Squid Game season 2 ending explained: Mid-credits scene teases shock return
Naturally, Gi-hun's experience was far from what he expected. The trauma and horror he witnessed during the Squid Game left him deeply disturbed and sickened. This drove him to go back into the chilling competition, fueled by a desire for revenge.
The conclusion of Squid Game season 2 delivers an intense emotional impact for the audience, and it also includes a suspenseful mid-credits scene hinting at the unexpected comeback of one of the series' most memorable characters.
Continue reading for an in-depth exploration loaded with spoilers.
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Squid Game Season 2: Finale Deaths Explained
Lee Seo-hwan portrays Jung-bae in the second season of Squid Game, available on Netflix.
The second season of Squid Game wraps up on a somber note when Gi-hun witnesses the death of his close friend Jung-bae, played by Lee Seo-hwan, at the hands of The Front Man.
A shocking turn of events unfolds when Gi-hun, Jung-bae, and their friends plan a rebellion. It all begins when they pretend to be lifeless during the aftermath of what is referred to as a "special game," a brutal fight that takes place in their shared sleeping quarters.
When the armed soldiers from Squid Game approach to check their tags, the crafty rebels spring their surprise attack, quickly disarming them and striking with deadly precision. Unbeknownst to them, The Front Man, also known as Player 001, is actually among them.
Led by the only guard who managed to survive, the players start navigating through the perplexing facility. They find themselves caught in several shootouts as the Squid Game enforcers are instructed to defend the inner circle.
Despite the challenges, Gi-hun and Jung-bae slowly find their way to the backstage area, approaching the control room with great anticipation before everything starts to unravel.
The rebels have a small amount of ammunition, which is unfortunate because many of them lack proper training in shooting. As a result, a significant portion of their bullets are likely being wasted.
Kang Ha-neul portrays the character Kang Dae-ho in the series Squid Game. Credit: No Ju-han/Netflix.
Noticing that the guards are carrying additional rounds hidden in their jumpsuits, they request the former marine, Dae-ho, to head back to their sleeping area and gather the supplies.
Hyun-ju decides to check on him to see if he’s okay and discovers Dae-ho cowering in his bunk. This raises doubts about whether he really is a former marine, as he has stated, since one would expect someone with that background to handle stressful situations better.
The gunfire persists in other parts of the area, with 001 (the Front Man in disguise) arriving with two additional players to support Gi-hun and Jung-bae, who are caught in a deadlock with a group of Squid Game soldiers.
Pretending to assist his friends, Player 001 guides the two unnamed rebels through the hallways of the compound to sneak up on their opponents. Unfortunately, this is when he ultimately returns to his deceitful nature.
The Front Man in the second season of Squid Game. Netflix.
After taking out the other two players from behind, 001, whose real name is In-ho, pretends to be dead during a conversation on the walkie-talkie with Gi-hun. He then changes channels and gives orders to the remaining soldiers to regain control of the facility.
With no ammo left, it's only a matter of time before the rebel players are outnumbered and taken out. Player 246, known as Gyeong-seok, who joined the game to raise money for his critically ill daughter, is one of those who falls victim.
The episode wraps up with In-ho walking up to Gi-hun while wearing his Front Man mask and outfit, hiding his real identity, and questioning him about whether he liked "being the hero."
The aftermath of his revolt is severe, as In-ho goes ahead and kills Jung-bae right in front of Gi-hun, leaving him completely heartbroken and defeated.
In the meantime, in the dormitory, Geum-ja persuades Hyun-ju to refrain from resisting the soldiers who are reinstating order. She explains that it's not worth sacrificing her life for a futile effort.
Squid Game Season 2: Mid-Credits Scene Explained
The automated schoolgirl featured in the Red Light, Green Light game from Squid Game. Netflix
The final moments of Squid Game season 2 feature a mid-credits scene hinting at the comeback of the robot girl from Red Light, Green Light. She's now facing off against a robot boy that has a similar look.
This short video clip likely comes straight from an episode in season 3. It shows the start of a new game, featuring players 096, 100, and 353 as they walk into a large room that contains the two creepy dolls.
This latest version of Red Light, Green Light seems to have been inspired by Gi-hun's clever tactics in the first game, where he guided a surprisingly high number of players to cross the finish line by steering the group's actions.
This involved positioning shorter players behind those who were taller, since he realized that the schoolgirl robot was unable to detect movement if it was happening behind an object or another person.
However, with a new robot positioned on the far side of the chamber, this approach will no longer be effective, resulting in a game that is more dangerous than it has ever been.
Look forward to a new take on Red Light, Green Light in the upcoming season 3 of Squid Game, expected to premiere in 2025.
You can watch seasons 1 and 2 of Squid Game on Netflix. The third season will be released shortly.
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