7 Squid Game Characters Who Deserved to Live Longer Than They Did!

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Summary

  • Unexpected deaths of beloved characters in Squid Game are impactful, but sometimes premature.
  • Many well-written players died too soon, missing out on potential storylines and character development.
  • Certain characters, like Thanos and Ali Abdul, could have added more depth if they survived longer.

Squid Game has been hailed as one of the top live-action series of late due to several reasons, with its unexpected twists being a major factor. The creatively acclaimed dystopian thriller by Hwang Dong-hyuk keeps the audience guessing that any character could meet their end at any moment in the narrative.

In this storytelling technique, the line between life and death can be precarious. On one hand, it’s been instrumental in crafting memorable demise sequences. However, it has also unexpectedly claimed the lives of numerous cherished and thoughtfully developed characters who deserved a longer run. Some survived due to their acting prowess, while others had compelling narratives or simply brought an enjoyable spark to the story. Regrettably, there are several contestants in Squid Game whose journey ended prematurely.

7. Kang Mi-Na

Had A Fun Personality, But She Was Ruined By A Single Bee

  • Player: 196
  • Died In: “001” (Season 2, Episode 3)

As a film fanatic, I’m absolutely thrilled about Season 2! It brought a host of captivating new personalities to the 2024 games, but none more intriguing than Kang Mi-na. This young lady, with her air of arrogance and superficiality, truly stood out. What made her even more fascinating was her unique dynamic with Thanos. Unlike many others, she flatly refused his advances during their first encounter in the game, adding a layer of intrigue that left me eagerly anticipating their future interactions.

Initially, Kang Mi-na appeared set to play a significant role in the second season, but she became the first contestant to be eliminated. This happened when a tiny bee on her neck caused her to act during Red Light, Green Light. This plot twist was intended to emphasize the unpredictable nature of Squid Game, although it would have been intriguing to see her last for a while longer in the game.

6. Se-Mi

A Strong Girl Who Was Betrayed By Her Friend (Twice)

  • Player: 380
  • Died In: “Friend or Foe” (Season 2, Episode 7)

In simpler terms, Park Min-su is a shy character who often finds himself targeted by Thanos and Nam-gyu in Season 2. However, luck favors him when a brave and intelligent young woman named Se-mi steps in to defend him, shielding him from his tormentors and eventually forming a friendship with him. Although they seem to have developed a charming relationship, Min-su disappoints her at Mingle, damaging their newly formed bond.

Tragically, after Nam-gyu became overly excited, he assaulted Se-mi during the dormitory fight, resulting in her unexpected and brutal demise. To add insult to injury, Min-su witnessed the entire incident but chose not to intervene. It’s truly unfortunate because she was a charming and talented individual who didn’t deserve such an early end, especially considering she had repeatedly protected Nam-gyu in the past.

5. Han Mi-Nyeo

Prioritized Her Revenge Over Her Own Survival

  • Player: 212
  • Died In: “VIPS” (Season 1, Episode 7)

It’s undeniable that Han Mi-nyeo stood out as one of the most intriguing and captivating characters from Season 1, largely because of her sharp demeanor and cunning nature. Moreover, she found herself in several precarious situations where it appeared she was about to meet her end, but managed to be rescued right at the brink.

However, everything took a drastic turn when Jang Deok-su, her confidant on the team and romantic partner, deceived Mi-nyeo. This betrayal fueled her desire for retribution. Eventually, in Glass Stepping Stones, she enacted her revenge by throwing herself down alongside Deok-su. Though this act of vengeance brought her a sense of satisfaction, Mi-nyeo was a tactical thinker whose skills could have been utilized more constructively rather than seeking revenge, potentially extending her survival time.

4. Park Jung-Bae

Didn’t Make It To The Second Half Of The 2024 Games

  • Player: 212
  • Died In: “Friend or Foe” (Season 2, Episode 7)

Park Jung-bae emerged as one of the standout characters in Season 2, with his role as Seong Gi-hun’s childhood friend taking many viewers by surprise. Initially introduced at the beginning of Season 1, he was unveiled to have a military background in the Korean Marine Corps, and his gaming skills proved to be far more impressive than anticipated. Remarkably, he played a crucial role in his friend’s epic uprising during a climactic event in the series.

With his charisma, abilities, and leadership, Jung-bae had the potential for great success in the games or to overthrow the Masked Leader. However, he committed a significant blunder: failing to inform Gi-hun that Oh Young-il had cold-bloodedly murdered someone, which was actually the Masked Leader disguised, who thwarted their rebellion and killed Jung-bae as retribution against Gi-hun. Unfortunately, it’s regrettable to consider that Park Jung-bae will not be taking part in the second half of the 2024 games set for Season 3.

3. Ali Abdul

A Good And Skillful Man That Was Betrayed By His New “Friend”

  • Player: 199
  • Died In: “Gganbu” (Season 1, Episode 6)

Due to his endearing character and moving past, Ali Abdul was greatly admired during Season 1, making his eventual and fated demise even more emotionally taxing. In the game of Marbles, Ali formed an alliance with Cho Sang-woo, unaware that they were destined to compete against each other.

In this crucial instance, Ali’s kind nature and unwavering trust were revealed as his most significant vulnerabilities, which Sang-woo exploited for his gain by swapping the marbles in his bag with stones. To this very day, the demise of Ali Abdul in Squid Game continues to be a deeply disheartening moment, given that he had consistently excelled throughout the game, ultimately undone by Sang-woo’s unexpected (and cowardly) deceit.

2. Kang Sae-Byeok

Survived For A Long Time, But Died For A Very Dumb Reason

  • Player: 067
  • Died In: “Front Man” (Season 1, Episode 8)

Kang Sae-byeok, in the show “Squid Game,” stood out as a strong contender for the lead character due to her resilient personality, engaging growth, and selfless objectives (as she aimed to reunite her family from North Korea). Although Seong Gi-hun is undeniably the main protagonist, many spectators felt that Sae-byeok should have triumphed in the 2020 tournament. This belief was amplified by Ji-yeong’s heartbreaking and heroic demise.

Initially, she managed to make it through the Glass Stepping Stones challenge. However, a shocking event occurred later when the glass panels unexpectedly shattered, inflicting severe injuries on her. This incident, which many still find unusual in the context of Squid Game, led to her demise that very evening. Sang-woo took advantage of this unfortunate occurrence and ended her life. While it would have been intriguing to watch Sae-byeok compete in the final game and potentially emerge victorious, it seemed as though the writers felt compelled to eliminate her character prematurely, setting the stage for a showdown between Sang-woo and Gi-hun in the Squid Game.

1. Choi Su-Bong (Thanos)

The Best Character In Season 2 Won’t Even Appear In Season 3

  • Player: 230
  • Died In: “Friend or Foe” (Season 2, Episode 7)

Initially appearing in Season 2 as a character reminiscent of Jang Deok-su, rapper Thanos (born Choi Su-bong) proved to be quite the unexpected standout. Despite initial expectations, he evolved into one of the most captivating characters of the new season, offering an unpredictable antagonistic role with a vibrant personality. Furthermore, his portrayer, Choi Seung-hyun, delivered an award-worthy performance that left audiences in awe.

Because of Thanos’ drug problem, his animosity towards MG Coin, and his intricate connections with other characters, the show appeared to be building him up as the primary villain for the season, alongside the Front Man. However, in a surprising twist, Lee Myung-gi killed Thanos in the season finale instead. This was a good resolution for that character, but it left viewers puzzled. Thanos was an enjoyable character, so it’s regrettable that he won’t appear in Season 3 at all. Although Nam-gyu seems set to replace him, Thanos will surely be missed.

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2025-03-20 11:12