Who Won Squid Game and the Final Prize
The winner of the first season of Squid Game is Seong Gi-hun, portrayed by actor Lee Jung-jae. He won the grand prize of 45.6 billion Korean won, which is roughly 38.5 million USD based on the exchange rates reported at the time of the finale. The final round was a game of dalgona, where he chose the star shape to defeat his opponent and claim the title of champion. Details on the prize money and exchange rate.
Seong Gi-hun’s victory was not just about the money but also about his character arc. He started as a down-on-his-luck gambler and father struggling with debt, and his win was a dramatic reversal of fortune. The show’s creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, designed the ending to emphasize the human cost of the games, even for the winner. Forbes breakdown of the winner’s journey.
Squid Game Season 1 Finale and Key Events
Final Challenge and Winner
The finale of Squid Game Season 1 aired in September 2021 and concluded with a one-on-one dalgona challenge. Gi-hun’s choice of the star shape, which was the hardest to extract without breaking, was the decisive move that secured his win. The final game was a direct test of skill and nerve, contrasting with the earlier elimination rounds. Wikipedia summary of the Squid Game finale.
The prize pool of 45.6 billion won was funded by the mysterious Front Man and the game’s organizers, who recruited hundreds of contestants. The total number of contestants who started the game was 456, and the final two were Gi-hun and Cho Sang-woo, the latter of whom chose to die rather than take the prize. Wikipedia details on the 456 contestants and final two.
Impact of the Squid Game Winner on Pop Culture
Global Reach and Awards
Gi-hun’s win propelled Squid Game to become the most-watched show in Netflix history at the time of its release. The series topped the Netflix charts in over 90 countries and sparked a global phenomenon, including viral dalgona challenges and themed merchandise. The show’s visual style, featuring the iconic green tracksuits and the shape of the dalgona pieces, became a widely recognized symbol of the series. Forbes on the show’s global reach.
The success of the winner’s story led to the immediate renewal of Squid Game for a second season. Netflix confirmed that Lee Jung-jae would reprise his role as Seong Gi-hun, and the second season is currently in production. The franchise’s expansion includes a reality competition series and discussions about a potential third season, cementing the winner’s legacy as the central figure in a massive media property. Forbes on the franchise expansion
