The winner of Squid Game Season 1 is Gi-hun, also known as Player 456, played by Lee Jung-jae. His victory shocked viewers because he was an indebted everyman who nearly gave up at the final challenge.
This breakdown examines how he survived each deadly game, the strategic choices that defined his path, and what his win reveals about the show’s critique of inequality and desperation.
| Player | Player Number | Occupation | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seong Gi-hun | 456 | Unemployed gambler | Winner |
| Kang Sae-byeok | 067 | North Korean defector | Runner-up, died in final marble game |
| Cho Sang-woo | 218 | Former investment banker | Runner-up, betrayed Sae-byeok, lost marbles |
| Ali Abdul | 199 | Migrant worker | Died in Tug of War |
| Jang Deok-su | 101 | Crime boss | Eliminated early in Marbles |
How Gi-hun Won the First Season
Gi-hun reached the final stage by displaying resilience in Red Light, Green Light and by forming uneasy alliances in the partner games. His survival instincts sharpened as the prize money grew, pushing him to confront both external enemies and his self-destructive habits.
Key turning points included accepting Sang-woo’s partnership in Marbles and refusing to abandon Sae-byeok in the glass bridge game. These decisions, driven by empathy rather than pure calculation, set him apart from more ruthless players.
Inside the Squid Game Arena Design and Rules
The arena’s retro aesthetics masked a highly controlled environment where every rule reinforced desperation. Staff monitored behavior constantly, using the doll and synchronized announcements to maintain order while testing moral boundaries.
Understanding these rules clarifies why certain players took extreme risks and why the final game’s simplicity masked intense psychological pressure on both finalists.
Character Motivations and Emotional Arcs
Gi-hun: From Loser to Survivor
Initially portrayed as a failed father and gambler, Gi-hun channels shame into determination. His relationship with his daughter becomes a powerful emotional anchor that keeps him focused on winning and eventually reshaping his identity.
Sae-byeok and Sang-woo: Pragmatism Versus Loyalty
Sae-byeok fights to reunite her family, while Sang-woo treats the games as a high-stakes investment. Their partnership in Marbles highlights how trust can be both strategic and fragile under extreme pressure.
FAQ
Who was the winner of Squid Game Season 1?
Seong Gi-hun, known as Player 456, won Squid Game Season 1 after outlasting the other players in the final marble game.
What happened to the runner-up, Sae-byeok and Sang-woo?
Both reached the final stage but lost the rigged marble game; Sae-byeok died shortly after, while Sang-woo took his own life following his loss.
Did Gi-hun kill anyone during the games?
No, Gi-hun did not kill anyone; he survived through evasion, alliances, and luck rather than by directly eliminating other players through violence.
Why did Gi-hun refuse the final prize at the end of Season 1?
He rejected the money to confront the organizers, symbolizing his rejection of a system that profits from human suffering and his desire to seek personal redemption.
Key Takeaways from Gi-hun’s Victory
- Gi-hun’s win underscores the show’s theme that systemic inequality pushes ordinary people to desperate extremes.
- Survival relied heavily on emotional bonds, adaptability, and the willingness to confront trauma.
- The games expose how easily compassion can be traded for advantage in high-stakes environments.
- Gi-hun’s victory is bittersweet, setting up deeper moral and personal conflicts in future seasons.
- Viewers are challenged to reflect on their own ethical choices when faced with scarcity and pressure.
