The Netflix survival K-drama Squid Game has become massively popular, thanks to its thrilling narrative with countless twists and turns. The violent show has stirred up several discussions on Reddit, with some users sharing their own unpopular opinions about its plot and characters.

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From the underdeveloped VIPs to Gi-hun’s disappointing hairdo, there are a lot of controversial topics that have been debated by Squid Game’s growing fandom. Fans continue to talk about the characters’ questionable decisions long after they’re done watching the show. It’s the perfect time to explore some of these unpopular opinions as viewers wait to find out if Squid Game will be renewed for a second season.

The VIPs Aren’t Geniuses

An image of a VIP wearing a cougar mask as he tilts Jun-ho's chin up in Squid Game.

The VIPs are enigmatic characters that are alluded to several times before their actual appearance. It’s revealed in the end that the filthy rich individuals are actually investors and collaborators responsible for keeping the competition going every year. According to Redditor nelieberit, though, fans shouldn’t give them too much credit, as they aren’t actually evil geniuses. The user asks: “Why do we believe that every rich person is this mysterious, intelligent, intriguing character?”

But while the VIPs’ lame lines and cheesy outfits were admittedly a bit underwhelming and turned them into villains who aren't actually scary, Il-nam’s confession about how they planned and designed the deadly competitions together proves that they’re smarter than they look. It takes real skill and wit to be able to host and design something as huge as the games, year after year, without getting caught by the authorities.

Gi-hun Is A Bad Person

A photo of Gi-hun and his mom having dinner in their apartment in Squid Game.

Redditor ambivalentbasil isn’t a big fan of the protagonist, Gi-hun. They explain that Gi-hun made “a bad first impression” that they were “never able to shake off,” what with him stealing his elderly mom’s hard-earned money and using it to gamble.

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Gi-hun is in no way a perfect character, but he’s not meant to be the ideal hero. From the very first episode, the show makes it clear that he’s a flawed person who is vulnerable to greed and vices. His and all of the other players’ imperfections only make the show more realistic, as it shows both the good and bad sides of the characters. Besides, when compared to all of the other players, Gi-hun is undoubtedly one of the more decent persons in the competition.

The Front Man’s Shocking Reveal Is Predictable

The Front Man wearing his mask in Squid Game

One of the most heartbreaking plot twists in the K-drama happened when The Front Man removed his mask and revealed himself to be Jun-ho’s missing brother. One Redditor isn’t too impressed by this twist, however, as they claim that “The Front Man being the police man’s brother was so obvious.”

This likely wasn’t the case for most fans, as there are not a lot of indications in the episodes leading up to the twist that it was going to happen. Aside from a lingering stare at Jun-ho’s ID, In-ho did a good job of keeping his identity a secret. In fact, he made it clear to all the guards that should their faces ever be seen by anyone on that island, they would immediately be killed.

The VIPs Are Underdeveloped Characters

An image of Il-nam's hand on his fox mask in Squid Game.

The user The__Dark__Wolf is not happy about the VIPs' “underdeveloped” characters. According to him, too many questions are left unanswered. He asks these important things: “Why are they there? How did they get into that position?”

But being mysterious is part of the appeal of the VIPs’ characters and fans don’t really learn more about them until Il-nam’s confession. He explains that those rich individuals are there to be entertained and feel alive again. They’re in that position simply because they are wealthy enough to know Il-nam and have previously worked with him. There’s a well-written backstory to these villains that explains their history and motives.

Gi-hun’s New Hairdo Is Terrible

Gi-hun, with his hair dyed red and in a business suit, walks down an airport hallway in Squid Game.

After winning the game, Gi-hun finds himself in a rut for years. The only thing that pulls him out of his bad situation is Il-nam’s confession. He starts making crucial decisions in his life again after that, including changing his hair. But Redditor mrsgarrett03420 isn’t too glad about this change, saying they “didn’t like GH’s new hair color at the end.”

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But while his striking red hairdo is definitely an interesting choice, it’s also an appropriate one, given the context. He’s leaving behind his past self who was too defeated to do anything to turn things around. He picked a fiery color to go along with his renewed resolve – it’s likely meant to be more symbolic than fashionable.

Sae-byeok Deserved A Better Death

Kang sae-byeok stands between two guards in Squid Game.

Sae-byeok’s tragic death was difficult to watch, as she was the K-drama’s badass female lead. Redditor amberledb thinks it “was the worst-written” death and that she “deserved a better ending.” They continue on to say that she “got a mortal wound in the stupidest way,” referring to how Sae-byeok was hit by a large shard of glass in the 5th game.

Sae-byeok’s last moments were definitely harrowing, but that’s likely the effect that the director had in mind. The fact that she’s randomly mortally injured by the glass only reinforces how senseless the entire competition is. The VIPs’ games don’t favor talent and her death proves that no matter how skilled or motivated players are, the unfair design of each level can still arbitrarily kill anyone.

Gi-hun Should’ve Lost

Squid Game Green Tracksuits

Gi-hun and Sang-woo’s childhood friendship and eventual rivalry are some common K-drama tropes that helped fans make sense of how they end up at each other’s necks in the final game. In this episode, user PlatinumKH argues that “Gi-hun was stabbed in the leg, stabbed in the gut, and stabbed in the hand. He should not have gone on as he did or even walked away from that game.”

While Sang-woo may have seemingly had the upper hand in that battle, it makes sense that the character would succumb to the protagonist – he’s the childhood friend who lost his way, after all. What’s more, human limitations can be pushed during life or death moments like that. Despite his several injuries, Gi-hun’s adrenaline was likely pushing him forward until the very end.

The Randoms Should’ve Been In The Finale

The glassmaker looking down with Sang-woo behind him in Squid Game.

The 5th game is a crucial one in the show, as it is the round that determines who goes on to the final episode. But Redditor Antonell15 didn’t like this particular game, explaining that “randoms” should’ve made it to the finale. They go on to say that the “old woman, math teacher, and glass factory worker” could’ve made the protagonists' climb to the top seem much more random.”

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The user makes a good point here, as it would make the titular final squid game look fairer if there were more minor characters in it. That said, it’s the climax of the entire show, so it makes sense that it would only include the main characters. The time spent developing those characters’ story arcs would only pay off if they had one last epic showdown on their own.

Ali Shouldn’t Have Died

Abdul Ali looks angrily in front of him in the Netflix show Squid Game.

Most fans likely think that Ali’s death was the most heartbreaking one on the show, and according to yasadboidepression, it shouldn’t have happened. They argue that “He had such a more compelling story compared to Sang-woo.”

Ali’s death was definitely jarring for fans who have grown to love the kindhearted character. His generosity and loyalty to his friends are unfortunately the same traits that made it so easy to kill him off. Sang-woo’s storyline is compelling specifically because he had become monstrous enough to trick Ali. It’s a necessary reminder that kindness can get in the way of survival in such a dangerous competition.

Sang-woo Isn’t That Bad

Sang-woo crying in his green track suit in the Netflix show Squid Game.

The user whyrurunnin9 writes a short but truly unpopular opinion about Squid Game, simply saying “I like Sang-woo.” The character is hated by most in the fandom, perhaps even more than gangster, Deok-su, at times.

There’s an obvious attempt at a redemption arc for Sang-woo in the final episode when he sacrifices himself so that Gi-hun can take the prize money. It’s important to note that he only does this after he knows he’s been defeated. From betraying Gi-hun and his friends to stabbing Sae-byeok, Sang-woo has done horrific things in the competition. Most fans would agree that his half-hearted sacrifice does not make up for all of his horrendous actions.

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