George Orwell’s dystopian classic, 1984, was released 73-years ago and has been a permanent fixture in curricula across the world ever since. The shocking, albeit fictionalized account of a despotic regime in Oceania brought the idea of an almost post-apocalyptic totalitarian state to life, gripping classrooms, while concomitantly serving as a warning against dictatorships. 59-years after Orwell penned the final line “He loved Big Brother,” and what was to become a literary masterstroke, a man sat in his office in Seoul finalizing the script of his own modern dystopian nightmare: Squid Game.

Hwang Dong-hyuk was told repeatedly that his script wasn’t commercially consumable due to it being too fanciful, and the sheer, graphic violence contained within it was a little too distasteful for the producers liking. 13-years from the finished article, it was Netflix that finally picked up the baton for this dystopian drama about indebted individuals opting in to play a set of children’s games for a life-changing sum of money, all at a potentially deadly price. As with any hit TV show, the characters and the actors that play them tend to determine the extent of its success; here is a deep dive into the characters in Squid Game and their roles…

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

Seong Gi-hun

     Netflix

It would be inexcusable not to begin with the show’s star played by Lee Jung-jae, Seong Gi-hun is a single, absent-minded father with an estranged wife, and daughter he repeatedly disappoints. Regardless of his intentions and protestations, Seong is perhaps the most flawed character, yet the most human; regardless of how hard he tries to resist his inner demons of gambling addiction and crippling debts, it inevitably consumes him inside-out.

The constant moral conflict that plagues his existence throughout the series seems to portray him in an initially pathetic, spiritless light. Gullible, helpless, and often imprudent, viewers are left sympathizing with an apprehensive Gi-hun, who, over the course of the nine-episode series undergoes a complete character redevelopment, ostensibly going on a journey of self-discovery while simultaneously participating in a quite literally deathly game.

His struggle to maintain moral principles throughout a game that thrives on cunning, dishonesty, and manipulation resonates with the viewership, and he provides the audience with a relatable outlet as the “common man,” an unlikely hero who almost instantly harnesses a gravitational pull that has you rooting for his every step, decision, and thought, and that makes you actively despise those who seemingly conspire against him. Yet, it’s his constant battle with honor and apparent impotence that creates this disarming, unthreatening, albeit inadvertent illusion that ultimately plays into his hands.

Kang Sae-byeok

A North Korean refugee, Kang Sae-byeok (played by HoYeon Jung) is in the first instance a prickly, highly-guarded character. After fleeing the oppressive regime of her motherland along with her mother, father, and brother, it soon comes to pass that Sae-Byeok’s father was captured and killed, and her mother caught, leaving her and her brother to fend for themselves across the border as pickpockets.

Intuitive, intelligent, and quick-witted, Kang’s competence at mastering the grave situations she is propelled into makes her a valued ally and underestimated commodity throughout her participation in the games as she gradually becomes one of the most likable characters in Squid Game. Clearly damaged by her troubled past, Sae-Byeok’s plethora of redeeming features gradually surface as she progresses through each game and forms an alliance with Seong Gi-hun.

Jang Deok-su

Put simply, Jang Deok-Su (played by Heo Sung-tae) is Squid Games’ villain. Both in appearance and in nature (he’s a gangster), Deok-su is a detestable human being and one of the most evil and horrible characters. With a snake tattoo occupying the left side of his jaw and lower cheek, the Machiavellian gaze, and a wretchedly evil smile, he could make a great Bond villain. However, that is as far as the Bond villain comparisons extend; his brash wickedness and violently sinful essence make him one of the paramount forces of bad in the show, but easily the most predictable, with his intentions remaining lucidly transparent.

Cho Sang-woo

Upon reflection, Cho Sang-woo (played excellently by Park Hae-soo, who the director always wanted for the Squid Game cast) is more befitting of that “Bond Villain” title. An extremely intellectually gifted individual, much is made of his academic achievements, his University education, and his affluent business endeavors. However, Sang-woo is the master of deceit and exploitation, having conned his clients out of billions and lost their money through faulty reinvestment, and has used his mother’s home as collateral. This remains unbeknownst to his fellow contestants, who hold their fellow counterpart in high regard, dubbing him “the genius.”

As the saying goes “with great power comes great responsibility,” yet in the case of Squid Game, with great responsibility comes great power, and Sang-woo develops great power with the responsibilities people entrust himself with. Appearing as the voice of reason, the rationale, and of course the brains behind cracking the enigma that is the game, he quickly gains the trust and respect of his colleagues. As the precursory games are won through his guidance, Sang-woo’s narcissistic propensities and manipulative ways begin to become more apparent, and his hunt for self-fulfillment builds momentum. Sang-woo poses more of a threat than Deok-su simply because his motivations are reticent.

Oh II-nam

Oh Il-nam (played by Oh Young-su) takes on the mantel as the “Wiseman,” by far the oldest candidate in the games, and naturally the one who draws the most sympathy from both fellow players, and the audience. II-nam reveals he is suffering from an inoperable brain tumor and hasn’t long to live, he befriends Gi-hun and relishes the games. He seems to garner the respect of his compatriots, especially that of Gi-hun who develops a real fondness for II-nam.

Hwang Jun-ho

Hwang Jun-ho (played by Wi Ha-joon) is ostensibly the good guy, the undercover police operative who’s on a personal mission to uncover the whereabouts and potential death of his brother who he believes was part of the Squid Game several years prior. His steely-resolve, military precision and fearless attitude allow him to breach the watertight secrecy of the island and the games, witnessing first-hand the horrors committed by those in charge. He helps to give Squid Game that extra level of suspense which made it one of the best TV shows of 2021.

Han Mi-nyeo

Player 212, Han Mi-nyeo (played by Kim Joo-ryoung), is a wily and assertive contestant who stops at nothing to gain an advantage over her contemporaries. Like everyone in the game, she is deeply in debt and is struggling to keep her head above the parapet. She is not necessarily a personality that exudes warmth or invites commendation, but her methods are effective, and courage admirable. Hers is one of the more tragic stories in Squid Game, as a woman with a hard life who views the world outside the Game just as darkly and deadly as the Game itself, and is betrayed more than she probably deserves.