The Ultimate Winner of the Original Squid Game

The nail-biting first half of the new Netflix competition series Squid Game: The Challenge is out now, sparking curiosity about who emerged as the winner of the original Squid Game. The Challenge has been a success on Netflix, featuring childhood games from the original series and pitting 456 real-life contestants against each other for a chance to win a $4.56 million prize.

The synopsis states that contestants will compete in games inspired by the original show, testing their strategies, alliances, and character as they navigate eliminations. Although only five of the ten episodes have been released, the winner won't be revealed until the finale on December 6. Until then, let's revisit who emerged victorious in the original Squid Game.

Who won the original Squid Game?

The ninth episode of Squid Game features the ultimate game, with protagonist Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), known as player 456, emerging victorious thanks to the sacrifice of his childhood friend and fellow player 218, Cho Sang-woo (Park Hae-soo).

Following the completion of the challenging games such as 'Red Light, Green Light', 'Dalgona', 'Tug of War', and 'The Glass Bridge', both contestants have advanced to the final round of the competition, known as 'Squid Game'.

The rules for 'Squid Game' are as follows:

The attacker needs to maneuver through the squid-shaped court, outmaneuver the defense, and then gently tap the area inside the squid’s head with his foot to secure the win. On the other hand, the defender must stop the attacker's progress and push them out of the court's boundaries to claim victory.

If either player is unable to continue the game, the last one standing will be declared the winner. In this case, being "unable to continue" implies the player's death. There are no limitations, and any form of violence is permitted. In this scenario, Gi-hun is the aggressor while Sang-woo is the defender.

Netflix

The rain falls as the game commences, and Gi-hun is faced with his childhood friend, who has grown more merciless with each game, first killing Player 017 on the bridge and then murdering Kang Sae-byeok after she sustained an injury.

Gi-hun confronts Sang-woo, who defends his actions by saying, "I ended her suffering. She was going to die anyway." Gi-hun rejects this explanation, responding, "That's not true. Stop lying."

As Gi-hun nears victory in a tense showdown, he hesitates and declares, "I can't do it," showing mercy to his friend. He references clause three of the agreement, which allows players to end the game with majority agreement.

Gi-hun extends his hand to help Sang-woo, giving up the 45.6 billion won ($38.5m). At the last moment, Sang-woo apologizes, seizes the knife, and stabs himself in the neck, allowing Gi-hun to win the game and claim the prize. The victory feels empty in the midst of so much loss and pain. The series concludes with Gi-hun honoring the wishes of his fallen comrades, then seemingly making a decision to seek vengeance against the cruel leaders of the Squid Game.

You can read more about Squid Game Season 2 here, and check out our Squid Game: The Challenge coverage below:

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about the winner of the original Squid Game. On one hand, I am happy that Seong Gi-hun (player 456) emerged victorious. He is a relatable and sympathetic character who has shown great resilience and determination throughout the game. His victory is a testament to the power of hope and the human spirit.

On the other hand, I am also saddened by the death of Cho Sang-woo (player 218). Sang-woo was a complex and tragic character who was ultimately consumed by his ambition. His death is a reminder that even the most seemingly good people are capable of great evil.

Overall, I think the ending of Squid Game is bittersweet. It is a reminder that there is no easy way to survive in a world that is often cruel and unjust. However, it also shows that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for redemption.