The meaning of Squid Game’s final scene: Why is the male lead not getting on the plane considered “perfect”, ending all controversies?
The surprising action of the male lead at the closing scene of Squid Game is considered by many viewers to be “perfect” for the following reasons.
Squid Game has now become Netflix’s most popular TV show with 111 million users watching in 25 days. The global popularity of the Korean series not only comes from the terrifying, bloody survival games but also from the many layers of meaning conveyed by the creator throughout 9 episodes. One of the shocking details in Squid Game that make viewers the most curious is the closing scene, when the male lead Gi Hun (Lee Jung Jae) chooses not to board the plane to the States to see his daughter.
The ending of Squid Game has caused the viewers to divide into two sides of opinions. Many viewers understand, while many others oppose this action of the main character. However, Gi Hun’s decision undeniably carries important messages that Squid Game’s writer and director Hwang Dong Hyuk meant to convey to the audiences.
Why didn’t Gi Hun get on the plane at the end of the Squid Game?
Out of the many players in Squid Game, Gi Hun is apparently the only one trying to report this deadly game to the police. Therefore, it makes sense that he wants to put an end to it.
When Gi Hun refuses to board the plane, it seems that he has a plan to prevent and take down the entire system of Squid Game. While this will certainly delay the reunion with his daughter, Gi Hun realizes that the lives of thousands of people are more important.
Despite his flaws, Gi Hun is still a kindhearted man. The tempting cash prize that he receives is also the blood of 454 players who were killed in the game. Therefore, Gi Hun feels responsible for the existence of Squid Game. This is an action consistent with the character’s personality.
What does Gi Hun’s final action mean for the 2nd season?
Although Squid Game season 2 has yet to be officially confirmed by Netflix, this ending is the perfect setting for a sequel. With his determination, Gi Hun will definitely confront the Front Man In Ho (Lee Byung Hun), who runs Squid Game.
He can even team up with police officer Jun Ho (Wi Ha Joon) to overthrow Squid Game. Although the cop character is shot in the shoulder and falls into the sea, it is still uncertain whether he is alive or not. Nevertheless, it would be a waste to remove such a potential character.
Gi Hun’s action also confirms that season 2 of the series will be a continuation of his story. He can go up against the Squid Game organization in Korea or even globally. With a huge amount of money in hand, Gi Hun can gain resources to infiltrate the organization from within, similar to how Jun Ho sneaks into the underground organ harvesting ring.
Some viewers have even theorized that season 2 of Squid Game will be set many years after the first season. By the time, Sae Byeok’s younger brother is already a grown-up and learns the truth about his sister. He then decides to discover the truth about Squid Game to avenge his sister.
Why is this considered a “perfect” action for the character?
Throughout the series, Gi Hun has always been described as a kind person who cares about others. A long time after getting out of Squid Game, Gi Hun still can’t put his mind at ease because of the terrifying experience in the game. So he certainly won’t be able to happily move on with the cash prize. As the Squid Game director shared, Gi Hun dyeing his hair red represents the rage, anger and hatred he has for Squid Game – a deadly game that takes away the lives of the poor for entertainment.
Squid Game has released all episodes on Netflix.
Source: K14
