Squid Game Ending Explained – Who Was Behind It All?

 

Netflix’s Squid Game shocked the world with its brutal yet gripping storyline, and its ending left fans with many questions. Who was really behind the deadly games? What was their true purpose? And what does the finale mean for the future? In this post, we’ll break down the Squid Game ending, reveal the mastermind behind it all, and explore the deeper meanings hidden in the show.

1. The Shocking Twist – Who Was Behind the Games?

In the final episode of Squid Game, we learn that Oh Il-nam (Player 001)—the frail old man who seemed like just another contestant—was actually the creator and mastermind behind the games.

Why Did Oh Il-nam Create Squid Game?

Il-nam reveals that he and a group of ultra-wealthy elites designed the games as a form of entertainment for the rich, similar to how regular people bet on horse races. He also saw the games as a twisted social experiment, claiming that people who are drowning in debt have "no choice but to play."

His involvement was foreshadowed throughout the series:

He was never truly in danger during the games.

Unlike the other players, his death wasn’t confirmed after the marbles game.

He recognized the alleyway in the marbles round, suggesting it was designed from his own memories.

His role as the mastermind completely recontextualizes the series, making fans rethink his actions and his supposed friendship with Gi-hun.

2. What Happened to Gi-hun at the End?

After winning the games and receiving ₩45.6 billion ($38 million USD), Seong Gi-hun (Player 456) falls into deep depression, unable to spend the money due to the trauma of what he endured.

However, after meeting Oh Il-nam before his death, Gi-hun realizes that the games are still happening. He finally decides to take action, hinting at a possible rebellion against the organization.

What Does the Final Scene Mean?

In the last moments, Gi-hun is about to board a plane to reunite with his daughter in the U.S. However, after calling the Squid Game recruiters and demanding answers, he turns back, seemingly determined to stop the games.

This suggests:

Gi-hun might infiltrate the organization from within.

He could team up with past survivors or insiders.

The Squid Game staff may target him now that he’s resisting.

3. Who Else Was Involved in the Games?

Aside from Il-nam, there are a few key figures keeping the games running:

The Front Man – Hwang In-ho

The masked Front Man, revealed to be Hwang In-ho, is the former winner of a past Squid Game and the brother of police officer Hwang Jun-ho. He now oversees the games and kills his own brother when Jun-ho uncovers the truth.

His story leaves several open questions:

Why did he willingly join the organization after winning?

Does he still believe in the games, or is he being forced to comply?

Will he have a bigger role in Squid Game Season 2?

The VIPs – The True Benefactors

The VIPs are a group of wealthy men who watch the games for entertainment, treating the deaths of players as nothing more than gambling. Their presence confirms that Squid Game is part of a larger, global network, meaning similar games could exist in other countries.

4. Themes & Hidden Meanings in Squid Game

Beyond the thrilling plot, Squid Game serves as a critique of capitalism, wealth inequality, and human desperation.

Key Themes:

Class Divide: The games expose the brutality of wealth disparity, where the rich control the fate of the poor.

Desperation & Free Will: Players are told they "chose" to return, but their debt left them with no real choice.

Moral Corruption: Even Gi-hun, the kindest player, is forced to betray others to survive.

5. What’s Next? Squid Game Season 2 Theories

With Season 2 confirmed, fans speculate on what’s next:

Gi-hun’s Revenge: Will he dismantle the games from within?

The Front Man’s Backstory: Could In-ho rebel against the VIPs?

New Players & Global Games: Could the sequel introduce international versions of Squid Game?

Final Thoughts

The ending of Squid Game was both shocking and thought-provoking, revealing that the true horror isn’t just the games but the corrupt system behind them. As Gi-hun takes a stand, the next chapter promises to be even more intense.

What are your thoughts on the ending? Share your theories in the comments!