Squid Game Creator Explains Why Player 456 Died

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In the final episode of “Squid Game” Season 3, Player 456 made a selfless sacrifice, and his tragic demise held a profound significance. Following his victory in the games during Season 1, character Seong Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) was determined to dismantle this deadly game entirely, driven primarily by a desire to prevent further loss of life and challenge an inhumane system. Despite becoming a billionaire outside the games in Season 2, Gi-hun chose to reenter the games due to his unwavering commitment to stopping them. However, his attempts were foiled when the Front Man infiltrated the games as a player, ultimately crushing the uprising that Gi-hun had initiated from the beginning.

In the initial stages of “Squid Game” season 3 on Netflix, we find a disheartened Gi-hun, seemingly devoid of purpose following his rebellion’s failure and the loss of his close friend, Jung-bae. The early scenes portray a changed Gi-hun, no longer caring about his actions, even going as far as to kill Player 388 (Dae-ho) during the hide-and-seek game due to resentment over Dae-ho’s role in the failed uprising when he didn’t bring back the gun magazines. However, Gi-hun eventually finds redemption by taking on the responsibility of caring for Jun-hee’s (Player 222) baby during the later stages of the game.

In the gripping third season of “Squid Game,” I find myself thrust back into the high-stakes world of survival games, this time with no respite in sight. The enigmatic Front Man and the VIPs relentlessly test my resolve, leaving me to grapple with the question: is there any hope left for humanity? Joining me on this rollercoaster ride are talented actors like Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Kang Ha-eul, Yim Si-wan, Jo Yuri, Wi Ha-jun, and Park Gyu-young, making this an unmissable watch for any movie buff.

Why Did Player 456 Kill Himself?

In the third season of ‘Squid Game’, one of its most chilling plot twists involved baby Jun-hee being selected as Player 222 following her mother’s demise during the fifth game. As a result, this newborn became an immediate focus for the ruthless competitors in the climactic Sky Squid Game.

In the drama “Squid Game” Season 3, it’s Gi-hun who had vowed to care for Jun-hee’s child that fiercely defended the newborn, culminating in a climactic showdown against the baby’s father, Myung-gi (Player 333). Myung-gi’s relentless pursuit of survival and insatiable greed eventually led to his sorrowful demise within the series. As the other contestants reach the final round, only two remain: Player 456 and the baby; however, according to the game’s rules, only one can emerge victorious as the sole survivor.

Through caring for the infant, Gi-hun rediscovered a meaningful direction in his existence. Consequently, in an attempt to secure victory for the baby within the Squid Game, he chose to sacrifice himself by falling from the platform, ultimately ending his own life.

As a devoted fan, I’d like to express my appreciation for Player 456 in Squid Game Season 3. His selfless act of sacrifice transformed him into a hero because he demonstrated that even amidst ruthless and desperate players, there remains a glimmer of hope for humanity. He showed the Front Man and VIPs that individuals like himself, who prioritize compassion over personal gain, do exist, challenging their cynical views on human nature.

His closing remark about humans not being equated with horses for betting purposes struck a chord with the Front Man, as demonstrated by his subsequent actions of using his winnings to aid Gi-hun’s daughter in starting anew and safeguarding the baby’s wellbeing in the world beyond the games. Essentially, he appeared to have internalized this message.

Squid Game Creator Explains Gi-Hun’s Sacrifice 

In the third season of “Squid Game”, Gi-hun’s selfless act completed his character arc as he transitioned from a reckless gambler in the first season to a noble figure determined to end the violent and oppressive games. Regrettably, this resolution required him to make the ultimate sacrifice with his life.

In conversation with TUDUM, Lee Jung-jae offered an explanation as to why Player 456 chose to take his own life, suggesting that the act was reminiscent of Gi-hun gazing upon his own daughter just prior to his selfless sacrifice.

For those who may not know, Gi-hun has a child living outside of this game world. However, his persistent efforts to halt these games have strained his relationship with her, leading to them being estranged.

Simultaneously, Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk shared his insights about Gi-hun’s sacrifice and the series finale with The Hollywood Reporter. He emphasized that the baby in the story provides a more authentic portrayal of humanity at its lowest point while also highlighting an “even greater source of hope.

Given it’s the final episode, I felt amplifying the tension and taking a bolder move, following the style of the popular series ‘Squid Game’, was the best approach. This allowed me to portray human depravity in a more intense manner while also highlighting glimmers of hope. I think that by using the baby, Gi-hun can express these themes in a more profound way.

The series maker additionally clarified the profound significance of Gi-hun’s behavior, emphasizing that it signifies his desire to “create a more prosperous world for generations to come,” symbolically represented by the baby.

I think it’s clear that our current lifestyle is made possible by the sacrifices and hardships of past generations, who strived to create a better world for us. Consequently, it’s important for us to strive towards making the world a better place because we want to pass on a better world to future generations. In essence, the baby symbolizes our collective conscience and represents those very generations we are responsible for shaping.

Ultimately, Gi-hun’s choice to take his own life served as the fulfillment of his vow to Jun-hee to safeguard the baby under any circumstances. Though he was no longer present, his selfless act resonated with those around him, notably the Front Man, in guaranteeing a promising future for the child.

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2025-06-30 14:34