Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk dives into the journey of the enigmatic Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) and how Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) becomes a challenge for him throughout season 2. The Front Man is a former player who won a past installment and took on the mantle of the game’s overseer. In a major twist, the Front Man, also known as In-ho, joins the game as the new Player 001, setting up an alliance with Gi-hun while attempting to sabotage the protagonist’s hopes of dismantling the system.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Hwang addressed what elements of In-ho’s personality were true and false during his time with Gi-hun. While the Front Man was once a player like Gi-hun, the show’s creator stated he lacks the enduring belief that humanity can be better, with his games pushing him into a position where he has given up on any hope of change. He compared this characterization to Darth Vader in Star Wars. As such, In-ho looks down on Gi-hun while also holding some lingering jealousy about seeing him push forward where he could not:
The Front Man — or, rather, In-ho — is just like Gi-hun: someone who entered the Squid Game with very similar purposes. He experienced all of the cruelties, saw the rock bottom of humanity, was extremely disappointed, which led to him giving up humanity altogether. That’s how he became a host. Much like the story of Darth Vader who couldn’t become a Jedi.
At the same time, what he feels toward Gi-hun is hatred. He looks down on him and wants to win above him. However, deep inside, watching Gi-hun having gone through the same experience he first had in Squid Game, and seeing how Gi-hun is genuinely believing in humanity, is persisting to protect humanity… I believe the Front Man harbors a very strange inferiority complex, or a sense of defeat, when he sees Gi-hun.
As such, Hwang stated that beneath the surface, some parts of In-ho still hope to see humanity’s better side prevail, leading him to partially root for Gi-hun to succeed. Check out his explanation below:
Even deeper down, I suspect he harbors a bit of respect for Gi-hun as well. That’s something Lee Byung-hun, the actor who plays the Front Man, had a lot of discussions about while we were preparing for the season. Because it’s based on that kind of character interpretation, there are times where that mentality peeks through the character. He really sees what he let go of and what he lost when he sees Gi-hun. Secretly, he might even want Gi-hun to fight on.
What The Creator’s Response Means For The Front Man In Squid Game Season 2
The Games Allowed In-ho To Unmask His Darker Persona
Despite Squid Game season 2 concluding with the Front Man adopting his mask again and seemingly quelling the rebellion Gi-hun instigates, many viewers were left uncertain of his journey and what his future may have in store. As In-ho became Player 001, many audiences noted that he had genuine reactions to the well-being of the games’ contestants and enjoyed their successes. This was especially the case during the Six-Legged Pentathlon, where he was excited to see the first group success in the race.
However, due to his experiences in recent games, this has raised many fan theories about whether the Front Man may have a change of heart, in a similar manner to Darth Vader.
Although the Front Man spent many years watching and controlling the game among heartless VIPs, Hwang’s response suggests he retained some empathy for the players, and his return brought back such feelings despite his goal of undermining Gi-hun. Though the Front Man returned to his persona at the end, he did so out of sight of Gi-hun, faking his death before confronting his rival.
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However, due to his experiences in recent games, this has raised many fan theories about whether the Front Man may have a change of heart, in a similar manner to Darth Vader. These theories stem from the possibility that the Front Man himself could help dismantle the games from within, given that he has more influence. However, other viewers speculate that the Front Man’s deceit may have impacted Gi-hun in the worst way possible by shattering the protagonist’s hopes for humanity. Nevertheless, the showdown between the Front Man and Gi-hun will be key in Squid Game season 3.
Our Thoughts On The Front Man’s Squid Game Journey
The Front Man Could Be Key To Gi-hun’s Ideals Surviving
Though In-ho’s story in season 1 rarely overlapped with Gi-hun’s, season 2 firmly framed them as two sides of the same coin. Both are veterans of the games but took different conclusions from their experiences. As such, season 2 became less of a showcase of humanity’s darkest lengths and, instead, a battle of ideals over true human nature.
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While Gi-hun may be in his darkest hour, the past has shown that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound effect and inspire hope, as seen in his final conversation with former Player 001 (O Yeong-su) in season 1. As such, Hwang’s tease may suggest a similar spark could exist in the Front Man, just waiting for ignition in Squid Game‘s third and final season.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
In Squid Game, a mysterious invitation to join a competition is sent to people at risk who are in dire need of money. Four hundred fifty-six participants from all walks of life are locked into a secret location where they play games to win 45.6 billion won. Games are selected from traditional Korean children’s games, such as Red Light and Green Light, but the consequence of losing is death. To survive, competitors must choose their alliances carefully – but the further they go in the competition, the more likely betrayal will rear its ugly head.
- Release Date
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September 17, 2021
- Finale Year
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November 30, 2024
- Cast
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Wi Ha-joon
, Anupam Tripathi
, Oh Yeong-su
, Heo Sung-tae
, Park Hae-soo
, Jung Ho-yeon
, Lee Jung-jae
, Kim Joo-ryoung - Seasons
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2
- Writers
-
Hwang Dong-hyuk
- Directors
-
Hwang Dong-hyuk
- Showrunner
-
Hwang Dong-hyuk