The article contains major spoilers for the Squid Game season 3 ending.Squid Gamestar Lee Byung-hun, who plays the Front Man/In-ho, addresses why the overseer decided to save one new season 3 character. The Netflix hit series finally returns with its final episodes, withthe masked antagonist finally going back to his dutiesas the game’s overseer.
While the Front Man has been challenging Gi-hun’s (Lee Jung-jae) ideology of humanity, the main protagonist and former winner ultimately made the sacrifice atthe end ofSquid Gameseason 3. However, in the series' final moments,the Front Man decided to save Jun-hee’s (Jo Yu-ri) babyas the island was self-destructing when their location was uncovered.
While speaking withNetflix Tudum, Byung-hun explained why the Front Man saved the baby,saying that there were still signs of his last piece of humanity still remaining within him.
“That actually highlighted the fact that he has that last remaining piece of humanity deep down somewhere. That’s the agreement that director Hwang and I came to. That’s how I played my character. Front Man has that last piece of benevolence remaining inside of him.”
Why The Front Man Has A Change Of Heart In Squid Game Season 3 Ending?
He Didn’t See Gi-hun As Trash
Unlike Gi-hun who dies and perishes on the island where the games take place, the Front Man was one ofthe fewSquid Gamecharactersto survive to the end. However, in contrast to his menacing acts and heartless beliefs,the show’s villain performs two good deeds in the series finale.
While the Front Man could have left Jun-hee’s baby behind, he ultimately decides to save the baby, especially after being moved by Gi-hun’s speech before his death.He even gives it to his brother, Jun-ho, to raise. This comes as the antagonist has attempted to break Gi-hun’s spirits and hopes since his reentry in the games to showcase how humanity is a lost cause.
It seems that Gi-hun’s selfless actions not only proved the Front Man wrong, but also encouraged him to save the baby and send his share of the winning price to his daughter.
Even though the Front Man was close to destroying Gi-hun,the protagonist’s sacrifice may have been the turning point in which he earned the respect of the game’s overseer.That’s considering that the Front Man himself was once a former contestant, who entered the games in an attempt to save his wife and unborn child.
It seems thatGi-hun’s selfless actions not only proved the Front Man wrong, but also encouraged him to save the baby and send his share of the winning price to his daughter. It emphasizes that the villain doesn’t see Gi-hun as trash and earned his respect to at least conduct these humane acts.
Our Take On The Front Man’s Humane Acts In Squid Game Season 3
The Front Man May Have A Heart After All
It’s also worth mentioning that, unlike season 1, the Front Man had time to actually bond with Gi-hun during season 2, even if his intentions were sinister. While he intended to mess with the protagonist’s goals to end the games,Byung-hun previously mentioned that the Front Man, at times, was rooting for Gi-hun, which further emphasizes his admiration for him.
Byung-hun also spoke about the challenges of portraying three different versions of his character: the Front Man, Young-il, and In-ho. The character’s acts may indicate that In-ho was the one who made this kind of gesture at the end since he was described as caring and empathetic by his brother and stepmother.
While the Front Man performed these humane acts as a gesture to Gi-hun and in recognition of his sacrifice,there are still plenty of unanswered questions about him. In particular, it’s uncertain what his future holds, as the location of the games was destroyed, and whether he still retains the title of Front Man.
While season 3 couldn’t dedicate as much time to exploring his motives, he remains one of the most compelling characters in the series. The creator and the star have previously teased a potentialSquid Gamespinoff about the Front Man, so hopefully, that is one kind of idea that can take off, as it may not be the end of him yet.
