The Netflix series Squid Game has captivated global audiences not only with its intense survival games but also with its powerful dialogue. From Oh Il-nam’s reflections on life to the Salesman’s sharp insights on human nature, the characters have left a lasting mark. Across both seasons, many quotes have resonated with viewers, making them unforgettable. Here are some of the best quotes from Squid Game.
8. “Because there’s no way watching it can be more fun than playing it yourself.” (Season: 1, Episode: 9)
At the end of Season 1, viewers learned that Oh Il-nam was the mastermind behind the deadly games. Diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor, he longed to experience the emotions of fear, anxiety, and excitement one last time. This quote reflects his desire to live fully, even in the most dangerous way possible.
7. “Good rain knows when to fall.” (Season: 1, Episode: 9)
Uttered by one of the wealthy VIPs in the final episode, this phrase highlights the idea that timing is everything. As rain starts falling before the final deadly match between Gi-hun and Sang-woo, the quote takes on an eerie significance.
6. “You can only have one. Bread or lottery.” (Season: 2, Episode: 1)
In one of Season 2’s most shocking scenes, the recruiter tests human nature by offering homeless individuals a choice between food and a lottery ticket. Their choices confirm his belief in human greed, leading him to destroy the remaining bread in frustration.
5. “I know it’s harsh to tell a mother to forget about her child, but you really should.” (Season: 2, Episode: 2)
No-Eul, an ex-North Korean soldier, fled to South Korea without her child. She desperately offers money to a broker in hopes of finding her child, only to be met with this cold yet realistic response, emphasizing the cruelty of her situation.
4. “They’re men who want to be women.” (Season: 2, Episode: 3)
For the first time in Squid Game, a transgender character is introduced. Player 120, an ex-special forces sergeant, dreams of completing her transition. Initially misunderstood, she later forms a deep bond with an elderly player, highlighting themes of acceptance and resilience.
3. “Do you think you can stop the game with a pistol?” (Season: 2, Episode: 2)
Gi-hun, determined to put an end to the games, confronts the Front Man. However, he is reminded that the games exist because people willingly participate, reinforcing the show’s theme of desperation and choice.
2. “We rarely ever get to see stars in this day and age.” (Season: 1, Episode: 3)
During the Dalgona game, Oh Il-nam chooses the star symbol for a sentimental reason—because people rarely stop to appreciate the stars in modern life. This touching moment contrasts his wisdom with the harsh realities of the game.
1. “We’re gganbu, aren’t we? We made a pinky promise to be each other’s gganbu.” (Season: 1, Episode: 6)
One of the most emotional scenes in Squid Game occurs during the marble game. Oh Il-nam knowingly lets Gi-hun win, treasuring the bond they formed. The term “gganbu” symbolizes deep friendship, making this quote one of the most unforgettable in the series.
