Top 8 Character Mistakes in Squid Game, Ranked

Overview

Characters in Squid Game frequently make critical mistakes, leading to memorable deaths.
Season 3 needs to resolve the cliffhanger ending from Season 2 and address lingering plot questions.
Main figures like Gi-Hun and Ali Abdul display significant errors that affect their survival during the deadly games.

Squid Game has emerged as a defining thriller series of the decade, captivating audiences with its high-stakes narrative where each choice can lead to fatal consequences. This makes survival within the brutal game nearly impossible for its participants.

Sadly, the fates of many beloved characters are sealed by their frequent poor decisions, resulting in unforgettable moments of loss. Spanning two harrowing seasons, the cast of Squid Game has committed numerous blunders. Here are some of the most significant errors to date.

Note: This article contains spoilers!

8. Confronting The Recruiter

The Mistakes of Kim Jeong-rae and Choi Woo-seok

Episode: Bread and Lottery (Season 2, Episode 1)

Tasked by Seong Gi-Hun to track down the enigmatic game Recruiter, gangsters Kim Jeong-rae and Choi Woo-seok ultimately lost their grip on caution. After days of unsuccessful searching, they found him and, against Gi-Hun’s explicit orders, chose to confront the well-dressed man. This misjudgment proved fatal; the Recruiter’s casual demeanor masked his true combat abilities, leading to the deaths of both gangsters during a deadly game of Rock, Paper, Scissors paired with Russian Roulette, killing Kim right before Woo-seok’s eyes.

7. Insisting On Playing Together

The Tragic Error of Players 069 and 070

Episode: Gganbu (Season 1, Episode 6)

Players 069 and 070 were a married couple whose unwavering commitment to each other made them memorable characters. However, their dedication became their downfall when they insisted on participating together in the game of Marbles. This serious error led to a heartbreaking reveal: each would have to face off against the other, resulting in the death of 070. Unable to cope with the aftermath, 069 tragically took his own life.

6. Leaving Kang Sae-byeok Alone for a Few Seconds

Seong Gi-Hun’s Regretful Error

Episode: Front Man (Season 1, Episode 8)

During a tense standoff among finalists Seong Gi-Hun, Kang Sae-byeok, and Cho Sang-woo, the stakes escalated dramatically. Sae-byeok suffered critical injuries, putting her at a severe disadvantage. Gi-Hun faced a moral dilemma, striving to protect her while dealing with Sang-woo’s ruthless intentions. Unfortunately, leaving Sae-byeok unattended, even for a moment, proved fatal when Sang-woo seized the opportunity, resulting in her death, a decision Gi-Hun would forever regret.

5. Betraying Han Mi-nyeo

Jang Deok-su’s Fatal Decision

Episodes: A Fair World (Season 1, Episode 5) and VIPs (Season 1, Episode 7)

In season one, the aggressive former gangster Jang Deok-su was known for his ruthless nature. Despite his relationship with Han Mi-nyeo, he unceremoniously ejected her from his gang due to doubts about her strength. This betrayal ultimately came back to haunt him, culminating in a deadly confrontation that resulted in both their deaths.

4. Not Exposing Oh Young-il

Park Jung-bae’s Missed Opportunity

Episodes: O X (Season 2, Episode 6) and Friend or Foe (Season 2, Episode 7)

During the Mingle game, Park Jung-bae observed a chilling scene when Oh Young-il killed another player. This shocking revelation should have prompted him to reveal Young-il’s true identity to Gi-Hun, possibly altering their fates. Instead, the choice to remain silent became Jung-bae’s downfall as the manipulative Front Man eliminated him in a final act of betrayal.

3. Trusting Cho Sang-woo During Marbles

Ali Abdul’s Heartbreaking Decision

Episode: Gganbu (Season 1, Episode 6)

Ali Abdul, a fan-favorite for his generosity and kindness, fell victim to the treachery of his supposed ally Cho Sang-woo during the game of marbles. Trusting Sang-woo too easily, he agreed to carry a bag of pebbles under the guise of marbles, leading to his execution. This moment exemplified the savage nature of the game and the consequences of misplaced trust in an environment where betrayal is the norm.

2. Failing To Collect More Ammunition During the Rebellion

Kang Dae-ho’s Critical Blunder

Episode: Friend or Foe (Season 2, Episode 7)

As the events of Season 2 reached a fever pitch, Kang Dae-ho was tasked with retrieving additional ammunition during a critical rebellion. Overwhelmed by tension, he suffered a panic attack upon reaching the dormitory, leaving his group vulnerable and ultimately resulting in tragic losses, including Park Jung-bae. Despite this error, Dae-ho’s actions inadvertently sparked a redeeming moment for Cho Hyun-ju, whose decision to aid him ultimately saved her life.