Act of Defiance

Ultimately, Gi-hun’s story isn’t about winning; it’s about what he chooses to do after winning. He eventually uses some of his winnings to help the families of the deceased players, seeking to atone for his survival and provide some measure of solace to those left behind. This act of compassion demonstrates a resilience and a determination to reclaim his humanity.

In the final scene, Gi-hun is poised to board a plane to see his daughter. However, he witnesses another potential recruit being lured into the game. He makes a crucial decision: he turns away from the plane and calls the number on the card, vowing to stop the game. This act of defiance signals a newfound purpose and a commitment to fighting against the system that created the “Squid Game” in the first place. His win doesn’t make him happy, but it does give him a fighting chance to stop the cycle from repeating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About “Squid Game” and its Winner

1. How much money does Gi-hun win?

Gi-hun wins a staggering 45.6 billion South Korean won, which is equivalent to roughly $38.7 million USD. This immense sum is supposed to solve his financial problems, but the psychological cost proves far greater.

2. Why does Sang-woo kill himself?

Sang-woo, facing a desperate situation and burdened by his past actions, recognizes that Gi-hun is unwilling to take his life. He understands the moral conflict Gi-hun is experiencing. Sang-woo, seemingly driven by a sense of guilt and possibly a desire to free Gi-hun from this moral dilemma, sacrifices himself so Gi-hun can claim the prize and perhaps do something positive with it.

3. What is the significance of Gi-hun dyeing his hair red?

Gi-hun’s decision to dye his hair red is open to interpretation, but it can be seen as a symbol of his internal transformation and rebellion. The vibrant color contrasts sharply with his previous subdued appearance, suggesting a newfound (albeit perhaps misguided) sense of defiance and a rejection of his former life. Some viewers interpret it as representing the blood spilled during the game.

4. What is the role of Il-nam in the “Squid Game”?

Il-nam, also known as the Old Man (Player 001), is revealed to be the mastermind behind the “Squid Game.” He is a wealthy and terminally ill man who created the games as a form of entertainment and a way to feel alive again. He participated in the games himself, adding a layer of cruelty to his already reprehensible actions.

5. Why does Il-nam let Gi-hun win the marble game?

While it initially appears that Gi-hun outsmarted Il-nam in the marble game, the truth is that Il-nam deliberately let Gi-hun win. As he states later, he wanted to experience the games himself and have someone to trust. He recognized Gi-hun’s inherent goodness and compassion, and perhaps wanted to give him the chance to win and potentially do good with the money.

6. What does the ending of “Squid Game” mean?

The ending signifies Gi-hun’s decision to break the cycle of violence and exploitation. Instead of boarding the plane to see his daughter and living a comfortable life, he chooses to confront the organizers of the “Squid Game” and attempt to dismantle their operation. It’s a call to action and a statement that even after experiencing immense trauma, one can still choose to fight for justice.

7. Will there be a “Squid Game” Season 2?

Netflix has confirmed that there will be a “Squid Game” Season 2. While the exact plot details are still under wraps, it is expected to follow Gi-hun’s pursuit of the game’s organizers and delve deeper into the origins and motivations behind the deadly competition.

8. What are the themes explored in “Squid Game”?

“Squid Game” explores a multitude of complex themes, including:

• Capitalism and Economic Inequality: The game highlights the desperation and exploitation that can result from extreme economic disparities.
• Human Nature: It examines the capacity for both cruelty and compassion under duress.
• Morality and Ethics: The players are constantly forced to make difficult moral choices with life-or-death consequences.
• The Value of Human Life: The game devalues human life, turning it into a commodity to be gambled with.

9. Is “Squid Game” based on a true story?

“Squid Game” is not based on a specific true story, but it draws inspiration from real-world issues such as economic inequality, debt, and social injustice. The creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, conceived the idea based on his own struggles with debt and societal pressures.

10. Who are the key supporting characters and what roles do they play?

• Cho Sang-woo (Player 218): Gi-hun’s childhood friend and a former business executive who represents the dark side of ambition and the willingness to compromise morality for survival.
• Kang Sae-byeok (Player 067): A North Korean defector who needs the money to rescue her family. She represents resilience, resourcefulness, and the desperation of those seeking a better life.
• Hwang Jun-ho: A police officer who infiltrates the game to find his missing brother. He represents justice and the struggle to expose the truth.

11. How does “Squid Game” critique the South Korean socioeconomic system?

“Squid Game” offers a scathing critique of the South Korean socioeconomic system by highlighting the intense competition, high levels of debt, and limited social mobility that many individuals face. The game’s premise – offering a chance to escape crushing debt with a large sum of money – underscores the desperation and pressure felt by those struggling in a system that often favors the wealthy and powerful.

12. What is the cultural significance of the games played in “Squid Game”?

The games played in “Squid Game” are traditional Korean children’s games, which adds a layer of irony and commentary on the loss of innocence. By turning these innocent games into deadly competitions, the series highlights the corrupting influence of money and the erosion of traditional values in a society increasingly driven by economic gain. The familiarity of the games to a Korean audience also amplifies the emotional impact and makes the series more relatable and thought-provoking.