Squid Game initially led viewers to believe that Gi-hun would emerge as the protagonist destined to dismantle the gruesome games, but the developments in season 2 have shifted the narrative focus. Following his victory in the first season, Gi-hun dedicated himself to ending the nightmarish regime orchestrated by Oh Il-nam. However, season 2 saw him re-enter the competition, determined to save his fellow contestants. Unfortunately, his daring efforts didn’t yield the results he had hoped for. Despite leading a revolt against the guards, Gi-hun’s rebellion quickly faltered.
The climax of season 2 highlighted the Front Man, disguised as Player 001 Oh Young-il, quelling Gi-hun’s uprising. With affluent VIPs backing the competitions, it’s evident that the stakes will soar in season 3. Gi-hun’s chances of overpowering the guards now seem dim, and his prospects of gaining victory again appear bleak. The upcoming final season of Squid Game may indeed be a true test of survival for Gi-hun. However, there is another character poised to achieve what Gi-hun could not.
Squid Game Season 2 Foreshadowed No-eul as the Potential Hero
No-eul’s Strategic Advantage Over Gi-hun
In season 2, we were introduced to Kang No-eul, a North Korean defector determined to reunite with her daughter whom she was forced to leave behind. While it seemed initially that No-eul would compete as a player, unexpected plot twists revealed her in the role of a guard. This development added layers to her character, making her far more sympathetic rather than a typical antagonist. By becoming a guard, No-eul aimed to protect the players from returning to a life fraught with despair and potential death. However, the rampant corruption within the games soon caused her to reconsider her position.
Much like the first season, season 2 uncovered a disturbing organ-harvesting scheme involving guards who exploited players for their organs, subjecting them to prolonged suffering. This revelation troubled No-eul deeply, and she could only justify her role in the games if the players were granted swift and painless deaths. No-eul began to resist the actions of the corrupt guards, consequently making new enemies. By the end of season 2, it appeared she was on the verge of switching allegiances.
Why No-eul Has a Better Shot at Surviving Season 3 Than Gi-hun
The Consequences of Gi-hun’s Rebellion
No-eul, as a guard, finds herself in a significantly stronger position compared to Gi-hun, who remains merely a player at the mercy of the Front Man. Following the failure of his rebellion, Gi-hun has secured an even larger target on his back, leaving him more vulnerable than ever. The other players might begin to distrust him, given that he led them into a doomed uprising. Conversely, No-eul faces hostility primarily from the corrupt guards seeking to silence her interference.
Following a brutal encounter with the guards in season 2, No-eul initially backed down from her mission to relieve suffering among players. The season finale, however, left her intentions during the rebellion ambiguous. What is clear is that No-eul’s experiences will likely compel her to reassess her role as a guard. Knowledge of the players’ desperate plight could allow her to operate covertly against the system, drastically reducing the risk to her safety.
No-eul’s Inside Role: A Potential Game-Changer
The Strategic Importance of a Guard
Leading up to season 2, fans speculated that Gi-hun would take on the role of a guard to dismantle the games from within. However, the season took an unexpected turn when Gi-hun returned as a player, raising eyebrows about how he was allowed back despite his intent to sabotage the game. The Front Man, however, recognized that Gi-hun’s actions would not change the players’ desperate pursuit of victory. While Gi-hun could not bring an end to the games, he did reveal that some contestants prioritize their lives over the cash prize.
Now, the narrative mantle may fall to No-eul. Though her entry as a guard came without an initial intention to disrupt the games, her firsthand experiences will undoubtedly shape her future actions. As a guard, No-eul can effectively support Gi-hun’s mission. Unlike Gi-hun, she has potential access to high-ranking guards and may even reach the VIPs in season 3. Though obstacles lie ahead, No-eul’s unique position gives her the opportunity to aid Gi-hun more than he realizes.
The Casting of Park Gyu-young as Guard 011: A Sign of Significance
Leveraging Star Power
No-eul’s narrative arc in season 2 suggests a pivotal role in the finale of the series. Additionally, Park Gyu-young is a prominent figure in the series’, bringing significant star power. Known for her performances in hits like “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay”(2020) and “Sweet Home”(2020 – 2024), her involvement implies that her character will be more than a mere supporting role. The expectation is that No-eul will emerge as a central figure in the unfolding story.
While the potential for a happy resolution in Squid Game remains ambiguous, the hope is that No-eul ultimately carries forward Gi-hun’s mission of heroism. Speculation about her journey abounds, suggesting she could either be a loyal ally or a surprising antagonist. Whatever the path her character may take, it seems No-eul’s evolution is essential to the overarching narrative, potentially signaling a redemptive arc in her future.