Why Gi-hun Made That Ultimate Decision In The Final Round Explained By Star & Creator

The article contains major spoilers for the Squid Game season 3 ending.

Squid Game star and creator explain why Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) made that major decision in season 3’s final round. The Netflix hit series finally returned with its final set of episodes, revealing the fates of several major characters, including the main protagonist Gi-hun.

With the former winner once again making it to the final round, he also held the responsibility of taking care of Jun-hee’s (Jo Yu-ri) newborn child, who, in a major twist, replaced her as Player 222. At the end of Squid Game season 3, Gi-hun ultimately decides to sacrifice his life so that the child becomes the game winner.

While speaking with Netflix Tudum, Lee and show creator Hwang Dong-hyuk broke down Gi-hun’s reason for the sacrifice. The star felt that the sacrifice made sense, addressing how his character’s final moments were almost like seeing his own daughter.

“It is almost like Gi-hun’s looking at his own daughter.”

Hwang elaborated on Gi-hun’s decision, explaining that the newborn baby brought back his “humanity and conscience.” This ultimately also had him question his own life, as he said the following:

“I eventually came to believe that, no matter how hopeless and dark the world may seem, perhaps we still have a chance if we can find even a glimpse of hope within ourselves.

“Rather than seeking something from or in others, I hope we can reflect on our own values and whether we have faith in ourselves, so we can build on the good within us. That’s the takeaway I hope viewers will have after watching Season 3.”

Later in the interview, the creator also revealed that he initially considered a different fate for Gi-hun, in which he wouldn’t have died, but felt that there had to be a resolution to “both the game and Gi-hun’s journey.” Ultimately, he decided that Gi-hun’s sacrifice was important to set a message, especially in today’s climate.

“The message I wanted to communicate was that if we solely pursue our immediate self-interest, and refuse to self-restrain, sacrifice, or bear any costs — and if we don’t put our heads together — we have no future. Gi-hun’s self-sacrifice to save the baby is the message we need to hear today. This character, who is thrust into the game, endures everything, and then jumps back in to end it, is the one who should deliver this message.”

Why Gi-hun’s Sacrifice Was Inevitable In Squid Game Season 3?

It Was Actually Predicted Back In Season 2

It does make sense why Gi-hun’s sacrifice was imminent. Even though the Squid Game protagonist joined the games again to save as many players as possible, that purpose was lost once his best friend, Jung-bae (Lee Seo-hwan), was killed in the season 2 finale.

Interestingly, these events were foreshadowed in season 2, when Seon-nyeo/Player 044 (Chae Kook-hee) prophesied Gi-hun’s sacrifice due to Jun-hee and her baby.

He grew into a much darker version of himself, where, at one point, he wanted vengeance against his former ally, Dae-ho (Kang Ha-neul), for abandoning their rebellion and holding him responsible for Jung-bae’s death. For the first time, Gi-hun kills a player with his bare hands during Hide and Seek, indicating his lost faith in humanity and eventual darkness.

Gi-hun looking down and defeated in Squid Game season 3 episode 1

Every Death In Squid Game Season 3, Ranked Least To Most Tragic

Squid Game season 3 features a multitude of character deaths in its latest games, including some tragic losses as the final episodes unfold.

This continues until the show’s protagonist starts to feel a renewed purpose following the birth of Jun-hee’s child. He keeps his promise until the very end, when the final round is between him and the baby. Before his demise, he gave a final speech about how humans are not “horses.” Interestingly, these events were foreshadowed in season 2, when Seon-nyeo/Player 044 (Chae Kook-hee) prophesied Gi-hun’s sacrifice was connected to Jun-hee and her baby.

Our Take On Gi-hun’s Sacrifice In Squid Game Season 3

At The End Of The Day, Gi-hun Proved The Front Man Wrong

Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-Hun In Squid Game Season 2 Wearing a Red Vest

Even though the ending has been met with mixed responses, there is no doubt that Gi-hun’s death was bound to happen. However, it’s the chain of events that makes his journey intriguing, especially given his darkness early on in season 3. Plus, considering that he was a previous winner, his fate avoided any plot armor to indicate his invincibility when playing the games.

It’s also worth noting that Hwang has a point about setting a message of sacrifice and self-interest. Seasons 2 and 3 concentrated on human behavior, especially when people become desperate at a low point, and the latest edition exemplified how corruption and greed can consume anyone. This was indicated in the voting system, where the majority of the players voted to continue, even with the newborn baby introduced.

With the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) challenging Gi-hun with his philosophy, at the end of the day, the main protagonist proved the game’s overseer wrong and was able to restore his ideology of humanity before his fatal fall. Thus, the sacrifice of the Squid Game protagonist exemplifies at least one selfless act to deliver the point.

Source: Netflix Tudum