With 456 contestants stepping into the deadly world of Squid Game, keeping track of every player can be overwhelming, especially as Season 2 introduces a fresh roster of competitors and key figures. Fortunately, not all of these participants play a major role in the story, with only a select few emerging as central to Gi-hun’s (Lee Jung-jae) return to the brutal tournament. As fans prepare for the highly anticipated second season, understanding who’s who will be crucial in unraveling the game’s intricate web of alliances, betrayals, and high-stakes survival.
Unlike Season 1, where most of the original cast met their tragic end, Squid Game Season 2 introduces a mix of new and returning characters, each playing a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of this gripping drama. Among them, some competitors bring fresh perspectives, while others operate behind the scenes, pulling the strings in ways that will shock audiences. Whether they are seasoned players, unsuspecting victims, or figures of authority within the game’s mysterious organization, these characters will drive the heart-pounding tension that has made Squid Game a worldwide sensation.
Below is a guide to the most important new faces joining Squid Game Season 2, along with a few returning figures who have somehow managed to survive the previous ordeal. As the series delves deeper into the sinister mechanics of the game, viewers should brace themselves for unexpected twists, moral dilemmas, and gut-wrenching eliminations. Warning: spoilers ahead for the first few episodes.
Gi-hun, Contestant 456 – Played by Lee Jung-jae.
Gi-hun, the former champion of the deadly Squid Game competition, returns in Season 2 with a new mission. After emerging as the sole survivor three years ago, he has been unable to move past the trauma of his victory. Haunted by the memories of his fallen competitors and the twisted nature of the game, Gi-hun is determined to uncover the truth about who is still pulling the strings behind the brutal contest. With the death of the original mastermind, Oh Il-nam, he suspects that others have stepped in to take control, and he won’t stop until he brings them down.
Despite winning an enormous cash prize of 45.6 billion won, Gi-hun has found little solace in his newfound wealth. Instead of enjoying his fortune, he has spent the last three years obsessively searching for the game’s origins and those responsible for its continuation. His pursuit of justice has led him back to the deadly competition, but this time, he is playing for something far greater than money—he’s playing to put an end to the Squid Game once and for all. However, he soon realizes that dismantling such a deeply rooted operation is far more dangerous than he ever imagined.
In-ho | The Game’s Ruthless Overseer (Lee Byung-hun).
In-ho, the enigmatic and imposing Front Man, remains the current overseer of the Squid Game following the death of its original creator, Oh Il-nam, at the end of Season 1. A former champion of the games himself, In-ho has spent years enforcing the brutal rules of the competition, donning his signature black uniform while commanding the pink-masked guards. Though he has carried out his duties with an air of unwavering authority, his personal motivations and connection to the game have always remained shrouded in mystery—until now.
Spoiler alert: In a shocking twist, In-ho takes a drastic step in Squid Game Season 2, mirroring the path of his predecessor. Instead of merely overseeing the competition from behind the scenes, he chooses to enter the games himself under the alias Young-il, taking on the identity of Player 001. This decision is driven by his desire to teach a personal lesson to Gi-hun, the previous winner who has now returned to the deadly tournament with a new sense of purpose. Gi-hun, who has only ever encountered the Front Man with his mask on, remains completely unaware that Young-il is, in fact, the very man pulling the strings behind the operation. This deception adds another layer of complexity to the psychological battle unfolding within the game, as In-ho’s true intentions—and the fate of both himself and Gi-hun—become central to the intense new chapter of Squid Game.
Jun-ho (Wi Ha-jun) Character Overview.
Jun-ho (Wi Ha-jun) is a key character in Squid Game, who was introduced as a determined police officer seeking to uncover the truth behind the mysterious Squid Game tournament. At the start of Season 1, Jun-ho embarks on a dangerous mission to infiltrate the games in search of his missing brother, In-ho. His investigation leads him deep into the heart of the deadly competition, where he discovers the shocking truth that his brother is none other than the enigmatic Front Man — the masked leader controlling the event.
In a heart-wrenching twist, Jun-ho confronts In-ho, only to be betrayed and shot off a cliff by his brother in the season finale, leaving his fate uncertain. However, Squid Game season 2 picks up with Jun-ho’s return, and it is revealed that he miraculously survived the fall and has since been living a more subdued life as a traffic cop. His emotional journey continues as he grapples with the fallout of his brother’s betrayal and the dark world of the Squid Game, which still looms large over his life. As a fan-favorite character, Jun-ho’s return brings a sense of closure and resolution to his storyline, with many fans eager to see how he will navigate the consequences of his past actions while potentially crossing paths with the ruthless leaders of the game once more.
Recruiter (Gong Yoo) Character Overview.
Returning from Season 1, this character is responsible for recruiting individuals in desperate situations to join the games. He approaches potential players, offering them a challenge of Ddakji. If they win, they receive money and an invitation to join the Squid Game; if they lose, they are slapped. This recruiter was responsible for bringing Gi-hun into the game in Season 1.
No-eul (Park Gyu-young) Character Overview.
A woman who fled North Korea and made her way to South Korea, only to be tragically separated from her infant daughter during the escape. In South Korea, she struggles to make ends meet, working at an amusement park, and uses her meager salary to hire investigators to search for her lost child. In a desperate attempt to find her daughter, she accepts a job as one of the masked pink guards at the Squid Game, hoping that her involvement will lead to some assistance in her search.
While working as a guard, she becomes sympathetic to some of the players, particularly Player 246, who she recognizes from her past as a former co-worker. Player 246 is facing a heartbreaking situation, as her young daughter is suffering from cancer. In an effort to help, the woman goes against the rules of the game and attempts to provide assistance to the players, even at the risk of her
Woo-seok and Mr. Kim (Jun Suk-ho and Oh Dal-su) Character Overview.
Mr. Kim and Woo-seok are two individuals hired by Gi-hun to track down The Recruiter, the mysterious figure responsible for bringing participants into the Squid Game. Mr. Kim is a former loan shark who once had dealings with Gi-hun, and he believes there must be some truth to Gi-hun’s story about the games, especially since Gi-hun was able to repay a significant debt three years ago.
Mr. Kim serves as Woo-seok’s boss and close friend, and together, they both become increasingly committed to helping Gi-hun uncover the truth behind the deadly games. Woo-seok, initially skeptical, becomes more invested in the mission as he starts to understand the gravity of what Gi-hun is trying to expose. Their partnership adds an additional layer of support to Gi-hun’s quest for justice.
Jung-bae/Player 390 (Lee Seo-hwan) Character Overview.
Jung-bae is a long-time friend and former coworker of Gi-hun, with their last interaction taking place at a horse race track in Season 1, where they were both gambling. When Gi-hun returns to the Squid Game in an attempt to dismantle it from within, he is shocked to discover that Jung-bae has also entered the games. This unexpected turn raises the stakes, as Gi-hun must now navigate his mission while dealing with the revelation that his old friend is part of the deadly tournament.
Myung-gi/Player 333 (Yim Si-wan) Character Overview.
A former cryptocurrency influencer who once enjoyed a successful career, gaining wealth and a large following, but after suffering massive financial losses, both personally and for his subscribers, he finds himself on the run. With his reputation ruined and facing significant debt, he becomes a fugitive, trying to escape the consequences of his past actions. His downfall eventually leads him to become involved in the Squid Game, where his fate takes another unexpected turn.
Jun-hee/Player 222 (Jo Yu-ri) Character Overview.
A determined woman who joins the deadly competition after making poor investments based on advice from a popular influencer. As the game progresses, it is revealed that Jun-hee is pregnant with the child of her estranged lover, Myung-gi, who is also a participant in the games. Despite the odds, she is willing to fight for her survival and the future of her unborn child, making her journey through the game even more intense and personal.
Dae-ho/Player 388 (Kang Ha-neul) Character Overview.
A young player in the Squid Game who quickly forms a connection with Gi-hun’s group, particularly bonding with Jung-bae due to their shared military experience. Despite the brutal nature of the game, this player’s background in the military gives them a unique perspective, and they find common ground with others who understand the struggles and discipline of such training. As the game progresses, their alliance becomes crucial to survival, and they rely on each other’s skills to navigate the increasingly dangerous challenges.
Hyun-ju/Player 120 (Park Sung-hoon) Character Overview.
A transgender woman who joins the Squid Game in hopes of winning enough money to complete her transition. The character is portrayed by cisgender male actor Park Sung-hoon. In a conversation with TV Guide, “Squid Game” creator Hwang Dong-hyuk shared his reasoning behind the casting decision: “Initially, we were looking into casting a trans actor for authenticity. However, when we did our research in Korea, we found that there are very few openly trans actors, and even fewer who are openly gay. Unfortunately, the LGBTQ community in Korea is still marginalized and often overlooked, which is truly heartbreaking.”
Su-bong a.k.a. Thanos /Player 230 (Choi Seung-hyun) Character Overview.
A well-known rapper who enters the Squid Game due to his overwhelming debt caused by a cryptocurrency crash. The character is portrayed by the real-life South Korean rapper Choi Seung-hyun, famously known by his stage name T.O.P.
Nam-gyu/Player 124 (Roh Jae-won) Character Overview.
Nam-gyu, like many others, enters the Squid Game due to overwhelming debt, which he accumulated after following bad cryptocurrency advice from Player 333. Desperate to escape his financial struggles, he finds himself in the deadly game. During the competition, Nam-gyu forms a bond with Thanos, another player, and the two quickly become allies as they navigate the high-stakes challenges of the games.
Yong-sik/Player 007 (Yang Dong-geun) Character Overview.
A compulsive gambler drowning in debt who is shocked to discover that his own mother, Player 149, has become a participant in the game. Driven by desperation, he must grapple with his own financial ruin while trying to protect his mother in the deadly competition. As the stakes grow higher, his struggle between loyalty to his family and the brutal nature of the game becomes even more intense.
Geum-ja/Player 149 (Kang Ae-sim) Character Overview.
A determined and resilient woman with an unwavering desire to support her family. She enters the Squid Game to pay off her son Yong-sik’s mounting debts, only to discover that her son has also joined the game as Player 007. Her decision to participate becomes even more personal as she navigates the challenges of the deadly competition, all while trying to protect her family and secure a better future for them.
Se-mi/Player 380 (Won Ji-an) Character Overview.
A participant who teams up with both Min-su and Thanos during the games.
Min-su/Player 125 (Lee David) Character Overview.
A strategic player who seeks to form an alliance with Thanos and his group, aiming to gain an advantage in the games. Throughout the competition, he forms a close bond with Se-mi, leveraging their partnership to navigate the challenges and improve his chances of survival. His intelligence and tactical thinking make him a formidable contender in the deadly tournament.
Gyung-seok/Player 246 (Lee Jin-uk) Character Overview.
A man who works as a caricaturist at the same amusement park where No-eul was employed. He enters the Squid Game to pay for his young daughter’s costly cancer treatments. While competing in the game, No-eul recognizes him from her previous job at the park and becomes aware of his heartbreaking situation.