How a Baby Emerged as the Key Character in Season 3 of ‘Squid Game’
The final episodes of the third season of Netflix’s “Squid Game” delve into even darker moral themes, particularly through the heart-wrenching journey of Player 222, a pregnant woman navigating the deadly competition. Player 222, Kim Jun-hee, portrayed by Jo Yu-ri, is a resilient character pushed into the game after being deceived by her ex-boyfriend, Player 333, Lee Myung-gi, who lured her into a cryptocurrency scam that left her in dire financial straits. In a significant twist during a hide-and-seek challenge, Jun-hee sustains a broken ankle and unexpectedly goes into labor. Fortunately, she receives support from Player 149, Jang Geum-ja, a former nurse, and Player 120, Cho Hyun-ju, who is the show’s first transgender character.
Together, they find a way for Jun-hee to give birth even while hiding from the other competitors. Despite her determination to persevere, Jun-hee ultimately realizes the futility of her struggle and chooses to take a tragic leap from a ledge, entrusting her newborn baby to her friend, Seong Gi-hun, Player 456. In a bleak turn of events, the game’s creators assign the infant her mother’s player number, making the newborn as Player 222. As the final game unfolds, only three contestants remain: Gi-hun, Myung-gi, and the baby.
During the “Sky Squid” challenge, Myung-gi attempts to seize the child but meets his demise. Gi-hun, faced with a harrowing decision, chooses to sacrifice himself instead of harming the baby, thus fulfilling his promise to Jun-hee. The storyline progresses six months later when Detective Hwang Jun-ho receives a package containing the infant and a note proclaiming “The winner.” This ending encapsulates the message of hope for future generations, aligning with the creator Hwang Dong-hyuk’s vision for the series. He emphasizes the importance of striving to leave a better world for those to come.
Interestingly, the authenticity of the newborn sparked curiosity among fans. Lee Jung-jae revealed that a sophisticated robotic doll, capable of mimicking a real baby’s movements and expressions, was used during the filming to enhance the portrayal.