Who is player 196 in Squid Game 2? Character goes viral after getting killed first on the show 

On December 26, Squid Game 2 finally released its 7 episodes on Netflix. Shortly after its launch, player 196 from the latest season went viral online, as her early exit from the game seemed unjustified to many fans.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Squid Game 2

Player 196 in Squid Game 2 was portrayed by Song Ji-woo, whose character was named Hye-won. Song Ji-woo is a 27-year-old South Korean actress, who has portrayed various roles in many other 2024 K-dramas, including Gangnam B-Slide, Love Andante, Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale, Doctor Slump, and Captivating the King.

Besides, she has also worked in other dramas like A Time Called You (2023), The Glory (2022), Love To Hate You (2022), and more.

Player 196's demise in the third episode of Squid Game 2 elicited disappointment among viewers who enjoyed her character. As a result, some internet users took to social media to express their thoughts on Hye-won's death, while others praised her impactful work.

“Yup and it’s not even a competition like she is genuinely the best one ever,” stated a fan.

“I love #SquidGame2 season 2, but i am fuming they killed this chick off first i could tell hands down that she would have been one of the best character's in the show,” remarked another viewer.

“Why #Netflix killed early player 196 in the #SquidGame2 show, she should have more screentime....,” a viewer said.

While several fans demanded more screen time for player 196, others referred to her as a “diva” for her performance.

“Squid Game season 2 is mad but I’m still upset about player 196,” an X user wrote.

“squid game season 2 spoilers kinda it was in the trailer, 196 was such a diva…. why did she have to die first,” commented a fan.

“I kept calling player 196 a diva when i watched squid game 2 with my dad so when she died he said "oh no!!! The diva!!!",” another X user stated.

“player 196 gone too soon u were too good for this world, rest in diva queen,” a fan wrote.

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Player 196 was killed in the third episode of Squid Game 2

Hye-won, also known as player 196, participated in the Squid Game after incurring substantial debt due to bitcoin advice from Player 333 (portrayed by Yim Si-wan), similar to numerous other contestants in this year's games.

Player 196 was eliminated during the Red Light, Green Light game, which appeared in the third episode of the Netflix original series. The seasoned protagonist Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) instructed everyone to remain still during the game and refrain from any moves.

However, player 196 did not heed his advice and reacted when a bee settled on her neck. She continued to speak and made jokes about the bee, resulting in a fatal outcome. The doll sensed her movements and turned its head, leading to the sniper shooting her.

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The Squid Game 2 is currently available for watching on Netflix. With a runtime of 60 minutes for each episode, the show comprises 7 episodes.