Content Warning: This article contains plot spoilers for the Netflix show Squid Game.
Hundreds of players died for a chance to win the prize money in Squid Game and some of these deaths were more heartbreaking than others. Fan favorites like Sae-byeok and Ali lost their lives in brutal ways that likely surprised most viewers who were hoping they would make it to the end.
Netflix’s hit survival K-drama turned children’s games into a life and death competition where players are pitted against each other for masked men’s entertainment. There were a lot of likable characters in the show, which made it painful to watch them die in gruesome ways. Only players who actually died are included, so Oh Il-nam's initially heartbreaking but fake death doesn't count.
Jang Deok-Su
Deok-su is introduced as a typical villain who actually isn’t very scary in Squid Game, as his heinous acts don’t seem so bad when compared to all the horrific events that happen in the show. His demise in the fifth game was more satisfying than heartbreaking, especially since it was Mi-nyeo who caused the two of them to fall to their deaths.
Deok-su was a bully who took advantage of those around him, only teaming up with strong players or using people like Byeong-gi for information. That said, it was still slightly disturbing to see the fear in his eyes as Mi-nyeo pulled him down with her. Even though he was portrayed as the bad guy, he was just a victim like all the other players in the twisted game.
Byeong-Gi
The only thing that makes Byeong-gi memorable is the fact that he cheated in a disgusting way. The ex-doctor who lost his license for malpractice struck a deal with some corrupt guards – he would harvest dead players’ organs in exchange for information about the game.
When In-ho finally caught the cheating doctor and his accomplices, The Front Man made it clear that he did not appreciate how they’ve ruined the essence of the game by taking away equality. He shoots and hangs the doctor as a warning for the other players. Byeong-gi had an unfair advantage over his competitors because he cheated, but it was still upsetting to see him get shot when he was desperately trying to escape.
No. 069
Players never know what the game is when they choose their teams and this became especially significant for the fourth game when they’re told to get into pairs. While fans don’t know what No. 069’s real name is, they won’t forget his reaction after realizing either he or his wife will die in the game of marbles.
Back in the main room, No. 069 begs the other players to vote to end the game. Sang-woo confronts him and tells him not to waste his wife’s and hundreds of other players’ lives, persuading him to carry on. Unfortunately, he’s too heartbroken from the loss of his wife and the trauma of the games – he decides to end his life on that same night. It’s a sad conclusion to the minor character’s story.
Han Mi-Nyeo
It was strange to watch Mi-nyeo flirting with Deok-su in the K-drama that isn’t a romance, that is until it’s revealed that it’s her strategic way to join up with the strongest team. It doesn’t work, however, as Deok-su kicks her out and almost gets her killed in Tug of War.
Mi-nyeo is loud, obnoxious, and offensive, often insulting other players to make herself look better. It’s all part of her attempt to survive, as she knows she’s not the strongest player in the room. After Deok-su’s betrayal, it’s satisfying to watch Mi-nyeo finally take revenge on the devious man, but heartbreaking to see both the resolve and defeat in her eyes as they fell to their deaths.
Cho Sang-Woo
Sang-woo is far from being the perfect character in Squid Game. He betrayed his friends multiple times, even Gi-hun, who he had known since they were kids. His biggest deception happened during the fourth game when he took advantage of Ali’s kindness to win the round.
Despite his callousness, fans know that Sang-woo was only trying to pull himself out of a bad situation, much like the other players on the show. Winning the game was his only shot at redeeming his reputation and making his mother proud. He did come around in the end with a grim sacrifice for Gi-hun – his death doesn’t make up for all of his terrible actions, but it was still heartbreaking to watch him bleed out in his best friend’s arms.
Hwang Jun-Ho
Squid Game had an interesting subplot that played out like a K-drama thriller and kept viewers hooked with each shocking revelation. Jun-ho is at the center of this storyline, as the police officer courageously worked to infiltrate the mysterious island where the games were being held.
Jun-ho wanted nothing more than to find his missing brother, but he never expected him to be The Front Man. The pain and confusion were evident in his reaction to In-ho removing his mask. Jun-ho’s last act on earth was to try and reach out to his brother, asking him in a pained voice “Why?” – he never got an answer.
Ji-Yeong
Before the start of the fourth game, Ji-yeong pairs up with Sae-byeok and promises her that she will do anything to keep her alive. She ends up fulfilling this promise, sacrificing herself so that Sae-byeok could live on to chase her dreams.
There’s an emotional scene where Ji-yeong tells Sae-byeok about how her abusive father murdered her mother, which prompted her to kill him soon after. Ji-yeong lost the game on purpose and cried as the guard lifted the gun to her head, telling Sae-byeok that it was an honor to have met her. It’s a harrowing moment that leaves Sae-byeok, and likely some viewers, choking back tears.
Kang Sae-Byeok
Sae-byeok is the badass female lead in the K-drama with a chaotic past revolving around her escape from North Korea and her failed attempts at getting her parents out. She’s hesitant to trust anyone else at first, as she’s used to relying only on herself. Eventually, she warms up to Gi-hun and their small team, letting herself feel safe among them.
Her last conversation with Gi-hun is difficult to watch, as she makes the protagonist promise to take care of her family if he ends up winning. Gi-hun insists they can win together and turns around to ask for help for his injured friend, which gives Sang-woo just enough time to kill Sae-byeok. It was a tragically abrupt end for the strong character that fans have grown to love throughout the season.
Gi-Hun’s Mom
One of the most jarring deaths in the show actually happens outside of the game, after Gi-hun goes home to look for his mom. Fans already know what’s coming, as Sang-woo’s mom tells him that she hasn’t heard from her in a few days.
As Gi-hun enters the dark apartment, he calls out for his mom, letting her know that he’s finally home and that he has enough money to get her to a hospital. His demeanor totally changes when he sees her lifeless body on the bed. The main reason he went back to the violent games was to pay for her surgery, but it was all for nothing. The sweet, hardworking, and loving lady had died on her own in an unkempt room, likely thinking of her son in her last moments.
Abdul Ali
Viewers meet Ali when he saves Gi-hun’s life by using all his strength to prevent him from falling in the first game. Since then, he’s proved to be nothing but a kindhearted and generous friend, who’s far too trusting for his own good. As an immigrant who has suffered from unfair working conditions, Ali tries his best to make sure he treats others with kindness.
During the riots, he defends Gi-hun’s team and works with them in every game to ensure that they win. When he’s unfortunately paired up with Sang-woo in the game of marbles, he obviously doesn’t want to kill his friend by winning the game. Ali’s hesitation and naivety gave Sang-woo an opening to trick him. His disappointed and fearful look as he realized what had happened is painful to see, especially for fans who adore him for his goodwill and positivity.