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When Squid Game dropped in 2021, nobody knew what to expect, but it was an overnight sensation. The brutal gameplay, coupled with the compelling plot and characters, entranced viewers. The show's distinctive blend of tension and unexpected turns captivated viewers worldwide, resulting in its enormous appeal.
The narrative centers on a fictional covert tournament in which 456 impoverished players risk their lives by playing lethal kid's games in an attempt to win a reward of ₩45.6 billion. Squid Game is a traditional Korean children's game that is referenced in the title.
Lee Jung-jae plays the lead in the series, along with an ensemble cast.
The show's success is largely driven by its remarkable cast of characters, each adding dimension to the harrowing survival games. These individuals face the deadly challenges of the competition and reflect the ethical dilemmas of those pushed to their breaking point.
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Here are six of the most standout characters in Squid Game so far.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and not Sportskeeda as a whole.
Geum-ja/Player 149, and other best characters of Squid Game so far
1) Gi-hun/Player 456 (Lee Jung-jae)
Gi-hun, portrayed by Lee Jung-jae, is a seasoned participant in the games, returning as Player 456. Over the three years since becoming the sole survivor of his cycle, he has dedicated his fortune and efforts to tracking down the recruiter, determined to find a way to put an end to the games.
He begins as a flawed gambler drowning in debt and develops into a strong, kind person who struggles with moral quandaries while surviving the cruel games.
His determination to be the only survivor to oppose the games' system and his acts of generosity, including defending Il-nam (Player 001), demonstrate his growth.
Gi-hun is a sympathetic and memorable protagonist because of Lee Jung-jae's detailed performance, which infuses him with both tenderness and resolution.
2) Geum-ja/Player 149 (Kang Ae-sim)
A resolute mother who wants to provide for her family enters the game to pay off her son Yong-sik's debts, only to discover he has also joined as Player 007.
Geum-ja (Player 149) in Squid Game is remarkable for her tenacity and intense affection for her family. She exhibits incredible bravery, particularly when confronted with difficult moral decisions.
Her character is well-liked by fans, especially when she decides to keep her son safe even after learning that he plays the same deadly game. As a middle-aged lady, Geum-ja defies expectations by exhibiting strength and autonomy through her sacrifices and survival.
3) In-ho/The Front Man (Lee Byung-hun)
Since winning the games years ago, In-ho has been in charge of the Squid Game after its founder, Oh Il-nam, passed away in season 1. He commands the pink-masked guards in an all-black outfit.
In season 2, In-ho assumes the role of Oh Il-nam by playing the games as Player 001 and using the alias Young-il to discipline Gi-hun after he returns. Gi-hun is unaware of In-ho's true identity and is unaware that the seemingly normal player is actually the game's mastermind.
In-ho, also known as The Front Man, is one of Squid Game's most likable characters. His decision to play the game as Player 001 in season 2 under the name Young-il adds more complexity to the story and shows how he manipulates events to teach Gi-hun a lesson.
In-ho is a memorable and mysterious character in the series because of this contradiction between being a genius and a player.
4) Hyun-ju/Player 120 (Park Sung-hoon)
A transgender enters the games to earn enough money to complete her transformation. The role is played by cisgender male actor Park Sung-hoon.
In Squid Game, Park Sung-hoon's portrayal of Hyun-ju (Player 120) is notable for her powerful journey. During an intense game of Glass Bridge in Squid Game season 2, Hyun-ju (Player 120) appears in one of the most talked-about scenes.
Despite her trepidation, Hyun-ju enters the stage and gives a moving statement about why she is participating in the game. At the same time, the competitors face the task of crossing panes of tempered or delicate glass.
She tells the group that she joined not just for herself but also to encourage other people in the LGBTQ+ community who don't feel seen or supported. In contrast to the game's icy, strategic nature, her vulnerability in that particular moment humanizes her. All these make him one of the best characters due to his bravery and selflessness.
5) Jun-hee/Player 222 (Jo Yu-ri)
In Squid Game season 2, 23-year-old actress and singer Jo Yu-Ri plays Jun-Hee, commonly known as Player 222. She is a resolute woman who enters the game after making bad bets on the recommendation of an influencer.
Later, it is discovered that Jun-Hee is expecting Myung-gi's child, her ex-lover who is also competing in the same dangerous game.
Jo Yu-ri's portrayal of Jun-Hee (Player 222), who is strong yet vulnerable, makes her one of the most memorable characters. Following a game, Jun-Hee confronts Myung-gi emotionally, criticizing him for prioritizing survival over their shared past and raising concerns about his lack of support.
This is one of the most intense moments, as it shows both her strength and sensitivity. Her unfiltered feelings in the face of uncertainty and betrayal are what the viewers can relate to.
6) Ji-yeong/Player 240 (Lee Yoo-mi)
Ji-yeong, better known as Player 240 was a contestant in the 2021 Squid Game (season 1) who became part of Seong Gi-hun and Cho Sang-woo's team and formed a friendship with Kang Sae-byeok. She was played by Lee Yoo-mi.
A survivor of physical and s*xual abuse, Ji-yeong was imprisoned for the murder of her abusive father as an act of revenge after he killed her mother.
She is then brought in as part of the 33rd Squid Game and becomes a member of Seong Gi-hun's team, where strong bonds with Kang Sae-byeok are built. During the Marble game, Ji-yeong gives up her life to protect Sae-byeok, saving his life in the process.
Ji-yeong intentionally loses the Marbles game, sacrificing her life so that Sae-byeok could continue in the competition. She made this decision after realizing that Sae-byeok had a stronger reason to live, as she still had a family to care for.
Her decision scars most of the players, and the viewers can also feel the weight of the choice she made to die in that way. The bond she had formed with Sae made the sacrifice feel even greater.
Season 2 of Squid Game is available to stream on Netflix.
