Who Won Netflix’s “Squid Game”? The Definitive Answer

The seemingly simple answer is Seong Gi-hun (Player 456) won “Squid Game,” walking away with the ₩45.6 billion prize. But the real answer is far more complex than a mere monetary victory.

Gi-hun’s “Win”: A Victory With Profound Scars

Gi-hun’s win is undeniable in its most literal sense. He navigated the brutal gauntlet of deadly children’s games, outlasting 455 other desperate individuals. He survived betrayal, witnessed unimaginable horrors, and ultimately emerged as the last man standing. Yet, his victory is far from triumphant. It’s stained with the blood of his fellow contestants, burdened by the guilt of his own survival, and profoundly marked by the moral compromises he was forced to make. This is not a celebration; it’s a testament to the corrosive nature of desperation and the dehumanizing effects of extreme inequality.

Beyond the Money: The True Cost of Victory

The money, meant to alleviate Gi-hun’s crippling debt and secure his daughter’s future, initially remains untouched. He’s paralyzed by the trauma of the game, haunted by the faces of those who perished, and struggling to reconcile his survival with the ethical compromises he made to achieve it. The show suggests that the true cost of winning “Squid Game” is the loss of innocence, the shattering of one’s moral compass, and the enduring psychological scars that money can never truly heal.

Gi-hun’s eventual decision to use the money to help others, particularly Sae-byeok’s younger brother, speaks to a desire for redemption. He attempts to reclaim his humanity by fighting against the system that enabled the games in the first place. He represents a sliver of hope in a world seemingly devoid of compassion. So, while he won the game, he faces a tougher battle in facing himself.

Who Really Won? A Deeper Examination

While Gi-hun secured the prize money, a more nuanced interpretation of “winning” emerges when examining the show’s broader themes. Did the front man (Hwang In-ho), who, as a previous winner, gained power and control over the games, truly win? He became a cog in the very machine he once escaped. Was he a victim?

And what about the VIPs? Did their morbid entertainment constitute a victory? Their depravity paints them as moral losers, regardless of their wealth and privilege. Their “win” is a testament to the system.

The perspective of a “winner” is inherently distorted by the twisted morality of “Squid Game.” Gi-hun is the victor because the game has to have one. But, his victory, his survival, comes at a heavy cost. His true “winning” comes from him rejecting the system and not repeating it.

Ultimately, “Squid Game” challenges the very definition of victory. It compels us to question what we are willing to sacrifice, who we are willing to become, in the pursuit of success. Gi-hun’s journey suggests that true victory lies not in material gain but in maintaining one’s humanity in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About “Squid Game’s” Winner

Here are 12 frequently asked questions about the winner and the broader implications of his victory in “Squid Game”:

1. What happened to the money Gi-hun won?

Initially, Gi-hun struggles to accept his winnings. He is tormented by the guilt and trauma of the game, rendering the money practically useless. Later, he begins to use it to support Sae-byeok’s brother and vows to stop the games. We see him give half of his money to Sang-woo’s mother.

2. Why didn’t Gi-hun get on the plane at the end?

At the airport, Gi-hun sees the Salesman recruiting another player for the game. This triggers his resolve to prevent others from suffering the same fate. He calls the number on the business card, declares that he will find them, and abandons his flight to see his daughter.

3. Will there be a “Squid Game” Season 2, and will Gi-hun be in it?

Yes, “Squid Game” Season 2 is confirmed. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk has stated that Gi-hun will return as the protagonist, focusing on his quest to dismantle the organization behind the games.

4. What does Gi-hun’s red hair symbolize?

Gi-hun’s red hair can be interpreted as a symbol of his transformation. It signifies his anger, his defiance, and his determination to fight against the system that created the games. The red is a literal and symbolic representation of the blood he has seen.

5. How did Gi-hun survive the final game?

Gi-hun ultimately survived the Squid Game by refusing to participate fully in the final round. After Sang-woo goads him into stabbing him, Gi-hun refuses to kill him, knowing that if he quits he will forfeit his win. However, because Sang-woo doesn’t want him to quit, Sang-woo stabs himself, ending the game. He won because he was spared.

6. Why did Il-nam (the Old Man) create the Squid Game?

Il-nam, or the Old Man, created the Squid Game out of boredom and a desire to feel something again. He was a wealthy and powerful individual who had become desensitized to the world. The games were a twisted form of entertainment for him and his equally jaded peers.

7. Was Gi-hun a good person before the Squid Game?

Gi-hun’s character is deliberately ambiguous. He’s portrayed as a flawed individual with gambling problems and a somewhat neglectful approach to his daughter’s life. However, he also displays moments of genuine kindness and compassion, suggesting that he possesses a fundamental goodness that is tested and ultimately reinforced by his experience in the game.

8. Did any other characters besides Gi-hun “win” in a moral sense?

While Gi-hun is the only literal winner, some characters demonstrate acts of bravery and self-sacrifice that can be considered moral victories. Ali’s loyalty and willingness to help others, Sae-byeok’s determination to provide for her brother, and even Sang-woo’s final act of sacrificing himself for Gi-hun can be seen as moments of moral redemption.

9. What is the significance of the Salesman’s game of ddakji?

The game of ddakji is a metaphor for the larger Squid Game. It represents the allure of easy money and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. Gi-hun’s willingness to participate in the game foreshadows his later involvement in the deadly tournament.

10. How does “Squid Game” critique capitalism?

“Squid Game” offers a scathing critique of capitalism by highlighting the extreme inequality and desperation that can arise within the system. The games themselves are a microcosm of a capitalist society, where individuals are pitted against each other in a ruthless competition for survival, with the ultimate prize going to a select few.

11. What does the ending of “Squid Game” imply about the possibility of change?

The ending of “Squid Game” is intentionally ambiguous, leaving the audience to question whether meaningful change is possible. Gi-hun’s decision to confront the organizers of the game suggests a glimmer of hope, but the vastness and power of the organization leave the outcome uncertain. The ending serves as a call to action, urging viewers to consider their own role in perpetuating or challenging systems of inequality.

12. If I was in Squid Game, how would I win?

There is no surefire strategy to guarantee victory in “Squid Game,” as luck, alliances, and moral compromises all play a role. However, observation, strategic thinking, and the ability to adapt to unpredictable circumstances would be crucial. Ultimately, survival in the game requires a delicate balance of self-preservation and moral considerations. You can not assume every time that good things and helping will save you.