Adults playing children's games to the death certainly makes for enthralling, captivating television, yet what really makes Squid Game one of Korea's greatest ever exports is its fantastic selection of diverse characters. Each competitor in the crazy contest has their own reasons for risking it all, and though almost all are relatable in one aspect, some are far more endearing than others.
Squid Game shows humanity at its absolute worst, yet amongst all the darkness there is light. Some of the series' characters are capable of warming the coldest of hearts, and with the help of some masterful direction, expert writing, and vibrant performances, it becomes nearly impossible not to care deeply for the contestants of the world's riskiest game show.
8 Cho Sang-woo Goes From Hometown Hero To Hometown Horror
Arguably the true villain of Squid Game, Gi-hun's childhood friend and hometown hero Cho Sang-woo is the gifted intellectual in mountains of debt that sees the deadly contest as his only way out. No matter how desperate one becomes, betraying friends is never a good look, yet Sang-woo does this long before his own life is even on the line.
Prior to the honeycomb game, player 218 clearly knows what the competitors are about to face yet does nothing to warn his friend and accepted teammate Gi-hun. His clever trickery that condemns Ali Abdul to death only serves to make Sang-woo even more detestable, yet the Seoul National University graduate manages to really top all his atrocious actions by murdering a helpless, already wounded Sae-byeok. Undoubtedly, Cho Sang-woo is Squid Game's least likable character, and though his final sacrifice earns him a few brownie points, they aren't enough to shake the title.
7 There's Little To Like About The Violent Gangster Deok-su
The violent gangster with the snake tattoo has few if any redeeming qualities. This is a man who commits murder outside of Squid Game, making him the only competitor to commit such an act outside of playtime as far as fans are aware.
Shockingly, his actions within the contest are even worse, slaughtering men and women as soon as the lights go out, and brutally sacrificing other players in order to progress. His relentless pursuit of victory and survival are certainly admirable without all the killing taken into account, but Deok-su is a bad man, and he never tries to hide this fact.
6 Mi-nyeo Is The Manic Mother Fans Can Love To Hate
Cunning and conniving with a little dash of crazy, Han Mi-nyeo is one of the show's most intriguing characters. She starts off sympathetic and appears to be a tragic victim of circumstance, yet Kim Joo-ryoung's player quickly reveals her true nature as someone willing to do whatever it takes to survive.
One note of importance that was frustratingly lost in the English translation is that Mi-nyeo asserts that she is in fact very smart, she just never got the chance to study. Her dialogue sheds light on not only her backstory but also on issues within Korea's class divides. Whether or not this affects how likable she comes across remains up for debate, yet it certainly adds an extra layer to an already fascinating character.
5 Oh Il-nam Is Hard To Hate Even After His Deceit Is Revealed
If not for Squid Game's mind-bending finale reveal regarding the frail old man, player 001 would likely be the series' most likable character. First impressions cement him as a kind, caring, and innocent elderly gentleman suffering from the incomparable affliction of cancer.
Gi-hun's gganbu stole the hearts of everyone watching the kiddie game craziness, only to break those hearts with the later reveal that he was behind the massacres all along. His friendship and admiration for player 456 did seem genuine though, so not all was lost in terms of Oh Il-nam's likability.
4 Gi-hun May Be Squid Game's Hero, But He's Still A Deadbeat Dad
There's no denying that Lee Jung-jae's character is the protagonist of Squid Game, this is his story, and the man's good nature and moral standing make him incredibly easy to root for during each deadly contest.
Deep down, Seong Gi-hun is a good man, but this doesn't mean fans can overlook the flaws in his personality. Player 456 stole money from his own mother and leeched off of her without much thought. After winning the treacherous Squid Game and seemingly making no effort to reunite with his daughter, Gi-hun may well be in the running for another win - one for Korea's worst father.
3 Jun-ho Is Just The Good Guy Cop On A Mission To Find His Brother
The only main character not to compete in the high-stakes playground practices, Hwang Jun-ho is an honorable police officer attempting to find his missing brother and uncover the dirty secrets behind Squid Game.
Wi Ha-joon's policeman soon finds himself in hot water just like the contestants. With his life on the line, he makes a getaway, though ultimately fails. Watching Jun-ho find his brother was a fascinating reveal, yet gave way to one of the show's most upsetting deaths just moments later.
2 Kang Sae-byeok Just Wants To Reunite Her Family
Everything about Sae-byeok's persona and circumstances speaks loudly about her desperation. Seeking a way to bring her family over the border from North Korea, player 067 has one of Squid Game's most relatable reasons for playing. Originally a quiet and reserved competitor amongst loud personalities and inflated egos, Kang Sae-byeok slowly reveals a heart of gold.
She's also incredibly resourceful, picking pockets aside, Jung Ho-yeon's fierce female manages to sneak her way into a glimpse at an upcoming game, as well as smuggle herself a knife inside the brightly colored walls of Korea's most dangerous game show. Sae-byeok is the player many fans wanted to see win, and her tragic exit from Squid Game made the ending all the more bittersweet.
1 Ali Abdul Stole The Heart Of Every Squid Game Fan
The kind, high-spirited, and incredibly humble Ali Abdul is without doubt Squid Game's most lovable. Not only are his reasons for playing completely wholesome, in that he is competing in order to provide for his family, but his act of aiding others during games without a second thought also makes him impossible to dislike.
The excellent expat saves Gi-hun's life, yet it's Ali's trust in others that eventually leads to his downfall. Betrayed in the most atrocious manner during the marble games, player 199's death is one of the show's most upsetting thanks to Ali's good nature and Anupam Tripathi's terrifically endearing performance.