Who Really Won “Squid Game” (Netflix)? An Expert Analysis

Ultimately, the winner of “Squid Game” (Netflix) was Gi-hun (Player 456), securing the ₩45.6 billion prize. However, digging deeper, the true victors, and perhaps the most significant commentary of the show, lie far beyond Gi-hun’s personal fortune.

The Surface Winner: Gi-hun and His Burden

It’s undeniable: Gi-hun walked away with the money. After surviving six brutal, psychologically taxing games, he emerged as the sole survivor. The narrative clearly frames him as the winner. He possesses the cash, the title, and the “opportunity” to live a better life. But did he truly win? The story implies Gi-hun actually lost more than he gained.

Gi-hun is haunted by his experience: the death of his friends, the manipulation he endured, and the inherent immorality of the games themselves. He’s left with a hollow victory, burdened by guilt and trauma. While he gains financial freedom, he loses something far more valuable: his innocence and perhaps even a part of his humanity. We could say that he’s more of a survivor than a winner.

Beyond the Money: Who Really Profited?

To understand the true winners, we need to look beyond Gi-hun’s individual circumstances. The show expertly layers social commentary within its thrilling plot, revealing a far more complex landscape of winners and losers.

The Parasitic Elite

The true winners are the ultra-rich VIPs. These individuals, driven by boredom and a thirst for perverse entertainment, funded and observed the games. For them, “Squid Game” was nothing more than a spectacle, a twisted form of amusement. They profited not just from the entertainment value but also from the validation of their own superiority. The games reinforced their belief in their inherent right to exploit and control those less fortunate. This is a chilling indictment of the insatiable greed and apathy of the wealthy elite.

The System Itself

The very system that allowed “Squid Game” to exist also emerges as a victor. Capitalism, particularly in its most unrestrained form, thrives on desperation and inequality. The games preyed on individuals already struggling with crushing debt and lack of opportunity. The system creates the conditions that make such a horrific contest not only possible but also desirable for the desperate participants. “Squid Game” doesn’t just depict a game; it’s a metaphor for the game of life under a system that rewards ruthlessness and penalizes those who fall behind. The system wins because it perpetuates itself.

The Creators and Distributors

On a less philosophical, but more practical level, the creators and distributors of the show, including Netflix, are significant winners. The show’s immense popularity generated colossal profits and cemented its place in popular culture. While “Squid Game” critiques capitalism, it ironically became a major product of it, demonstrating the complex relationship between art, commerce, and social commentary.

The Losers: More Than Just the Deceased

While many players physically “lost” the game (and their lives), the concept of loss extends beyond death within the narrative of “Squid Game”. The show is full of losers, even among the living.

The Moral Compromised

Characters like Sang-woo, who betrayed their friends in their own pursuit to win the grand prize, lost their moral compass. They sacrificed their integrity and humanity in the pursuit of wealth, a loss far greater than money could ever compensate for.

The Inevitable Failure of Redemption

Even Gi-hun’s eventual decision to forgo his flight to see his daughter, hinting at a potential revolt against the system, is fraught with ambiguity. Can one person truly dismantle such a deeply entrenched system of oppression? His victory, even with the potential for positive change, remains tinged with the bitter taste of compromise and the ever-present threat of systemic power.

Conclusion: A Complex Victory

“Squid Game” presents a complex and nuanced view of victory and loss. While Gi-hun secured the prize money, the true winners are the system that facilitated the games and the wealthy elite who profited from the participants’ desperation. Ultimately, the show leaves us questioning what truly constitutes a “win” in a world defined by inequality and exploitation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About “Squid Game”

Here are 12 Frequently Asked Questions to help further your understanding of the complex and popular show “Squid Game”:

1. What was the total prize money in “Squid Game”?

The total prize money was ₩45.6 billion, equivalent to roughly $38.7 million USD (as of the time the show aired).

2. How many players participated in “Squid Game”?

456 players participated in the games, each driven by their own desperate circumstances and need for financial relief.

3. Who was the Front Man?

The Front Man was Hwang In-ho, the brother of Hwang Jun-ho, the police officer who infiltrated the island. He was a former winner of the game.

4. Who was the mastermind behind “Squid Game”?

The mastermind was Oh Il-nam (Player 001), Gi-hun’s seemingly frail old friend. He was a wealthy businessman who created the games for his own amusement.

5. What were the six games played in “Squid Game”?

The six games were:

1. Red Light, Green Light
2. Honeycomb (Ppopgi)
3. Tug-of-War
4. Marbles
5. Glass Stepping Stones
6. Squid Game

6. What was the significance of the dalgona candy game?

The dalgona candy game (Honeycomb) tested the players’ precision, strategy, and ability to handle pressure. It also highlighted the arbitrary nature of the challenges and the element of luck involved.

7. Did Gi-hun use the money wisely?

Initially, Gi-hun did not use the money. A year later, he used a small part of his winnings to help Sae-byeok’s brother and Cho Sang-woo’s mother. The show implies a potential for him to use his funds to fight against the system, but this remains ambiguous. Whether he uses the money “wisely” is left open to interpretation.

8. What was the purpose of the VIPs?

The VIPs were wealthy individuals who bet on the players and watched the games for their entertainment. They represented the elite class who profit from the suffering of others. They are a symbol of unbridled capitalism and the dehumanizing effects of extreme wealth.

9. Was the ending of “Squid Game” a cliffhanger?

Yes, the ending left a clear cliffhanger. Gi-hun, after seeing the recruiter, abandoned his plans to visit his daughter, choosing instead to confront those running the games. This sets the stage for a potential second season.

10. What is the social commentary in “Squid Game”?

“Squid Game” offers a scathing critique of capitalism, economic inequality, and the desperation of the working class. It explores themes of morality, survival, and the dehumanizing effects of poverty. It is a social commentary on modern-day struggles.

11. Is there going to be a “Squid Game” Season 2?

Yes, “Squid Game” Season 2 has been confirmed. However, details regarding the release date and plot are still developing.

12. What other shows are similar to “Squid Game”?

Other shows that explore similar themes of survival games, social commentary, and dystopian societies include:

• Alice in Borderland (Netflix)
• The Hunger Games (Film Series)
• Battle Royale (Film)
• Liar Game (Japanese Drama)
• As The Gods Will (Film)