Spotlight on the Returning Players: Why We Root for Gi-hun

Squid Game Season 2 is now upon us.

When Squid Game first premiered, Seong Gi-hun quickly became one of the most relatable underdogs in Filipino television history. Played brilliantly by Lee Jung-jae, Gi-hun’s journey from down-on-his-luck gambler to the lone survivor of the deadly games captivated millions around the world. 

For Filipino fans, Gi-hun wasn’t just a character; he was a reflection of the struggles, sacrifices, and hope that resonates deeply with every Filipino. Super typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruption, all teaming up with man-made disasters such as corruption, scams, and crimes have left us with no option but to hope. And that is what Squid Game gives us – hope.

Now, as Squid Game Season 2 unfolds, all eyes are on Gi-hun once again. But this time, he’s not just surviving—he’s fighting back.

Gi-hun: The Relatable Underdog

In Season 1, Gi-hun’s life was a mess. He was drowning in debt, estranged from his family, and struggling to find his footing in a world that seemed to keep knocking him down. Sound familiar? It’s the kind of story that hits close to home for many Filipinos, who value resilience in the face of hardship.

What made Gi-hun so compelling was his humanity. Despite his flaws, he showed kindness and compassion in the harshest circumstances. From forming alliances to helping weaker players like Il-nam, the elderly contestant, Gi-hun embodied the bayanihan spirit—a value Filipinos hold dear. 

And let’s not forget his ultimate motivation: providing for his daughter. That selfless drive mirrors the sacrifices many Filipino parents make for their families every day.

From Survivor to Fighter

By the end of Season 1, Gi-hun was no longer the naive, desperate man who entered the games. Winning came at a heavy cost, leaving him grappling with survivor’s guilt and a newfound understanding of the system’s cruelty. But instead of using his prize money to escape and start over, Gi-hun made a bold choice: to stay and fight.

This transformation—from survivor to fighter—is what makes his return in Season 2 so exciting. He’s no longer just trying to survive the games; he’s taking on the entire organization behind them. 

Filipino fans, who love a good redemption arc, are sure to root for him as he embarks on this mission. After all, who doesn’t love a story about standing up to injustice?

What to Expect in Season 2

So, what’s next for Gi-hun? Speculations are swirling, but one thing is clear: he’s not going down without a fight. Will he infiltrate the games from the inside? Will he find allies among the new players or face enemies even more dangerous than before? And how will his experiences from the first season shape his decisions moving forward?

Season 2 promises to dive deeper into Gi-hun’s moral evolution. He’s no longer just a participant; he’s an active disruptor of the deadly system. This shift adds a layer of complexity to his character that fans can’t wait to explore.

Why Gi-hun Matters to Filipino Fans

Gi-hun’s story is more than just entertainment; it’s a symbol of hope. Filipinos love rooting for the underdog, whether it’s in sports, politics, or pop culture. Characters like Gi-hun remind us that even in the darkest moments, resilience and compassion can prevail.

His journey also mirrors the themes of survival and justice that are often explored in Filipino teleseryes. Whether it’s overcoming poverty or fighting against corruption, these narratives resonate because they reflect real-life struggles. 

Gi-hun’s fight to take down the games—and his willingness to risk everything for a greater good—is a story that feels both universal and deeply personal.

Other characters that Filipinos can relate with

In Squid Game, several characters exhibit traits that Filipinos might find relatable, whether positive or negative. Here are some characters and the Filipino traits they mirror which you will also find in Squid Game Season 2:

1. Ali Abdul (Player 199): The Selfless Worker

Positive Trait: Hardworking and Loyal

• Ali’s unwavering loyalty to his teammates and his determination to provide for his family reflect the hardworking nature of many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). He is easily the most relatable to most Filipinos, will there be an Ali in Squid Game Season 2?
• His sacrifices and hope for a better future resonate with Filipinos who go the extra mile for their loved ones.

Negative Trait: Naïveté and Blind Trust

• Ali’s downfall came from trusting the wrong person (Sang-woo), a cautionary tale for Filipinos who might sometimes place blind faith in others, especially in exploitative situations. Let’s hope that whoever they bring in for Squid Game Season 2 will not be so naive.

2. Cho Sang-woo (Player 218): The Pragmatic Betrayer

Positive Trait: Ambitious and Strategic

• Sang-woo’s intelligence and strategic thinking show traits of a typical achiever, someone who works hard to climb the social ladder. Filipinos admire ambition, especially in education and career.

Negative Trait: Crab Mentality and Greed

• His willingness to betray others for personal gain mirrors the “crab mentality” sometimes observed in competitive environments, where individuals pull others down to get ahead. Squid Game Season 2 show that sometimes its not enough just to have the education and drive, having the right connections can matter most in some cases.

3. Kang Sae-byeok (Player 067): The Silent Survivor

Positive Trait: Resilient and Family-Oriented

• Sae-byeok’s stoic resilience and her goal to reunite her family are traits Filipinos value highly. Her quiet strength and focus on family highlight the sacrifices many endure for loved ones.

Negative Trait: Guarded and Distrustful

• Her difficulty in opening up and trusting others can reflect how some Filipinos, due to hardships, become wary of relying on people outside their circle.

4. Oh Il-nam (Player 001): The Cunning Elder

Positive Trait: Wisdom and Resourcefulness

• As the oldest player, Il-nam initially appeared wise and resourceful, traits admired in Filipino elders who guide younger generations with their experience. Filipinos readily show respect and deferment to their elders something that Squid Game Season 2 will not doubt continue to display as a trait of Korean society.

Negative Trait: Manipulative Tendencies

• His ultimate revelation as the mastermind behind the games highlights a darker trait: using power and influence for self-serving purposes, a critique of corrupt leadership, which is a recurring issue in Filipino society.

5. The Recruiter: The Charismatic Persuader

Positive Trait: Charm and Persuasion

• The recruiter’s ability to entice players into joining the games reflects the Filipino trait of being persuasive and skilled at negotiation, often seen in salespeople or marketers. No doubt he’ll be back in Squid Game Season 2 to recruit the unwitting jsut like many recruiters of OFWs.

Negative Trait: Exploitation of Vulnerability

• His targeting of desperate individuals mirrors societal issues where the vulnerable are taken advantage of, especially in predatory businesses or scams.

6. The VIPs: The Detached Elites

Negative Trait: Disregard for the Marginalized

• The VIPs’ dehumanization of the players as mere entertainment mirrors a critique of privilege and inequality in Filipino society, where the gap between the elite and the poor remains a pressing issue. The ongoing investigations in both the Senate and Congress about POGOs, EJKs and national budget are that the elite couldn’t care less abut what the masses think.

Conclusion

Squid Game Season 2 is more than just another k-drama to many Filipinos.

As Squid Game Season 2 unfolds, we’re reminded why we rooted for Gi-hun in the first place. He’s flawed, he’s vulnerable, and he’s human—just like us. Like Gi-hun its not always black and white for Filipinos, sometimes we have to make hard choices without losing our humanity. Gi-hun is proof that even the most ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they choose to stand up for what’s right.

What do you think Gi-hun’s next move will be? Will he bring down the games or get caught in their clutches once again? Share your thoughts and let’s keep cheering for the underdog who never gives up.