As Squid Game fans wait for Season 3 , one theory continues to gain traction:
Gi-hun will finally confront the Front Man — not just as an enemy… but as a mirror of his own transformation.
The idea isn’t just fan fiction — it’s rooted in the show’s deeper themes of power reversal , moral ambiguity , and the psychology of revenge .
In this guide, we’ll explore:
- Why Gi-hun and the Front Man might be connected
- How past clues suggest a hidden bond
- Real-world parallels to trauma cycles and vengeance
- And what psychology says about how people respond to betrayal
Let’s dive into the Squk Game Season 3 Gi-hun vs. Front Man theory — and why the final showdown might reveal something shocking…
That the Front Man isn’t just playing the game. He was shaped by it — like Gi-hun.
The Psychological Roots of Betrayal and Revenge
Squid Game has always been more than survival.
It’s about betrayal , redemption , and how trauma reshapes identity .
According to research published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience , viewers are drawn to revenge arcs when they feel emotionally aligned with the character’s pain.
And Gi-hun has plenty of that.
But now, there’s a theory circulating among fans:
What if the Front Man isn’t just another villain?
What if he’s someone Gi-hun once knew — or even helped create?
Because in Squid Game …
The most powerful enemies aren’t strangers — they’re reflections.
5 Clues That Gi-hun and the Front Man Are Connected
Here’s why this theory is gaining strength.
🧠 1. The Front Man’s Mask Comes Off — And We See His Face
In Season 2, the Front Man’s identity is revealed:
It’s Il-nam , Gi-hun’s old friend.
But Il-nam dies at the end of Season 1.
So why does he return?
Because in Season 3, it may become clear that:
- His influence lives on
- His role in the game was never over
- Gi-hun wasn’t chasing justice — he was chasing closure
Which means:
Gi-hun’s real fight isn’t with strangers — it’s with the past.
💬 2. Their Moral Arcs Mirror Each Other
Both characters were once victims of the system.
Now, both have power — but use it differently.
| Character | Role in Game | Moral Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Gi-hun | Player → Rebel | Traumatized → Protector |
| Front Man (Il-nam) | Player → Organizer | Broken → Controller |
This contrast suggests that the line between hero and villain isn’t fixed — it’s emotional evolution .
Because in Squid Game …
Anyone can become the monster — or the savior.
👀 3. The Front Man Shows Unusual Interest in Gi-hun
Throughout Season 2, the Front Man seems to know more than he should.
He watches Gi-hun closely.
He lets him escape — but only after testing him.
Why?
Because he sees himself in Gi-hun — or wants to break him the same way he was broken.
Which leads us to believe:
Their connection isn’t just personal — it’s purposeful.
🧩 4. Gi-hun May Discover He Was Manipulated From the Start
There’s growing speculation that Gi- hun didn’t just win the game — he became part of the system.
If Season 3 reveals that: ✅ He was being groomed to replace the Front Man
Or: 🚫 He unknowingly played into the organization’s hands
Then the entire story shifts from revenge to redemption .
Because in Squid Game …
Winning doesn’t mean freedom — it means responsibility.
🔮 5. The Doll Symbolism Suggests Repeating Cycles
The haunting doll from the “Red Light, Green Light” challenge represents childhood innocence lost .
If Gi-hun and the Front Man were childhood friends — or shared family ties — their conflict takes on deeper meaning.
It’s no longer just about money or revenge…
It’s about:
- Lost youth
- Nostalgia used against you
- The past returning — not as memory — but as mission
Because sometimes, the worst games don’t end when you think they do.
They reset — and make you play again.
Real-Life Examples: When Betrayal Becomes Motivation
Let’s look at how Squid Game reflects real human behavior — and what psychology says about loyalty, loss, and leadership.
🎭 Case Study 1: The Front Man Isn’t Evil — He’s Enslaved
Some theorists believe the Front Man isn’t choosing cruelty — he’s trapped by it.
Just like Gi-hun once was.
Which makes their final clash not just physical — but emotional.
Because real war doesn’t always come from enemies.
Sometimes, it comes from those who once understood you best .
🧠 Case Study 2: Trauma Bonds Can Create Opposites
Studies in Behavioral Psychology show that people exposed to similar trauma often take divergent paths.
One becomes violent.
Another becomes protective.
That’s exactly what happened with Gi-hun and the Front Man.
Because real emotional damage doesn’t always look the same — it just feels familiar.
🤝 Case Study 3: The Front Man Might Be the Only One Who Understands Gi-hun
Despite their rivalry, the Front Man knows Gi-hun better than anyone else.
He knows his weakness.
His motivation.
His limits.
Which means:
He won’t just test Gi-hun’s strength.
He’ll test his soul.
Because in Squid Game …
Real battles aren’t fought with weapons — they’re fought with memories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is there any official confirmation about Gi-hun and the Front Man being linked?
A: Not yet — but strong hints exist in Season 1 and 2.
Q: Will Gi-hun become the new Front Man?
A: Some theories suggest yes — especially if he fails to stop the cycle.
Q: What does the doll symbolize in relation to them?
A: Childhood, control, and the illusion of safety — all tied to their shared past.
Q: Does the Front Man represent Gi-hun’s future?
A: Possibly — showing how winning the game doesn’t free you from it.
Q: Should I rewatch Seasons 1 and 2 before Season 3?
A: Yes — many fans say early clues point directly to the Front Man’s origins.
Final Thoughts
Squid Game has never been just about survival.
It’s about how trauma transforms people — and how loss can lead to leadership… or manipulation .
So next time you’re watching the trailer for Season 3…
Don’t just look for action.
Look for reflection.
Because the strongest stories aren’t built on violence — they’re built on identity .
And sometimes, the most powerful enemy isn’t a stranger…
It’s someone who once smiled the same smile.
And played the same game