How does Squid Game end?

Netflix’s Squid Game took the world by storm with its unique concept and deadly survival games. It is a South Korean TV show directed and written by Hwang Dong-hyuk, and released on September 17, 2021. The show garnered millions of views all over the world upon its release. After the success of its 1st season, Netflix announced that Season 2 of Squid Game will be released on December 26, 2024.

The ending of the show was mixed with suspense, thrills, and mystery which left the audience wondering what’s going to happen in the 2nd season. Season 1 also left many storylines unresolved, which will be explored in the next season. Here’s a breakdown of how the game ends and the fate of its main characters.

Who wins the Squid Game?

In the last round, childhood friends Gi-hun and Sang-woo are pitted against each other. The last game is a game of chicken. Angered by the things Sang-woo did, Gi-hun makes his move and gains the upper hand but cannot bring himself to kill him, as they were once friends. He decides to give up the prize money so that both of them can go.

In the turn of events, Sang-woo decides to take his own life so that Gi-hun can win the competition. In his last moments, he asks Gi-hun to take care of his mother. Eventually, Gi-hun becomes the winner of the game and wins the 45.6 billion won prize. The money he won came into his bank, but because of the feeling of guilt and devastation, he didn’t use the money.

What happens to Hwang Jun-ho?

Detective Hwang Jun-ho sneaks into the game disguised as a guard to find his older brother, who disappeared a few years ago. After witnessing the VIPs involved in the game he escapes the island to alert the authorities about the illegal practices taking place in the game. When he makes it to another island, he is tracked down by the Front Man.

Detective Jun-ho was taken aback when the Front Man revealed his real identity. The Front Man was his own brother, whom he had been searching for. His brother is now loyal to the game and invites him to join them. When Jun-ho refuses his offer, the Front Man shoots him, and he falls off the cliff into the water.

Who dies in Squid Game Season 1 finale?

Despite winning the game, Gi-hun felt guilty for watching so many people die in front of him. He lost many people in the process of winning the game. In the final episode, Sae-byeok is badly injured due to the previous game, and taking advantage of the situation, Sang-woo kills her. Gi-hun felt guilty as he was not able to protect Sae-byeok but he kept the promise of looking after her brother. After winning the game, when he returns home, he finds out that his mother has died.

After one year, he receives a card with the Squid Game logo on it and decides to visit the place with the address written on the card. When he arrives at the place he finds out that Oh Il-nam is the one who invited him. Gi-hun was shocked to see him in the hospital bed, as he thought he had died during the marbles game. Il-Nam reveals that he is one of the creators of the game and he made this game for his own and other businessmen’s entertainment. He decided to participate in the game because he wanted to experience it before dying. After making the confession, the old man dies.

Also read: How did Ji-yeong die in Squid Game

What happens at the end of Season 1?

At the end of the final episode, Gi-hun finds Sae-byeok's brothers, takes him to Sang-woo's mother, leaves him in her care, and gives her half of the prize money he won. He decides to visit his daughter in America, but on his way, he sees the same salesman who invited him to participate in the Squid Game, now pitching it to a new target. Gi-hun tries to stop him, but the salesman leaves, and he tells the new target not to accept the game invitation.

When he reaches the airport he receives a call where the person asks him about his name and birthdate. Gi-hun yells at him and expresses his anger towards the game. After that, he hears the familiar voice of the Front Man, who advises him to catch the flight. He decides not to catch the flight and returns back.

In the upcoming season, Gi-hun is adamant to find the people behind this game and stop this deadly game. By entering the game once again as a participant, Gi-hun will be seen on a new thrilling journey in the 2nd season.

Read more: Is Sae Byeok alive in Squid Game