Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Squid Game season 2, episodes 1-7. Throughout the second season of Squid Game, the character known as the Front Man has multiple opportunities to eliminate Gi-hun. It raises eyebrows that he refrains from doing so, particularly during the climactic finale. After all, Gi-hun is determined to fulfill his vow from the previous season—to disrupt the Games and hold their organizers accountable. However, this endeavor proves more challenging than he anticipated, especially with the organizers maintaining a shroud of secrecy. Gi-hun’s quest takes him back into the Games, where efforts to have Jun-ho assist him backfire, complicating his mission further.
Initially, Gi-hun remains undeterred, attempting to infiltrate the tournament and dismantle it from within. When his attempts to convince fellow competitors to cease the Games fail, he resorts to inciting a rebellion. The conclusion of Squid Game season 2 starkly illustrates the disastrous repercussions of this approach, as the Masked Men and their leadership are fully prepared for his strike. This strategic maneuver underscores the unique advantage of having the Front Man concealed among the players. In the season finale, the Front Man reestablishes his masked identity, killing Jung-bae but opting to spare Gi-hun’s life.
The Front Man Wants Gi-hun To Witness the Fallout from His Actions
In-ho Understands That Killing Jung-bae Is A Greater Punishment for Gi-hun
Although In-ho remains hidden from Gi-hun during the finale of Squid Game season 2, his choice to let Gi-hun live implies there is still potential for their paths to converge. Given Gi-hun’s disruptive influence on the Games’ masterminds, it does seem unexpected that the Front Man refrains from eliminating both him and Jung-bae in the season finale. Yet, this decision is deliberate: In-ho aims for Gi-hun to confront the results of his revolt, a realization he would miss if he were dead.
The consequences of Gi-hun’s uprising are profound, resulting in the loss of many of his allies within the tournament, a painful truth exacerbated by the rebellion’s failure. While a few players manage to survive, they are thrust into the next round of the Games regardless of their previous efforts to evade further danger. Ultimately, Gi-hun’s insurrection at the end of season 2 proves futile, and the Front Man is keen to ensure he understands this. The sentiment may linger, prompting Gi-hun to question whether his allies might have survived had he not pushed for another vote.
The death of Jung-bae stands as the harshest punishment for Gi-hun. The Front Man recognizes this as well; his decision to kill Jung-bae in response to the uprising encapsulates his understanding of Gi-hun’s willingness to sacrifice his life for a cause. In contrast, he opts to keep Gi-hun alive, sending a clear message: those who stray from the established order will inevitably face repercussions.
Gi-hun Must Confront the Guilt of Jung-bae’s Demise
He Will Be In An Even Worse Position Post-Game
The Front Man’s strategy to spare Gi-hun’s life is astute; it places Gi-hun in a position where he must contend with the loss of yet another friend. The haunting consequences of Jung-bae’s death will likely exacerbate Gi-hun’s feelings of guilt, darkening his path forward compared to the first season. As he becomes increasingly fixated on vengeance following the prior season’s events, it’s difficult to envision a scenario where he quickly recovers after the tumultuous conclusion of season 2. While Gi-hun’s fate remains uncertain post-capture, the Front Man’s efforts to shatter his resolve seem to have succeeded.
The emotional burden stemming from Jung-bae’s fate could lead Gi-hun to inaction, discouraging any further attempts to confront the individuals orchestrating the Games, instead resulting in only more tragedy. At the most challenging endpoint, Gi-hun may find himself thrust back into the tournament, stripped of any desire to fight back. Even if the Front Man allows him to leave following his season 2 rebellion—demonstrating a preference for his survival—Gi-hun’s motivation to retaliate again might wane. It may take extreme persuasion for him to resume his mission, and he will be even less inclined to involve his friends in further plans.
Will the Front Man Unmask Himself to Gi-hun in Season 3?
A particularly frustrating aspect of the conclusion of Squid Game season 2 is that Gi-hun remains unaware of the Front Man’s true identity. In-ho has been masquerading as a confidant while orchestrating his own demise, only to emerge later as the Front Man. Enveloped in the mask, Gi-hun is oblivious to the reality that In-ho is indeed the same person who has been guiding him. Nevertheless, it seems inevitable that Gi-hun will uncover this secret prior to the conclusion of season 3.
With season 3 of Squid Game confirmed for a 2025 release, the pathway to this revelation is murky but full of potential. It could occur accidentally or through Jun-ho, who has yet to disclose the true connection he shares with the Front Man. Should Gi-hun return to the mainland, a reconnection with Jun-ho could unveil In-ho’s real identity in a single photograph. Alternatively, another direct encounter with the Front Man might culminate in a fortuitous unmasking. Ultimately, the dynamics between Gi-hun and In-ho need resolution during Squid Game season 3.