“Really is the real life 456 huh?” — Internet reacts as Donald Trump’s 2025 Presidential portrait draws comparisons to Squid Game’s lead character

On January 17, 2025, the official media account @AutismCapital posted a photograph of Donald Trump, comparing it with Squid Game's lead character, Seong Gi-hun, played by South Korean actor Lee Jung-jae.

President-elect Donald Trump unveiled his official inauguration portrait on January 16, 2025, in a striking departure from traditional presidential imagery and even his own official portrait when he took office as the President of the United States for the first time in 2017.

The photograph, characterized by a stern expression and dramatic lighting, ignited a flurry of reactions online, with many drawing parallels to the lead character of the popular Netflix series Squid Game.

The portrait, captured by chief photographer Daniel Torok, presented Donald Trump with a scowling demeanor, and was reminiscent of his 2023 mugshot taken at Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, Georgia, after he was indicted on charges of racketeering.

Gi-hun's portrait from season 1 (2021) showed him with a smile, similar to Trump's 2017 Presidential portrait. Meanwhile, he had a serious look in season 2, similar to Trump's 2025 portrait.

The release of this portrait comes on the heels of Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential election, marking his return to the White House for a second term. Observers noted a resemblance between Trump's new portrait and the transformation of Seong Gi-hun, the protagonist of Squid Game in season 2.

Throughout the Squid Game series, Gi-hun evolves from a hopeful individual to a hardened survivor, a metamorphosis that some see mirrored in Trump's latest portrayal. Social media platforms were abuzz with memes and commentary juxtaposing Trump's 2017 and 2025 portraits alongside images of Seong Gi-hun.

One user quipped by calling him Player 456 (Squid Game hero) and wrote:

"Trump really is the real life 456 huh?"

Netizens discussed how Donald Trump's return as the President of the United States matches Gi-hun's re-entering the games in Squid Game 2—symbolizing that both have played the game before in their respective realms.

"Trump really did both of the squid game memes at the same time," a fan said.

"Perfect analogy. They came into the game, being honest and humble, hoping for good. When they realize the game, the lion jumped out of them, no longer a cub. They will fight to the end for the right thing they will keep it honest. Beautiful President Trump," another fan said.

"Donald Trump: I have played this game before!!!" one other netizen said.

Others stated how Gi-hun failed to dismantle the game in Squid Game 2 which could be similar to how Donald Trump might "fail to break the system" in the realm of politics this time.

"President vs squid game. Absolutely incredible fantastic." a fan wrote.

"Literally this. Trump knows how the game works now. His team is basically only outsiders, nobody from the establishment. Also appearing much more confident and decisive in his actions (even before the inauguration)." another fan said.

"And he will fail to break the system for the same reasons, unfortunately great analogy tbh," another fan added.

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Squid Game 2: The dark underbelly of heinous children's games killing contestants for the elites

The highly anticipated second season of Netflix's Squid Game premiered in December 2024, continuing the crucifying journey of Seong Gi-hun as he seeks to dismantle the deadly competition that once ensnared him.

Squid Game 2 delves deeper into the dark underpinnings of the game, introducing new characters, unexpected alliances, and moral quandaries that challenge the very essence of human nature.

Set three years after his initial victory, Seong Gi-hun is haunted by the traumatic experiences of the games and the systemic corruption they represent.

Determined to end the cycle of violence, he partners with former detective Hwang Jun-ho, who has his own personal vendetta against the organization after discovering his brother, Hwang In-ho, is the enigmatic Front Man. Together, they strategize to infiltrate and expose the sinister operations behind the games.

A pivotal moment occurs when Gi-hun confronts The Recruiter (Gong Yoo), leading to a deadly game of Russian Roulette. The tense encounter culminates in The Recruiter's suicide, symbolizing the unraveling of the game's facade.

Gi-hun then re-enters the competition, this time with a covert mission to incite a rebellion among the participants. He forms alliances with new players, including Jung-bae, Hyun-ju, Dae-ho, and others, sharing his knowledge of the games to increase their chances of survival. Despite their efforts, the rebellion is ultimately quashed, with Gi-hun spared for reasons yet to be revealed.

In a shocking twist, Hwang In-ho, the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), enters the game as Player 001, mirroring the role of Oh Il-nam from the first season. This infiltration adds a layer of complexity, as Gi-hun remains unaware of In-ho's true identity.

Contrary to Gi-hun's expectations, the games have evolved, presenting new challenges that test the players' adaptability and resilience. This shift underscores the unpredictable nature of the competition and the organizers' relentless pursuit of control.

The season culminates in a failed uprising led by Gi-hun and his allies, resulting in significant casualties along with Jung-bae's death. The aftermath leaves Gi-hun alive but detained, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of his psyche and the organization's motives in the forthcoming season.

A post-credits scene introduces Cheol-su, a new character linked to the infamous doll Young-hee, hinting at more perilous challenges ahead.

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Squid Game 2 is available on Netflix and stars South Korean big names such as Yim Si-wan, Jo Yu-ri, former BIGBANG member T.O.P, Kang Ha-neul, and more.