Why did the frontman join Squid Game 2 as one the players? Explained

The second season of Squid Game continues its signature twists, diving deeper into the complexities of its characters. Following the shocking revelation in season 1 that Player 001, Il-nam, was the mastermind behind the deadly games, season 2 introduces a new and equally chilling connection to the 001 title.

This time, the designation is used by the Front Man, In-ho (played by Lee Byung-hun), who goes undercover as “Young-il” to manipulate Seong Gi-hun and the other players. In-ho, the ruthless overseer of the games and a former champion of the 2015 competition, secretly joins the games to crush Gi-hun’s belief in humanity’s potential for good.

The second season of Squid Game, created and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk and starring Lee Jung-jae, dominated the non-English TV charts with 68 million views. It claimed the top spot in 92 countries and set a new record for the most views in the premiere week.

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Does player 001 have a change of heart in Squid Game season 2?

Disguised as Player 001, In-ho, the Front Man, befriends the players, including an unaware Gi-hun. He even joins Gi-hun's team and works together. However, in episode 5, a striking moment unfolds during the Six-Legged Pentathlon. In-ho, as Young-il, cheers enthusiastically for his team, particularly Hyun-ju, sparking speculation that he might be experiencing a shift in perspective.

In an interview with Netflix’s Tudum, released on January 3, 2024, Lee Byung-hun shared insights into this scene. He revealed that In-ho had a “genuinely good time” during the challenge.

Reflecting on the character’s internal conflict, Lee Byung-hun noted that In-ho initially entered the games to dismantle everything Gi-hun believed in. However, as he became an active part of the team, he unexpectedly found himself enjoying the camaraderie.

"The Front Man believes that Gi-hun is wrong in his way of thinking, but perhaps he reflects on himself through Gi-hun. He does want to destroy Gi-hun's belief. I felt that a small part of him, unknowingly, might be hoping for Gi-hun's thoughts to be right. And rooting for him in some way," said the actor.

However, in episode 6 of Squid Game 2, while everyone is voting "X" and "O," Jung-bae seems to have something to tell Gi-hun about 001. However, he brushes it off and votes to end the game.

In the last episode, it is revealed that despite what might have seemed like a change of heart, it did not amount to much. Player 001 stays true to his purpose by sabotaging Gi-hun's plan and killing his friend, Jung-bae.

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Why Gi-hun trusts Yong-il? What is the Front Man's backstory?

In Squid Game season 1, Gi-hun is portrayed as a naive yet kindhearted hero who believes in the good in others. This trait seems ill-suited for the deadly games but ultimately leads to his victory.

In season 2, Gi-hun returns as a more determined man, intent on ending the games, though his innate kindness and trust in others remain. However, he is disheartened as players choose to continue the games, reinforcing the Front Man's belief that the cycle persists because people willingly participate despite its brutality.

In-ho builds trust by confiding in Gi-hun about his pregnant wife's illness and their need for money for a liver transplant, making his tragic story seem believable. His account is convincing because it is rooted in truth, though he alters the timeline and narrates the story in the present tense.

In reality, she died years before the events of Squid Game season 1, as we learn from Jun-ho's conversation with his mother.

Since In-ho had already given Jun-ho a kidney, he could not help his wife. His borrowings and loans were viewed as bribes, and he was terminated from his job. The desperation to save his wife drove In-ho to participate as Player 132 in the 28th Squid Games in 2015, where he emerged as the winner.

However, despite his victory, he lost both his wife and unborn child, ultimately leading him to become the Front Man. In-ho's heartbreaking revelation is compelling because it comes from genuine pain, allowing Gi-hun to trust him.