Given the nature of Squid Game, it is unsurprising that the series has taken a dark turn by eliminating some of its most captivating characters. However, the relatively low mortality rate in the recently released season 2 raises concerns about what lies ahead in a potential season 3, which could be bleak. After a three-year hiatus, Netflix’s acclaimed South Korean show, Squid Game, has returned, showcasing protagonist Gi-hun’s quest to dismantle the malevolent Front Man and safeguard innocent lives. This season introduces an array of new and compelling characters, many of whom manage to survive, unlike their unfortunate predecessors.
The second season of Squid Game expands the character roster significantly more than the first season did. Among Gi-hun’s allies are his childhood friend Jung-bae, a Marine named Dae-ho, the expectant mother Jun-hee, a mother-son pair Geum-ja and Yong-sik, a transgender woman Hyun-ju, and the sweet-natured Young-mi. While their introduction enriches the narrative, it simultaneously elevates the stakes, as their survival is never guaranteed. Notably, however, season 2 distinguishes itself from its predecessor in terms of character survival.
Young-mi: The Sole Significant Casualty in the Games
The Significance of Deaths in the Squid Games
The suspense in Squid Game largely hinges on the unavoidable risk of death that characters face throughout the deadly competition. Intriguingly, among Gi-hun’s closest companions, only Young-mi faces death during the games in season 2. During the Mingle game, her failure to reach safety results in her being eliminated by Myung-gi, who believes her survival poses a threat to the entire group. This heartbreaking moment significantly impacts Hyun-gu, given their strong bond, while the other characters remain unscathed.
Though the lower death count in season 2 might seem like a comforting development for fans, it foreshadows more intensive and grave scenarios for the future. Young-mi’s demise, perceived as relatively minor compared to others such as Jun-hee or Geum-ja, may set the stage for even greater emotional turmoil. Given that the essence of Squid Game revolves around the deadly games, the impending season 3 appears poised to rectify the limited fatalities of season 2 with a much harsher reality.
Anticipating Heartbreaking Losses in Season 3
Season 2’s Setup for Season 3’s Heart-Wrenching Deaths
Looking forward, it’s highly probable that Squid Game season 3 will witness the demise of numerous beloved characters. The deaths of Young-mi and Jung-bae may just be the tip of the iceberg, as the Front Man is likely to exact vengeance on Gi-hun by targeting those he holds dear. A hints toward this direction is found in the mid-credits scene of season 2, which featured the ominous Red Light, Green Light doll. Season 3 could depict Gi-hun’s allies facing catastrophic challenges in the next deadly game, potentially leading to purposeful eliminations orchestrated by the Front Man.
Moreover, the character development in season 2 intensifies the emotional weight of future losses. For instance, the profound relationship between Geum-ja and Yong-sik makes the prospect of one sacrificing themselves for the other gut-wrenching. Similarly, Jun-hee’s pregnancy and her complicated ties with Myung-gi create a scenario filled with tension regarding her fate. Consequently, Squid Game season 2 seems to have set the stage for some of the most harrowing deaths yet.
Key Deaths in Season 1 Occurred After the Third Game
Masterful Tension-Raising in Squid Game
Another compelling factor hinting at substantial character losses in season 3 is the pattern established in season 1, where significant casualties didn’t occur until after the third game. Oh Il-nam’s demise was only confirmed following the Marble Game, and Kang Sae-byeok suffered fatal injuries after the Glass Bridge Game. Given that season 2 revealed just three games, it suggests that the fourth game in season 3 could usher in even more impactful deaths beyond that of Young-mi.
While character deaths in Squid Game are undeniably tragic, they are a testament to the show’s ability to heighten dramatic stakes. Throughout season 2, Squid Game skillfully escalated tension by modifying game structures and rules. The introduction of the Mingle Game, which necessitated pairing up participants at the end, demonstrates a calculated effort to maximize casualties. Audiences should brace themselves for a significant and emotional toll in Squid Game season 3.
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