"Squid Game": 6 Character Deaths That Shattered Viewers, Ranked!
- Anwaya Mane
- Jul 8
- 4 min read
Netflix’s most celebrated drama, Squid Game, concluded on June 27, bringing an end to a phenomenon that first captivated viewers in September 2021. Upon its debut, Squid Game ranked number one in all 93 countries where Netflix is available—a testament to its global popularity. Fans were enthralled by its twists and turns, passionately discussing theories for future seasons, flaunting merchandise, and even reenacting the games from the series.
Squid Game was more than just a show; it became a cultural phenomenon that once again spotlighted South Korea’s exceptional storytelling, innovative concepts, and bold visual style on the world stage. With 45.6 billion won (USD 33,375,297) at stake, players risked their lives in a deadly series of childhood games, where the reward was either the winning amount and survival, or death. Across its three seasons, the series delivered plenty of unforgettable moments, but it was the deaths of certain characters that left us truly heartbroken. Here are six of the most shocking and emotional deaths in Squid Game, ranked.
6. Kim Jun-hee (Player 222) – Jo Yu-ri
A young, orphaned mother, Jun-hee, (Jo Yu-ri), entered the game hoping to win the prize money for a better future for herself and her unborn child. During the jump rope game, however, she realizes that with a swollen, broken ankle, she cannot continue, let alone protect her baby. In a devastating moment, she chooses to sacrifice herself, echoing the heartbreaking decision made by Geum-ja (Player 149), another mother who gave up her life. Jun-hee’s death left viewers stunned and heartbroken. It also prompted discussion over whether the story truly required the noble arc of a mother’s ultimate sacrifice.
5. Cho Sang-woo (Player 218) – Park Hae-soo
Seong Gi-hun’s childhood friend, Cho Sang-woo (Park Hae-soo), had one of the most compelling and well-developed arcs in Squid Game. A graduate of the prestigious Seoul National University and a once-successful investment banker, Sang-woo finds himself neck-deep in debt due to financial fraud and forgery, ultimately leading him to enter the deadly Squid Games. Like Myung-gi (Lim Si-wan) from Season 3, Sang-woo gradually becomes a monster, not out of malice, but out of a desperate need to survive and claim the 45.6 billion won prize. In the final moments, perhaps weighed down by guilt over the lives he’s taken and the betrayals he’s committed, Sang-woo sacrifices himself, allowing Gi-hun to win. Undoubtedly, one of the most heartbreaking deaths in the series.
4. Kang Sae-byeok (Player 067) – Jung Ho-yeon
Jung Ho-yeon’s breakout role as Kang Sae-byeok introduced viewers to a character shaped by hardship and quiet resilience. A North Korean defector, Sae-byeok, entered the Squid Game with a singular goal: to reunite her family and give her younger brother a better life in South Korea. Hardened by betrayal and survival, she initially keeps her distance from others—until she forms a touching bond with Ji-yeong (Lee Yoo-mi), who ultimately sacrifices herself so Sae-byeok can move forward. Though Sae-byeok emerged as one of the strongest contenders to win it all, her journey was tragically cut short when she was killed by Cho Sang-woo (Park Hae-soo) in the penultimate game. Her death extinguished not only a life, but also the dreams and quiet hope of a young woman who had finally begun to believe in something more.
3. Abdul Ali (Player 199) – Anupam Tripathi
For the first time in Korean television history, an actor of Indian origin—Anupam Tripathi—was cast in a major role with a deeply moving arc. Abdul Ali is neither a villain nor a victim; he is simply a kind, hardworking man trying to provide for his wife and child. Grateful to those who show him kindness, Ali's sincerity and loyalty make his betrayal by Cho Sang-woo (Park Hae-soo) during the marble game one of the most heartbreaking moments in Squid Game. His story also subtly critiques the exploitation of immigrant laborers in South Korea’s capitalist society, portraying the harsh realities of survival and the quiet dignity required to endure them day by day.
2. Cho Hyun-joo (Player 120) – Park Sung-hoon
It’s commendable that a prominent actor like Park Sung-hoon portrayed a transgender character in a major Korean series with depth and compassion. Hyun-joo is far from a filler role; she is a person with a bleeding heart and a dream of undergoing gender confirmation surgery in Thailand. Her ultimate sacrifice—giving her life to protect Jun-hee (Jo Yu-ri) and her newborn baby, before being fatally stabbed by Myung-hee (Lim Si-wan)—resonated deeply with many fans. However, some viewers criticized the show for using Hyun-joo’s character as a token representation, pointing to her early death as reinforcing harmful tropes about transgender characters.
1. Seong Gi-hun (Player 456) – Lee Jung-jae
"We are not horses, we are humans.” — Seong Gi-hun’s powerful final line in Squid Game Season 3 continues to resonate with fans around the world. What is Squid Game without its most iconic player? Player 456 (Lee Jung-jae), the underdog who won not just once but twice, ultimately makes the most selfless choice of all. In a final act of defiance against the system, Gi-hun sacrifices himself to ensure Jun-hee’s baby survives, bringing an end to the cruel games where human lives were mere entertainment for the VIPs. In a gut-wrenching finale, The Frontman (Lee Byung-hun) arrives at Gi-hun’s daughter’s home to deliver the prize money and the heartbreaking news of her father’s death — a tragic yet powerful close to the globally acclaimed series.
All seasons of Squid Game are now available for streaming on Netflix. Did you watch the season finale? What did you think of it? Let us know in the comments below!
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