Squid Game theory suggests a possible connection between Kang Sae-byeok and Kang No-eul

In Squid Game’s brutal universe, survival is never straightforward. Actually, not only survival. Every story has the potential to hide a deeper truth. One emerging theory suggests that Kang Sae-byeok, the beloved defector from Season 1, and Kang No-eul, the enigmatic pink soldier (011) introduced in Season 2, may share a family tie.

The apparent connections between them lead to this theory. This is not just a speculation. Their symbolic names, shared struggles as defectors from North Korea, and spoilers about No-eul's bigger role in Season 3 of Squid Game add more weight to the theory.

The Intriguing Connection of Surnames: Coincidence or Key to the Story?

Everything starts with their surnames. Both characters share the surname "Kang," which skeptics argue could merely be a coincidence, given that "Kang" is a common Korean surname. However, the layers of this connection suggest there may be more than meets the eye. Some skeptics even propose that No-eul might have acquired the surname through marriage, but this idea clashes with traditional Korean naming conventions, where women typically retain their maiden names after marriage.

Delving deeper, the theory gains traction when considering the meaning of their names, their shared background stories, and subtle hints scattered throughout the narrative. If they are indeed sisters—or share another significant familial tie—it could drastically shift the stakes of the story. Their relationship might redefine their motivations, conflicts, and emotional arcs, making this potential link a cornerstone of the unfolding plot.

Read on to find out more about both the characters and what their names define.

Dawn’s light: the enduring legacy of Kang Sae-byeok

Kang Sae-byeok’s story in Season 1 of Squid Game was a devastating tale of hope caught in the jaws of a merciless system. A North Korean defector, she put her life on the line to bring her family back together in South Korea. She entered the games with the purpose of rescuing her mother from prison and saving her younger brother, Kang Cheol. Kang Sae-byeok’s mix of fragility and strength resonated with viewers.

Her name, 새벽 (sae-byeok), means "dawn" and symbolizes renewal and hope in darkness. In Korean naming traditions, names have specific meanings. "새" (sae) means "new," and "벽" (byeok) means "light" or "daybreak." Together, they portray her as a beacon of light in a dark world.

In Korea, names are carefully chosen in order to reflect family values, aspirations, or destiny. Sae-byeok’s name symbolizes her struggle for a brighter future. It is very common to see situations in K-dramas where characters talk about the meanings of each other's names. Her death in the games extinguished that light, leaving a lasting void in the story. Her demise wasn’t just a personal tragedy but a narrative statement about the costs of defiance in a world designed to crush it.

But did Sae-byeok really die in those games?

[Now I understand why I never heard "Player 067 is eliminated."]

Kang Sae-byeok’s death in Squid Game Season 1 was one of the most heart-wrenching moments of the series. However, some fans have started to question whether her fate is as final as it seemed. One subtle detail, though, might hold the key to reopening this conversation. She was the only one of the contestants who successfully pretended to be asleep while all players were drugged during transport to the location where the games would be held. And she stole a knife...

This specific moment (and others that can be seen in the video below) highlights her exceptional skills as a strategist and survivor, traits that allowed her to escape North Korea and navigate the brutal world of the games. If Sae-byeok could outwit the system in this instance, is it possible she found a way to outmaneuver it again, even after suffering what seemed to be such fatal injuries?

Her death appeared definitive, but Squid Game is no stranger to misdirection. Theories suggest that her demise could have been staged, much like the possibility of Kyung-seok’s survival in Season 2 and return in Season 3. Could Sae-byeok have been spared for a bigger purpose, her skills recognized by the game’s organizers, Kang No-eul, or even another unseen player in the system?

The possibility of her survival ties into the show’s broader themes of deception and resilience. If Sae-byeok is alive, her reappearance would not only shock viewers but also create a powerful narrative arc. Her return could redefine the stakes of the games, especially if she crosses paths with Kang No-eul, whose moral ambiguity and strategic decisions mirror Sae-byeok’s own approach to survival.

This theory might look like a long shot, but Squid Game thrives on unexpected twists. Whether or not Sae-byeok truly died, she lives on in our memory. With only about twenty minutes of screen time, her influence continues to resonate, leaving us wondering if the dawn of her story is yet to be fully written.

The sunset marks a new shadow: Kang No-eul

No-eul’s introduction in Season 2 brought a new layer of complexity to Squid Game. She is also a defector from North Korea; her past depicts a harrowing journey toward survival. No-eul was a military sharpshooter in the North Korean army before fleeing to the South. Her killing of her superior officer was a turning point in her life.

The man stood for the tyrannical influences in her life, and she killed him to free herself. She demonstrated her willingness to do everything for the sake of survival, driven by despair and resolve. This is why she was invited to the games as a pink soldier wearing the mask with the triangle. Due to how she managed to leave North Korea. The sad thing, though, is that she was forced to leave her newborn baby behind.

Once in South Korea, No-eul's life did not improve as much as she would have wanted. Living in her van, homeless, she worked at an amusement park to survive; her shooting skills were reduced to a sideshow attraction. She joined the Squid Game as a guard not only in search of survival but also maybe in an attempt to navigate the system from the inside.

Her name, 노을 (no-eul), meaning “sunset,” is equally symbolic. In Korean, “노” (no) relates to fading or passing. And “을” (eul) evokes imagery of the evening sky, transitions, and endings. This name fits her very well. No-eul exists in the shadows, balancing endings with moral ambiguity. Her role as a guard, combined with her actions sparing players from being used and abused even after death paints her as a figure operating in the morally grey areas of the games.

A generational puzzle: the missing link in Korean names

Korean naming traditions are as intricate as they are meaningful, with one standout feature being the "generational marker." This shared syllable, often found in the given names of siblings, is a way to connect them within the same lineage.

For instance, if a father named Lee Ji-hoon (이지훈) has two sons, their names might be Lee Min-ho (이민호) and Lee Min-jun (이민준). The shared "Min" (민) acts as the generational link, tying the brothers together both culturally and symbolically.

Still, this is a lot less frequent habit for daughters. Although women still take on their father's surname, generational identifiers are hardly used in their names. For example, if that same father had a son and a daughter, their names might be Lee Min-ho (이민호) and Lee Soo-jin (이수진). Unlike her brother, the daughter’s name lacks the shared generational syllable, reflecting how these markers are more traditionally associated with male lineage.

By grounding this theory in the realities of Korean culture, the idea that Sae-byeok and No-eul could be connected becomes even more plausible. The lack of a generational marker isn’t a gap, it’s a clue that fits seamlessly into the traditions of Korean naming practices.

Spoilers and Season 3: what’s next?

If the theory holds, No-eul’s role in Season 3 could expand significantly. And if Her actions in sparing lives and subtly subverting the rules suggest a character with a long game in mind, one that may tie directly to Sae-byeok’s legacy. No-eul could play a key role in the next season, shifting the power dynamics of the games, if the actress's spoiler is true. And if Kang Sae-byeok is not actually dead? Mind-blowing and double the fun!

Whether their bond is familial, thematic, or both, Sae-byeok and No-eul's stories reflect the fight to survive against oppression. As Squid Game pushes the limits of human morality, their shared struggles may reveal the darkest sides of the games. Or they could bring even more plot twists nobody saw coming.