In this high-stakes K-drama, where everyone wants to survive, it's hard to figure out who is your friend and who is your enemy.
One of the shows from Netflix that made the most waves in 2021 was Squid Game. The Korean drama entailed some of the most darkest and disturbing themes but instantly became a fan-favorite Netflix original show. Fans are desperately waiting for season 2 and Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos has confirmed the second season in January 2022 and also hinted at expanding the universe.
The show involved a lot of drama and many of the relationships went through dramatic changes in an atmosphere where killing people resulted in getting richer. While waiting for the next season, let's take a look at the best and worst relationships of Squid Game.
Best Relationships
Kang Sae-byeok and Ji-yeong
Kang Sae-byeok and Ji-yeong have the deepest and purest friendship in a show filled with backstabbers and people killing each other for money. Their bond feels like a stark contrast to the rest of the show.
In the 6th episode of the show, "Gganbu," both become very close as they tell each other their tragic life stories. Sae-byeok is normally aloof and doesn't get close to anyone else but Ji-yeong is able to make her open up to her. It makes their relationship extremely touching and when Ji-yeong sacrifices herself to save Sae-byeok's life, the scene broke the hearts of many fans.
Seong Gi-hun, his daughter, and his mother
The protagonist of the show, Seong Gi-hun, is by no means a morally perfect character but he is better than a lot of other characters on the show. It is hard to dislike him because he is doing everything he can to get his daughter back and save his mother's life. They are the most important people in his life and he deeply cares for them.
His relationship with both his mother and daughter is endearing to watch. Gi-hun was one of the first people to leave the game when he found out its reality. However, when he learns about his mother's health issues and his daughter going to the US, he is desperate enough to get back in the game, which might result in his death.
Kang Sae-byeok and her brother
Just like Gi-hun, Sae-byeok is participating and wants to win the vile 'Squid Game' for people she cares about. She has a younger brother and they both have been separated from their parents, who are stuck in North Korea. She wants to get her brother out of the orphanage and have a chance to reunite with their parents.
Even though we see them together for a short period, their deep sibling bond is palpable. When she returns from 'Squid Game' after the first play and they meet in the park, the scene is extremely emotional seeing their dire circumstances and how much they want to be with each other. When she is on the brink of death, she asks Gi-hun to take care of her brother when he gets out.
Seong Gi-hun and Sang-Woo's mother
One of the most endearing scenes in an otherwise extremely dark show was when Seong Gi-hun leaves almost all of his winnings with Sang-Woo's mother. Sang-Woo was his childhood friend but later, turned into enemies during the games.
That didn't stop Gi-hun from helping out his mother, who was deep in debt because of her diseased son. He not only helped her financially but left Sae-byeok's brother with her so, she won't be alone. It was a really sweet gesture on Gi-hun's part and that is why their relationship is one of the best in the show.
Kang Sae-byeok and Seong Gi-hun
Sae-byeok and Gi-hun were an unlikely duo to become friends, considering how they started on the wrong foot. However, their circumstances brought them closer and in the end, all they had left was each other.
They helped each other during games and saved each other's lives. When Sang-Woo killed Sae-byeok, Gi-hun was devastated. Before her death, they opened up to each other, Sae-byeok told him to win the entire game and help out her brother after her death. Keeping his promise to his friend, Gi-hun did help out her brother after winning.
Worst Relationships
Oh Il-nam and Seong Gi-hun
Oh Il-nam and Seong Ji-hun probably had one of the most interesting relationships in the Netflix show. They started as great friends. Seong Gi-hun always made sure to be there for Oh Il-nam and protect him because Gi-hun is a kind person and he always felt pity for the older man.
In the "Gganbu" episode, things take a turn when both are pitted against each other and Gi-hun starts to cheat to save his life even though it pains him to do so. However, the final episode reveals that the Il-nam was one of the people who started the 'Squid Game'. Gi-hun is furious at him because he considered Il-nam a friend when he is an evil person who lied to him and is responsible for too many deaths.
Han Mi-nyeo and Jang Deok-su
Han Mi-nyeo and Jang Deok-su made up a perfect example of a toxic relationship. They both used one another for their selfish reasons. Deok-su was only looking for some sexual fun while Mi-nyeo wanted to be the girlfriend of the most powerful and dominant person among all the players so, she would be protected.
Deok-su abandoned her immediately when she was no longer useful to him. Mi-nyeo didn't take this well and ended up killing both of them in the 7th episode.
Cho Sang-Woo and Abdul Ali
Ali was one of the sweetest and kindest characters in the show and Sang-Woo used these virtues against him. Ali considered Sang-Woo his friend, but Sang-Woo betrayed him cruelly.
In the marble game, Sang-Woo cheated Ali and got him killed. Indeed, he did so to save his own life, but instead of winning the game fair and square, he used Ali's trust in him to trick him. Ali's death made up for one of the most heartbreaking scenes in the Korean drama.
Hwang Jun-ho and The Front Man
Hwang Jun-Ho and The Front Man were brothers. Jun-Ho was obsessed with finding his brother, but he had no idea that his brother is The Front Man, the one who oversees the whole 'Squid Game'.
When the brothers come face to face and Jun-Ho learns the truth, he is killed by his brother. While there is still a lot of mystery behind The Front Man, at least this much is clear that he didn't love his brother because he pulled the trigger on him without much hesitation.
Seong Ji-hun and Cho Sang-Woo
Seong Gi-hun and Cho Sang-Woo went to the same school and Gi-hun never leaves an opportunity to praise Sang-Woo in front of everyone. However, Sang-Woo did not return his affections and he always looked out for himself before his friend.
He almost got Gi-hun killed in the 'dalgona' game. In the last game, there is hardly any doubt in viewers' minds that he would have killed Sang-Woo if he had gotten the chance even though Gi-hun couldn't kill him.
