Yes, Oh Il-nam, the old man, died in Squid Game.
The Netflix show Squid Game was released on September 17, 2021. The show gained international popularity within the first few weeks of its release. It is directed, written, and created by Hwang Dong-hyuk. The story follows 456 contestants who compete in deadly children's games to win prize money of 45.6 billion won. The show became popular because of its unique concept and storytelling, which highlighted themes of greed, economic divide, and capitalism.
Among the many characters, Oh Il-nam, also known as Player 001, is one of the important characters of the show. He is an old man who is portrayed as a kind person with a mysterious background. His character’s fate is one of the most talked about parts of the show, which left the audience in shock. The finale of Season 1 left viewers with several questions.
Did the Old Man die in Squid Game?
Yes, Oh Il-nam, the old man, died in Squid Game. Initially, it was believed he died during the marble game in episode 6, where he let Gi-hun win. But later, in the final episode, it was revealed that he was alive. Gi-hun won the game but didn’t use the money because of his guilt. A year later, he received a card similar to the one he got at the beginning. When he visited the address on the card, he was shocked to find that the old man was alive.
Gi-hun came to know that the old man was the one who created the game, so he asked him why. Il-nam revealed that he created the game because he was bored. To entertain himself and his uber-rich clients, he designed the game so they could bet on people and enjoy watching them. He was dying, so he decided to participate in his own game, as it would be more enjoyable for him.
He asked Gi-hun if he had lost his faith in humanity after experiencing the game. And to prove his point, he makes his last bet with Gi-hun. He points at the drunk man in the street outside his window and tells him that no one will come to help him before midnight. In the end, Gi-hun wins the bet, as someone comes to help the man, but by that time, Il-nam has died in his hospital bed.
Who is the Old Man in Squid Game?
Oh Il-nam, played by O Yeong-su, was an old man who was introduced as Player 001 in the competition. He had a brain tumor, because of which he had memory issues. Gi-hun befriends him because he feels pity for him, as he is mentally and physically weaker than the others. When the game discontinues for some time, he meets Gi-hun and influences him to return to the game. When the game continues, Gi-hun forms a group with Il-nam, Ali, and Cho Sang-woo.
Despite his old age, he easily cleared the Dalgona candy challenge and the tug-of-war challenge, where he provided his intelligence. But in the marble game challenge, he partners up with Gi-hun, only to be revealed that they have to play against each other. Gi-hun took advantage of Il-nam's dementia to win the round, and as a result, Il-nam got eliminated.
One year after the game, it was revealed that Il-nam is alive, but he is on his deathbed. He shares the truth with Gi-hun that he is the one who created this game for the purpose of entertainment. He wanted to enjoy the game and relive his childhood. In the end, after his confrontation with Gi-hun, he dies.
Read more about Squid Game:
How did Ji-yeong die in Squid Game
Who is the main character in squid game
FAQs about Squid Game
A. O Yeong-su plays the role of the old man in Squid Game.
A. No, Player 001 does not die during the game in Squid Game. He dies a year after the game.
A. Yes, there will be a 2nd season of Squid Game and it released in December 2024.
