Unveiling the Deception: Did Player 001 Stage His Death in Squid Game?

Article Overview

A theory suggests that Player 001, Oh Il-nam, faked his death in Squid Game, adding another layer of complexity to his character.

The show's finale hints at the possibility of Oh Il-nam's survival, which raises questions about the emotional impact of the conclusion. If Oh Il-nam is truly alive, it could diminish the significance of the finale and shift the focus away from Gi-hun's character development in future seasons.

Believe it or not, there is a plausible theory in Squid Game suggesting that Player 001 may have once again faked his own death. Initially introduced as an innocent elderly man named Oh Il-nam who finds himself caught up in the violent games, Oh Il-nam raises suspicion due to his unusual enjoyment of the sadistic battle royale. Despite appearing virtuous, he becomes questionable as his true intentions unfold.

Gi-Hun, the main character of Squid Game, sees the good in Oh Il-nam and quickly becomes his friend. However, to his shock, Gi-Hun manipulates and seemingly kills Oh Il-nam in order to survive the marble game, turning the elderly man into a villain in his own story. Yet, Player 001's suspicious behavior throughout the games finally makes sense when it is revealed that he did not actually die during the marble game and was actually the mastermind behind the creation of the games. Just before the series concludes, Oh Il-nam bids a final farewell to Gi-Hun before succumbing to a brain tumor. But the question arises: did he truly pass away this time or is he once again deceiving everyone?

A Subtle Detail From Squid Game's Ending Suggests Player 001 Isn't Dead

One year after Gi-Hun emerges as the victor of the games, Player 001, Oh Il-nam, summons him to his deathbed and admits to creating the games for the amusement of the wealthy. He discloses that he chose to participate in the games to experience the adrenaline rush of survival before succumbing to his terminal brain cancer. In his final moments, Oh Il-nam places a final wager with Gi-Hun and peacefully passes away. However, a Squid Game theory has emerged suggesting that Oh Il-nam may still be alive.

A vigilant viewer (via Reddit) observed that when Oh Il-nam flatlines shortly after making the bet with Gi-Hun, his health monitor displays messages stating, "SpO2 Sensor off" and "ECG Lead off." This observation raises the possibility that he feigned his death once again while Gi-Hun was preoccupied looking out the window. Considering the meticulous attention to detail exhibited by the creators of Squid Game in season 1, it would be an oversight on their part if this discrepancy was not intentionally included in the final episode. However, as the Redditor speculates, it is plausible that the show's creators overlooked this error due to the fact that the information on the monitor was in English.

Why This Squid Game Theory Makes So Much Sense

Regardless of whether it was an oversight, the theory of Squid Game holds merit as Oh Il-nam is capable of orchestrating such a scheme. The elderly man shamelessly confesses to Gi Hun that he derives pleasure from the suffering of others, justifying his actions by claiming that his games provide a chance for the poor to escape their dire real-life circumstances. He disregards the lives of those from the middle, lower middle, and lower classes who become players in the games, and likely doesn't care about Gi-Hun's well-being even after his victory.

Based on this, it is possible that he staged his own death to deceive Gi-Hun into returning to the games and make them more intriguing for both himself and the other wealthy investors. It wouldn't be out of character for him to entice Gi Hun back into the games, witness him risking his life once again, only to later disclose that it was all part of his elaborate plan. Even if this theory proves false, the fact that viewers continue to speculate about his survival demonstrates his unreliability and moral complexity. It also underscores how Squid Game's astonishing plot twists in Season 1 have conditioned viewers to anticipate the unexpected in Season 2.

Player 001 Surviving Undoes The Emotional Weight Of Squid Game's Finale

Squid Game's initial appeal lies in its survival games, but as the show progresses, it becomes increasingly engaging due to the individual struggles and backstories of each character. The impact of the games on Gi Hun is evident in the final moments, leaving him feeling empty. The finale scene with Oh Il-nam solidifies Gi Hun's lack of purpose after winning, as he realizes he was used as a pawn for entertainment by an elite.

However, Oh Il-nam's downfall also signifies the end of Gi Hun's own journey. He becomes determined to move forward from the games, using his newfound wealth for good. He refuses to become heartless and allow the elites to continue their cruel games with innocent people. The confession and demise of Player 001 are pivotal moments in Gi Hun's character development, making it unnecessary for Oh Il-nam to return in season 2. To maintain the emotional impact of season 1's ending, it would be better for Squid Game season 2 to focus on new conflicts for Gi Hun rather than bringing back Oh Il-nam.

Sources: Reddit

Editor's P/S

Squid Game, the hit Netflix series, captivated audiences with its thrilling and thought-provoking storyline. One of the most intriguing characters in the show was Player 001, Oh Il-nam, an elderly man who befriends the main character, Gi-Hun. However, a growing theory suggests that Player 001 may have faked his death, which would significantly impact the emotional impact of the finale and future seasons.

The theory hinges on the idea that Oh Il-nam, who is revealed to be the mastermind behind the games, may have orchestrated his own death to deceive Gi-Hun and the audience. This would align with his character's cunning and manipulative nature, as he is shown to be capable of great deception and enjoys the suffering of others. By faking his death, Oh Il-nam could potentially lure Gi-Hun back into the games, making them more intriguing for himself and the other wealthy investors.