Episode 9 of *Squid Game*, titled **“One Lucky Day,”** brings the deadly competition to a dramatic and emotional end. With only two players left—**Seong Gi-hun** (Lee Jung-jae) and **Cho Sang-woo** (Park Hae-soo)—the final round begins: the traditional **Squid Game**, a childhood favorite in Korea, but now with deadly stakes.
The two old friends now stand as enemies. Gi-hun is angry, exhausted, and heartbroken after Sang-woo killed **Kang Sae-byeok** in the previous episode. Their final showdown is brutal, with punches, kicks, and a battle of both bodies and morals. Even though Gi-hun gets the upper hand and has the chance to win, he refuses to finish the game by killing Sang-woo. He offers to end the game if they both agree to leave—choosing humanity over money.
But in a shocking and tragic move, **Sang-woo stabs himself**, asking Gi-hun to take care of his mother. His final act shows a glimpse of the man he used to be before desperation took over. Gi-hun wins the game by default—and the massive 45.6 billion won prize—but at an unimaginable cost.
Back in the real world, Gi-hun is given the money but is emotionally shattered. He doesn’t spend any of it. He wanders through life, traumatized and alone, until one day he receives a mysterious invitation—leading him to a hospital room where he finds **Oh Il-nam** (Player 001) still alive.
In a mind-blowing twist, it’s revealed that Il-nam was the **creator of the Squid Game**. He joined the games himself out of boredom and curiosity. Il-nam wanted to feel alive again before dying. Their final conversation is heartbreaking, as Il-nam dies after one last "bet" with Gi-hun about a homeless man in the snow.
The episode ends with Gi-hun slowly finding his purpose again. He dyes his hair bright red, symbolizing change, and prepares to fly to the U.S. to see his daughter. But at the last moment, he turns back—calling the game’s number and demanding answers. Gi-hun is no longer just a survivor. He’s now ready to fight back.
“One Lucky Day” is a powerful and bittersweet finale, wrapping up the series with heartbreak, redemption, and just enough mystery to leave us wanting more. It's not just a story about survival—it’s about what we lose and what we become along the way.
0 Comments