Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk recently shared why Sae-byeok, played by Jung Ho-yeon, shows up in Season 3, even though she died in Season 1. According to him, her return tells a deeper story.
In the finale of the third season, Gi-hun has a chance to kill other players while they sleep. But then he sees a vision of Sae-byeok. She tells him, “You’re not that kind of person.” As a result, he can’t go through with the act.
Hwang explained in an interview that this short line hits Gi-hun hard. It brings him back to who he is and reminds him of his morals. Even though the words are simple, they mean a lot to him.
Hwang said he chose Sae-byeok for this moment on purpose. In Season 1, she had a strong effect on Gi-hun’s sense of right and wrong. So, when he was about to lose himself, her voice brought him back. Hwang called it “the strongest tool that could stop his knife.”
The ending was originally going to be very different. At first, Hwang thought about giving Gi-hun a much darker path. But as the story developed, he realized that Gi-hun shouldn’t become the next villain or replace the Front Man.
The bigger story in the third season is about the beef between Gi-hun and the Front Man, In-ho. Hwang said it’s really about their values and beliefs: what each of them thinks is right or wrong. Sae-byeok’s words help show that Gi-hun hasn’t lost his way. Sae-byeok’s brief return is a powerful moment. She helps Gi-hun stay true to himself and avoid becoming the kind of person he once fought against.
