Get Back in the Game: Which Character Would You Be in Squid Game?

The countdown is on for Squid Game Season 2, premiering on December 26, 2024! Since its ground-breaking debut in 2021, Squid Game has captured global attention with its unique blend of intense drama, survival challenges, and character-driven storytelling. As Netflix builds excitement for the new season, fans around the world are eager to see who will make it through the game and what unexpected twists await.

In this blog, we're diving into a fun and thought-provoking question: If you were a contestant, which Squid Game character would you be? We'll explore the traits that defined each character, examine how they navigated the high-stakes competition, and invite you to reflect on where you might stand in the game.

Key Characters and Their Survival Strategies

1. The Strategist – Cho Sang-woo (Player 218)

Cho Sang-woo, a brilliant but morally ambiguous character, is known for his strategic mind and calculated decisions. As a former investment banker, he enters the game with a competitive edge but quickly discovers the cost of survival. Sang-woo's journey explores the tension between loyalty and ambition, showing that sometimes, the sharpest minds face the toughest choices.

Would you… plan every move with logic, even if it means hard decisions?

2. The Protector – Kang Sae-byeok (Player 067)

Sae-byeok is fiercely independent and resourceful, driven by a commitment to protect her younger brother. Her character represents resilience and sacrifice, embodying the strength that comes from enduring hardship. As a North Korean defector, she is willing to do anything to provide a better life for her family, even if it means entering a deadly game.

Would you… play for someone else, driven by a personal mission?

3. The Idealist – Seong Gi-hun (Player 456)

Gi-hun starts the game as a down-on-his-luck everyman but quickly becomes the show's moral centre. His compassion and integrity stand out amidst the ruthless competition, as he tries to stay true to his values despite the dire situation. Gi-hun’s idealism often puts him at odds with others, yet it inspires moments of solidarity.

Would you… prioritize fairness and empathy, even if it puts you at risk?

4. The Survivor – Oh Il-nam (Player 001)

The oldest player, Il-nam appears frail but holds a unique perspective on life and the game. His character embodies survival in its simplest form, often taking joy in the small things while navigating the games with wisdom. Behind his gentle nature lies a complexity that makes him one of the series’ most intriguing players.

Would you… rely on wisdom and patience to stay in the game?

5. The Opportunist – Jang Deok-su (Player 101)

Deok-su is all about strength and intimidation. A gangster with little regard for others, he uses brute force and fear to advance, showing that in some situations, survival is a matter of dominance. Though unlikable, his character demonstrates the effectiveness of opportunism.

Would you… use any means necessary to ensure your survival?

Breaking Down Player Archetypes

In a recent survey on Squid Game fandom, over 65% of respondents identified with characters like Sae-byeok and Gi-hun, suggesting a preference for values-driven survival over self-serving strategies. Meanwhile, 20% of fans felt that Sang-woo’s strategic approach best matched their outlook on competition, with only 10% favouring Deok-su's aggressive tactics.

This alignment with compassionate and morally-driven characters points to a significant trend: most fans see Squid Game as a story about resilience, unity, and integrity rather than sheer survival. This perspective aligns with the global shift in workplace dynamics as well, where 85% of employees report preferring empathetic and collaborative environments over cutthroat competition (Gallup, 2024).

WHICH CHARACTER ARE YOU? (QUIZ)

Ready to find out where you stand? Here’s a quick quiz to help determine your Squid Game character alignment. Select the option that resonates with you the most:

Quiz Results: Which Character Are You?

Mostly A’s: The Strategist – Cho Sang-woo (Player 218)

• Insight: You’re the type who relies on careful planning and analysis to get through challenges. Like Sang-woo, you see the bigger picture and often weigh pros and cons before making a move. While your strategic mindset helps you succeed, remember that compassion and flexibility can balance your decisions, especially when working with others.

• Tip: Embrace collaboration along with your strategic thinking. People are drawn to leaders who plan ahead but also care about those around them.

Mostly B’s: The Protector – Kang Sae-byeok (Player 067)

• Insight: Driven by loyalty and a sense of responsibility, you’d go to great lengths for those you care about. Like Sae-byeok, you’re independent and resourceful, often focused on making a difference for others. Your resilience is inspiring, and people admire your commitment.

• Tip: Keep valuing connections as you do, but remember it’s okay to accept help. Balancing independence with trust in others can make your journey smoother.

Mostly C’s: The Idealist – Seong Gi-hun (Player 456)

• Insight: Compassionate and fair-minded, you’re the type who looks out for the well-being of everyone around you. Like Gi-hun, you prioritize relationships and fairness, even in high-stakes situations. Your empathy and integrity make you a natural leader who brings out the best in others.

• Tip: While your idealism is a strength, remember that setting boundaries can protect your energy and help you continue supporting others sustainably.

Mostly D’s: The Survivor – Oh Il-nam (Player 001)

• Insight: Patient and wise, you have a unique outlook on life and face challenges with a sense of calm. Like Il-nam, you find joy in simplicity and often focus on the present. Your experience and adaptability allow you to handle unexpected situations with grace.

• Tip: Continue embracing your wisdom, but remember that some challenges may require a proactive approach. Staying prepared can help you thrive without sacrificing your laid-back nature.

Mostly E’s: The Opportunist – Jang Deok-su (Player 101)

• Insight: Bold and unafraid, you take risks head-on, often relying on your strength and assertiveness to get what you want. Like Deok-su, you don’t shy away from challenges, and you believe that assertiveness is key to survival. Your confidence can be inspiring to others, even if it’s sometimes intimidating.

• Tip: Balance your strength with a bit of empathy. Letting others in and showing vulnerability can make you an even more effective leader.

Why It Matters

Exploring Squid Game characters can be more than just entertainment. These archetypes reveal insights into our personalities, values, and the strategies we might employ in real life. Whether in the workplace or personal relationships, understanding our approach to challenges helps us grow and adapt. As the anticipation builds for Season 2, consider reflecting on which character you identify with and how their traits might influence your next "game" – be it at work, in relationships, or life itself.

Ready to face the game? Season 2 awaits, with new characters, challenges, and moral dilemmas. In the meantime, embrace your inner player and stay tuned for the twists and turns that lie ahead.

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Reference Links:

Gallup Workplace. "2024 Trends in Workplace Culture." Retrieved from Gallup

Netflix. "The Global Impact of Squid Game: A Cultural Phenomenon." Retrieved from Netflix Media Centre