WARNING: This article contains SPOILERS for Squid Game season 2, episode 1.
In a gripping turn of events, Gong Yoo’s character, the enigmatic Salesman, takes his own life at the climax of Squid Game season 2, episode 1, delivering one of the series’ most riveting moments. Despite his limited screen time in the first season—appearing in just two episodes and uttering only a few lines—his portrayal of the recruiter left a lasting impression on viewers. Gong Yoo’s compelling performance established a darkly intriguing atmosphere in season 1, leaving audiences curious about how the character would re-emerge in the second season.
The shocking finale of season 1 saw Gi-hun vowing to the Front Man that he would dismantle their nefarious operation. He understood that his quest to stop the games hinged on locating the Salesman, known for seeking out potential victims at subway stations. However, it took Gi-hun three arduous years to finally track him down. When Mr. Kim and Woo-seok eventually encountered the Salesman, Gong Yoo’s character remained elusive, refusing to surrender easily.
The Salesman Engaged in Russian Roulette with Gi-hun and Met His End
The Salesman Aware It Was His Final Game
After a disturbing encounter with Mr. Kim and Woo-seok, where he engaged them in a twisted game featuring elements of Jokenpo and Russian Roulette, the Salesman confronted Gi-hun directly. Although Gi-hun sought the Salesman’s help to reach the Front Man, the Salesman aimed to illustrate a point about perceived societal “trash” that needed to be eliminated. Earlier in the episode, he presented homeless individuals with the stark choice of winning bread or a lottery ticket, reinforcing his belief that unfortunate circumstances are self-inflicted. The Salesman’s fatalistic view positioned him as a ruthless character, devoid of remorse for taking lives.
By choosing not to spin the chamber at the start of each round, the Salesman ensured that either he or Gi-hun would succumb by the conclusion of six rounds. This manipulation added an intense layer to their interaction.
Gong Yoo’s Salesman exhibited an eerie fascination with Gi-hun, recognizing that despite his lack of skill in the games, Gi-hun had triumphed and was now focused on dismantling the very system the Salesman represented. This intricate psychological dynamic led the Salesman to invite Gi-hun into a high-stakes version of Russian Roulette, where the outcome was deadly predetermined. Willing to risk his own life, the Salesman desired a confrontation that aligned with his distorted principles.
The Rationale Behind Gong Yoo’s Character Death in Episode 1
The Salesman’s Demise Concludes a Masterful Episode and Sets the Season’s Tone
The opening episode of Squid Game season 2 centered on the Salesman, granting viewers insight into his motivations and daily life—even moments as mundane as visiting a bakery, where the bread served a nefarious purpose. This strategic characterization allowed Gong Yoo to showcase his talent and deepen the allure surrounding the Salesman before his abrupt removal from the narrative. While learning more about the Salesman’s background was intriguing, his psychological complexity lay in the shroud of mystery surrounding him.
The powerful exchange between Gi-hun and the Salesman towards the episode’s conclusion stands out as one of the most memorable scenes in Squid Game season 2. The potential for further exploration of Gong Yoo’s character seems limited; unpacking more details might have diminished his enigmatic appeal. Ultimately, his death during a game underscores the unsettling nature of the series—showing that, despite his malevolent disposition, the Salesman was prepared to die for his twisted beliefs, adhering to the brutal rules of the games rather than simply eliminating Gi-hun with a gun.