The ground and record breaking international hit, Netflix’s South Korean thriller Squid Game is making a grand comeback this Christmas. Fans are buzzing with theories about Seong Gi-hun’s next move, the mysterious Front Man’s backstory, and the fate of key characters and new characters. Here are some viral fan theories for season 2.
Before we dive into some speculations among fans about the upcoming season, let’s do a recap of what happened in Squid Game Season 1 and what has been confirmed for season 2.
Season 1 followed Gi-hun, a down-on-his-luck gambler, who joined a deadly competition of children’s games to win a life-changing cash prize. Over six brutal rounds, contestants faced betrayal, alliances, and moral dilemmas, all orchestrated by a mysterious organization. The season ended with Gi-hun winning but refusing to spend the money, vowing instead to uncover and stop the games after learning they are part of a sadistic entertainment for the ultra-rich.
In 2022, when Netflix officially announced season 2 of Squid Game, writer, director, and producer Hwang Dong-hyuk teased some exciting details about what’s to come. He confirmed the return of key characters, including Gi-hun, the Front Man, and the mysterious recruiter with the ddakji. Additionally, he revealed the introduction of Young-hee’s boyfriend, Cheol-su—the counterpart to the iconic doll from the “Red Light, Green Light” game—though Cheol-su has yet to make his debut in any trailers.
— Squid Game (@squidgame) June 12, 2022
People Working for the Games Might Be Former Winners
One of the most viral theories fans are buzzing about is that Gi-hun would become the new Front Man in season 2. This idea stems from season 1, where Jun-ho uncovered documents revealing that his brother, The Front Man, was a past winner of the games. However, during a Netflix Q&A, the cast addressed this theory, and In-ho actor Lee Byung-hun shot down the notion that Gi-hun will take his character’s place as the Front Man. The actor said, “This theory is very imaginative, but it is far from the actual story.”
Nonetheless, this revelation opens the door to the possibility that others working for the games might also be former winners. The fact that In-ho became The Front Man after his victory leaves much to ponder—did he willingly stay, or was he forced back into the fold after returning to the outside world? The nature of his involvement remains unclear, but it confirms that a past champion took on a role within the game’s sinister operation.
This theory extends to the idea that the staff members, dressed in their pink uniforms, might all share a similar history. Even the enigmatic Recruiter could fit into this narrative, creating a fascinating dynamic if Squid Game explores how former winners are recruited or coerced into working for the organization.
So About The Guards And Who They Are
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The Recruiter Could Be the Mastermind Behind the Games
The Recruiter, known for recruiting players with a simple game of ddakji, has sparked theories about his true role. Some fans believe he could be the mastermind behind the entire operation, pulling the strings from behind the scenes. This would explain his absence during the games themselves, as staying in the real world would shield him from direct risk. A teaser image showing him holding a gun opposite Gi-hun raises questions about his deeper involvement. While this theory is debated, it would provide a shocking revelation and redefine the show’s power dynamics.
What are your theories on who is the Salesman/Recruiter?
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Jun-ho Might Try to Kill His Brother
Jun-ho’s fate after his confrontation with the Front Man—his brother—remains one of the biggest mysteries from season 1. Despite being shot and falling into the ocean, his body was never recovered, and actor Wi Ha-jun is confirmed to return in season 2. Many speculate that Jun-ho will attempt to assassinate his brother, driven by his quest for justice. However, if captured, he could be forced to play in the games or even become a staff member. His insider knowledge as a police officer makes him a major threat to the operation, setting the stage for an intense familial showdown. In the Q&A mentioned above, Wi Ha-jun did not address this theory directly either, which might hint at the possibility of this theory.
Gi-hun’s Motivation to Rejoin the Games
Another theory suggests that Jun-ho is now disguised as the new mysterious guard in a black suit, and may be secretly working to destroy the games from within. Fans speculate that Gi-hun, determined to dismantle the operation, infiltrates the games by posing as a staff member. However, things take an unexpected turn, and he ends up back in the competition as Player 456, the last to join. Jun-ho could be the one to recruit Gi-hun into his larger plan to bring down the games, with both working together to eliminate the Front Man or even convince him to help dismantle the deadly operation.
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New Games
In season 1, a significant clue about the games went unnoticed by the characters until much later: the drawings hidden on the dormitory walls that depicted the challenges. It seems Squid Game will continue its tradition of embedding hidden details in season 2. If you look closely at Gi-hun’s poster, you will notice a row of connected triangles at the top of the white wall, with a few figures hanging from the tips. This intriguing design could be a clue about one of the new games this season.
As Squid Game Season 2 approaches, the anticipation only grows with each theory, teaser, and cryptic clue. The wait won’t be long—season 2 premieres December 26 on Netflix.