The final episode of Squid Game sees Seong Gi-hun, our reluctant protagonist, grappling with the trauma and guilt of his victory. Ultimately, Gi-hun makes the shocking decision to abandon his plans to visit his daughter in America, turning back on the jet bridge to confront the organizers of the deadly game, suggesting a second season focused on dismantling the system from within.
Gi-hun’s Choice: A Triumph of Empathy or a Missed Opportunity?
The ninth and final episode of Squid Game, titled “One Lucky Day,” is less a triumphant victory lap and more a sobering meditation on the lasting scars of trauma and the corrosive power of immense wealth. We find Gi-hun, now undeniably rich, adrift and tormented by the memories of his fellow contestants and the realization of the horrific price of his survival.
He discovers that the old man, Oh Il-nam (Player 001), was not only alive but the mastermind behind the entire game. This revelation shatters Gi-hun, stripping away any remaining illusion that the games were a fair playing field. He witnesses Il-nam’s death, a lonely and pathetic end for a man who sought stimulation through the suffering of others.
While inheriting Il-nam’s immense fortune, Gi-hun’s life remains empty. He sends a significant portion of his winnings to the families of the deceased contestants, attempting to alleviate their suffering, a testament to the empathy that survived his ordeal.
However, just as he’s about to board a flight to see his daughter in the United States, a chance encounter changes everything. He witnesses another individual being recruited into the game. Fueled by a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility, Gi-hun makes the conscious choice to abandon his personal life and confront the game’s organizers, marking a dramatic shift towards active resistance and setting the stage for a potential second season. This final act, while seemingly noble, has sparked considerable debate, with many viewers questioning whether it was a genuine display of heroism or a frustrating detour from a chance at personal redemption. The ambiguous nature of Gi-hun’s decision is a key factor in the episode’s enduring impact.
Deep Dive into the Ending’s Key Moments
The episode is packed with significant events, each adding layers to the complex narrative:
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Il-nam’s Confession and Death: The revelation of Il-nam’s true identity and his subsequent death are pivotal. It exposes the depths of the system’s corruption and the moral decay of those who wield unchecked power. Il-nam’s explanation, focusing on his boredom and desire to feel alive, is particularly chilling.
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Gi-hun’s Transformation: The episode charts Gi-hun’s evolution from a desperate gambler to a man burdened by guilt and a sense of responsibility. His decisions, from sending money to the families to changing his appearance, reflect his internal struggle.
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The Recruitment Scene: The concluding scene, where Gi-hun witnesses another recruitment, is crucial. It serves as a cliffhanger, guaranteeing a sequel and highlighting the ongoing nature of the problem. Gi-hun’s fiery defiance – his decision to call the recruitment number and vow to stop the game – is a powerful moment.
The Significance of the Color Red
Throughout the series, the color red is heavily used, and it’s prominent in the last episode. It’s evident in Gi-hun’s dyed hair, which some interpret as a symbol of his commitment to change or a visual marker of his transformation. It also acts as an alert to the viewer that Gi-hun has chosen a new direction.
Was Il-nam Telling the Truth?
The old man, on his deathbed, makes Gi-hun believe that people lack any goodness and would choose violence, but Gi-hun gets to witness the other end of the spectrum when a homeless man helps a drunk man who’s about to freeze to death, proving there are still good people in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Squid Game Finale
1. Why did Gi-hun dye his hair red?
Gi-hun dyeing his hair red is likely a symbolic representation of his transformation and newfound resolve. It’s a visual marker of his commitment to change and fight against the system. It could also be interpreted as a sign of rebellion and a rejection of his past life.
2. Did Gi-hun ever see his daughter?
No, Gi-hun does not get on the plane to see his daughter in America. His decision to turn back and confront the game’s organizers signifies a change in priorities. He prioritizes dismantling the game over personal happiness, at least for the time being.
3. What was the purpose of Il-nam’s final game?
Il-nam’s final game, where he challenges Gi-hun’s faith in humanity, served as a final test of character. It was designed to see if Gi-hun, even after experiencing the horrors of the game, still believed in the inherent goodness of people. Il-nam’s deathbed confession reveals his cynicism, highlighting the stark contrast between his worldview and Gi-hun’s lingering hope.
4. Why didn’t Gi-hun use his money to simply expose the game to the world?
This is a common question. It’s plausible that Gi-hun feared for his safety and the safety of those around him if he went public. Also, the power structures involved likely have ways to silence dissent. His choice to confront them directly could be seen as a more proactive and less easily suppressed approach.
5. Was Gi-hun right to abandon his daughter?
This is a subjective question that sparks much debate. Some argue that his responsibility lies with his daughter and that he should have prioritized their reunion. Others believe that his decision reflects a higher calling to prevent future tragedies. There’s no easy answer, and the ambiguity is part of the finale’s power.
6. Will there be a Squid Game Season 2?
The ending of the last episode of Squid Game strongly suggests a second season is planned to expand the story and explore the theme Gi-hun is willing to dismantle.
7. What is the significance of the number Gi-hun dials at the end?
The number Gi-hun dials is the same number he received on the card that invited him to participate in the Squid Game. Dialing this number signals his intent to actively confront the organization behind the games.
8. How did Il-nam manage to participate in the games without being killed?
Il-nam, as the mastermind behind the games, likely had safeguards in place to ensure his survival. The specifics of these safeguards are not explicitly explained, but it’s implied that he had control over certain aspects of the game and the guards were instructed not to target him directly.
9. Why were the games created in the first place?
Il-nam explains that the games were created out of boredom and a desire to feel alive. He and other wealthy individuals sought to experience the thrill of watching desperate people compete for their lives. The games serve as a disturbing commentary on wealth inequality and the dehumanizing effects of extreme power.
10. What is the role of the Front Man?
The Front Man, revealed to be Hwang In-ho, the brother of the police officer Hwang Jun-ho, acts as the overseer of the games, enforcing the rules and managing the participants. His motives are not fully explored, but it’s hinted that he was recruited after winning a previous iteration of the Squid Game.
11. Were all the Squid Game contestants equally desperate?
While all the contestants faced dire financial circumstances, the level of desperation varied. Some were heavily in debt, while others had lost everything. The show highlights the diverse backgrounds and motivations of the participants, emphasizing the societal pressures that drive people to such extreme measures.
12. What message is Squid Game trying to convey?
Squid Game conveys a powerful message about the dangers of unchecked capitalism, the corrosive effects of wealth inequality, and the dehumanizing nature of competition. It also explores themes of morality, empathy, and the potential for both good and evil within individuals. The ending leaves viewers with lingering questions about the responsibility of the wealthy and the possibility of resisting oppressive systems. The final scene is designed to provoke thought and inspire action, suggesting that even in the face of overwhelming odds, resistance is possible.