Annliya George
*Major spoilers ahead!*
By now, most of the world has watched or at the very least heard of the Squid Game. Even after almost 5 months of its release, it is everywhere. The bright pink jumpsuits, the black masks, the famous honeycomb candy are being recreated and shared all over the internet, alongside the many filters to take photos that are inspired by the show.
Within just 10 days of its release, Squid Game rose to fame and became the highest-ranked show in over 90 countries. Surprisingly, 95% of the views are outside of Korea. It garnered over 111 million viewers in just a month.
The show revolves around 456 people who have dangerous amounts of debts. They are given an opportunity for redemption by playing whimsical children’s games like Red Light Green Light, Marbles, and Tug of War, and the winner can take home 45.6 billion won ($38.4 million). But there’s a catch (obviously). If you lose, you die, and there can be only one winner. It is an intense drama because it highlights an issue that is faced by people across the globe – debt. Even 10 years after the global financial crash, amidst the pandemic, this still remains a relevant issue.
The show’s sets are no doubt impressive, even with very limited use of CGI, the directors have succeeded in their goal to make the ambience as childish as possible, possibly in an attempt to trigger memories and glimpses of their own childhood. From the labyrinthine staircase which is painted pink and green, the giant animatronic robot-girl in the playground, to the recreation of the traditional South Korean neighbourhood and, to top it off, the colourful string of lights like the ones in a circus by the glass bridge.
If you have watched it, you already know tissues are highly essential while watching it. The show is filled with blood and carnage. There are several heartbreaking moments that are even harder to get over once you know their story and why they were there. Here’s a rundown of some of the most sorrowful scenes which will hurt you even months after the show’s ending. (Spoilers alert)
8. Sang-Woo Repents His Mistakes (just a little too late)
Although everyone might unanimously agree Sang-Woo deserved to die, it was still painful to watch him stab himself. Right from the honeycomb game, it became clear Sang-woo only thought of himself. He remained unaffected as he left a trail of bodies to get to the final game. His only worry was to make it out alive and take the cash in the giant piggy bank. The fact that he died in a poignant and touching manner was alarming.
7. Gi-Hun Turns A New Leaf
In the series finale, Gi-hun fulfills the promise he made to Sae-byeok by bringing her brother out of the orphanage and making sure he is taken care of. It is both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. His character development is clear by showing his growth from being a gambling addict and absent father to who he is now. He also leaves the entire suitcase with the money with Sang-woo’s mother as a thank you for all the help she has done for him, and to take care of the boy.
6. Gi-Hun’s Mother is Dead When He Returns Home
Gi-Hun’s mother’s death was downright depressing. Knowing that she passed away alone and with no one to help her makes it even more painful. One of the reasons why Gi-hun went back to the game was to be able to afford her treatment. Although he can afford it now, she is not there anymore.
5. Jun-ho finds his brother
Every scene with Jun-ho had us at the edge of our seats. We are driven by the anxiety of his identity being discovered with every scene. The very fact that he lasted that long as a staff member was shocking. However, his demise was even more shocking. When he finally finds his brother, he discovers he is the Front Man and he was then shot by his own brother. Heartbreaking and ruthless at the same time.
4. Oh Il-nam sacrifices for his Gganbu
The fact that Gi-hun was taking advantage of him by using his dementia to win the game was devastating. But, the fact that Oh Il-nam knew it and even then gave up his marble to save his friend was tragic. Although towards the end we realise Oh Il-nam is not dead, during Episode 6 the scene had us crying our eyes out.
3. Ali’s Betrayal Stung A Lot
Many characters who were close to our hearts lost their lives in Episode 6, making it one of the most heartbreaking episodes. The charming and pleasant Ali falling prey to Sang-Woo’s trickery will have the waterworks flowing. Sang-Woo taking advantage of his innocence and trust makes it an agonizing death for both Ali and the viewers.
2. Sae-Byeok Is Brutally Murdered
Kang Sae-byeok had to go through a lot to become one of the top three. From being called not competent enough because she was a woman and being called demeaning names, she endured a lot. Her only motivation to win the game was to reunite her family and give her brother a better life. Her murder was definitely the cruellest and most upsetting one.
1. Ji-yeong Deserved Better
Saying the last conversation between Ji-yeong and Sae-byeok was heartbreaking would be an understatement. When they both open up about their lives before the game and Ji-yeong keeping her promise to make sure Sae-byeok wins is both heartwarming and painful. She loses on purpose, saying she does not have anything to go back to had us weeping. It was undoubtedly one of the most distressing deaths.
To top it off, the finale where we find out Il-nam’s true identity is a heart-clutching scene. Gi-hun won the final game where they bet no one would help the homeless man, ironically, for a show filled with murder and many forms of evil against humanity, it ended by showing there is still goodness and kindness even in a world filled with all kinds of evil.
Featured image courtesy of Sung Jin Cho on Unsplash. No changes or alterations have been made to this image. Image license found here.
