Kang No-eul’s secret act of defiance in Squid Game season 2 hints at a second internal rebellion taking shape in the upcoming final season.
Season 2 of Squid Game may have ended on a dark note, but a subtle moment in the finale hints that season 3 will feature yet another uprising—and this time, it could come from within. While Gi-hun’s attempt to take down the games from the outside was foiled by the ever-watchful Front Man, it turns out he might not be the only one plotting to end the sadistic system.
The major clue lies in the actions of Kang No-eul, a mysterious guard who has quietly resisted the game’s brutal structure throughout season 2. Though the rebellion among players failed tragically, leading to the death of key figures like Jung-bae, it appears that No-eul may have just sparked a second wave of resistance from the inside.
During the season 2 finale, a particularly telling moment suggested No-eul spared Player 246, Park Gyeong-seok, by deliberately lowering her aim before firing. Unlike the other guards who executed players with cold precision, this shooter appeared to hit a non-fatal area—offering Gyeong-seok a fighting chance at survival. Although the scene doesn’t confirm the shooter’s identity, No-eul’s prior history of protecting Gyeong-seok and her smaller frame strongly imply she was the one behind the gun.
This isn’t the first time No-eul has broken ranks. Throughout season 2, she was seen disobeying direct orders and facing punishment for her defiance. Despite her icy demeanor, her continued refusal to follow the rules signals a deeper motive—one that may be aligned with Gi-hun’s own. Her apparent mercy toward Gyeong-seok might not only stem from a personal connection but could also be a strategic move to keep allies alive for a larger plan in the future.
While Gi-hun remains central to the story, season 3 looks to position No-eul as a key player in dismantling the games from within. Her covert opposition to Park Hee-soon’s new Front Man in season 2 makes her an increasingly visible threat to those in charge. Whether or not she successfully recruits other guards to her cause, the finale made it clear she’s biding her time—and that time may be fast approaching.
As Squid Game gears up for its third and final season, No-eul’s storyline is poised to become a critical piece in the endgame. With Gi-hun likely battling from the outside, and No-eul working from the inside, a two-pronged rebellion could be brewing. And if Jun-ho and his allies reemerge, the possibility of a full-scale revolution may finally become reality.
Squid Game season 3 premieres June 27, 2025, on Netflix.
