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Squid Gamebecame an instant sensation when it debuted on Netflix three years ago. With the series returning with its second season, it has continued to be one of the highly anticipated shows that Netflix has to offer in 2024. And the new season will introduce new characters while bringing back familiar faces.
One character, however, who continues to divide fans and is unlikely to return, is O Yeong-su’s Oh Il-nam. Known as the elderly Player 001, Oh Il-nam earned the audience’s respect, love, and care for his wisdom and kindness amidst a chaotic group of desperate individuals.
Yet, the shocking revelation that he was the mastermind behind the deadly games left both Gi-hun and viewers reeling. It was hard to reconcile how someone so seemingly innocent and endearing could be responsible for orchestrating such horrifying events.
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However, despite the twist, Oh Il-nam’s character remains a fan favorite, admired, and remembered for his layered personality, making him one of the most popular figures in the dystopian survival thriller.
Oh-Il Nam establishes an emotional connection
Oh Il-nam forms a deep emotional bond with Gi-hun and the audience from the start, presenting himself as a vulnerable, terminally ill old man. As the games progress, his kindness and support deepen this connection, especially during the marble game when he pairs with Gi-hun as his “gganbu.”
His apparent dementia and vulnerability in that moment make it heart-wrenching when Gi-hun takes advantage of him. Despite his ultimate betrayal, his wisdom, kindness, and emotional depth make it difficult for viewers to reconcile his actions with the affection they felt for him.
Oh Il-nam offers a glimpse into the emptiness of wealth
During the marble game, Oh Il-nam reflects on his childhood, revealing that the makeshift town is where he grew up and played similar games. Later, he discloses that he created the deadly games to combat the boredom and loneliness ofhis wealthy, privileged life.
His motivations highlight the emptiness he feels, contrasting sharply with the fulfillment he once experienced as a child. While his actions are unforgivable, his need for connection and excitement asserts that his extreme actions stem from the isolation and emptiness that wealth couldn’t alleviate.
The tragic complexity behindSquid Game’smastermind
Oh-Il Nam is one of the most complex characters inSquid Game. Despite orchestrating the deadly game, he shows compassion by allowing players to leave when they wish. He demonstrates vulnerability through moments like helping his team during tug-of-war and breaking down in response to the violence and bloodshed among the players.
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His bond withLee Jung-jaeGi-hun deepens throughout the show, showcasing his charm, empathy, and hidden ruthlessness. These multifaceted traits make himmore than just a typical villain, he’s a tragic figure. While his actions are cruel, his emotional depth and inner struggles add complexity, making him a more sympathetic, though still unforgivable, character.
His compassionate bond with Seong Gi-hun
Throughout his time in the show, Gi-hun forms a deep bond with Oh Il-nam, feeling empathy for the old man, who is likely living out his final moments. Their connection intensifies, culminating in the heartbreaking moment where Gi-hun betrays his “gganbu” by exploiting Il-nam’s poor memory to advance in the game.
Just before Gi-hun wins, Il-nam reveals he knew about the deception but still gives him the final marble. While the show doesn’t explicitly address this, it’s possible Il-nam let Gi-hun deceive him out of affection, allowing him to survive. Though some argue Il-nam’s survival in future games would have been improbable, his likely decision to let Gi-hun win adds a layer of sympathy, making fans root for him.
Oh Il-nam’s final revelation and the mastermind twist
In the final episode, before succumbing to his brain tumor, Oh Il-nam meets Gi-hun to explain his motivations behind creating theSquid Game. He reveals that he designed the game years ago to relive the carefree happiness of his childhood whenhe played games with friends.
He also admits that he participated for nostalgia’s sake. Before Gi-hun can confront him about their bet, Il-nam dies, leaving behind the shocking revelation that he was the mastermind. The twist is so skillfully executed that it shifts viewers’ focus from anger to admiration for the cleverness of the storytelling, making it difficult to hate Il-nam despite his actions.
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As thenext season of the show approaches,it will be interesting to see if it introduces more characters like Oh Il-nam, or if Gi-hun himself will evolve into someone similar to his closest friend and fellow contestant from the previous season.
Squid Gameis available to watch on Netflix.
Laxmi Rajput
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3448
Laxmi Rajput is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, with over 3,300 articles published covering film, TV, and pop culture. With a degree in Broadcast Journalism and over three years of experience in content writing, she pivoted to entertainment journalism because let’s be honest, superheroes, sitcoms, and Netflix binges are way more fun. Laxmi frequently covers Marvel, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and popular TV shows, offering both fan-first enthusiasm and thoughtful analysis. Her work often dives into Marvel theories, revisits the genius of The Big Bang Theory, or unpacks the Netflix phenomenon of Stranger Things.
