Squid Game Season 1, released on Netflix in September 2021, concluded with Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) defeating Sang-woo (Park Hae-soo) in the final game to claim the prize and return to the real world. Gi-hun’s win was emotionally driven by his promise to his daughter and his choice to reject the final temptation to kill, which eliminates the series’ implied organ-harvest continuation. The official prize was ₩45.6 billion (approximately USD $38 million nominal in 2021), with the show confirming cash payment rather than a trust. This evergreen explainer clarifies the winner, prize details, and the status of subsequent seasons and new winners.
Season 1 Winner and How the Final Played Out
In the Squid Game finale, Gi-hun advances to the final round against his childhood friend Sang-woo. They play a single round of tug-of-war on a giant doll; Gi-hun’s team survives while Sang-woo’s falls, eliminating Sang-woo. Gi-hun is declared the winner and boards the shuttle to claim his winnings. In the post-credit scene, an older Gi-hun receives a phone call inviting him back, with no canonical confirmation he accepts a second series.
Key Final Match Details
- Game: Red Light, Green Light (one round) in the finale, then a coin toss to pair for tug-of-war
- Outcome: Gi-hun wins; Sang-woo is eliminated
- Priest (Front Man) does not intervene to stop the games once they conclude
Prize Money and Payment Details
Each winning player receives ₩45.6 billion (about USD $38 million at 2021 nominal rates). The show confirms the prize is paid in cash, and Gi-hun receives a physical briefcase. This section compares the official numbers with real-world context on purchasing power and tax implications.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Prize per Winner | ₩45.6 billion / ~USD $38 million (2021) | Netflix series dialogue and press materials |
| Payment Method | Cash in a briefcase delivered post-final game | Episode 9 dialogue and visual confirmation |
| Currency and Year | South Korean won, prize locked at offer in 2021 | Series context; exchange rates vary by year |
| Number of Confirmed Winners | 1 (Gi-hun) in Season 1 canon; other finalists eliminated | Episode outcomes |
Confirmed Canon Outcomes for Main Characters
Beyond the winner, the fate of key players shapes the series’ emotional core. Sang-woo dies by suicide after losing. Gi-hun survives but grapples with guilt and temptation. Front Man’s identity and protection of the games remain ambiguous, while Player 001’s knowledge suggests insider ties. This table summarizes canon fates as presented in Season 1.
| Character | Verified Outcome | Source Episode |
|---|---|---|
| Seong Gi-hun | Wins and leaves the island | Episode 9 |
| Cho Sang-woo | Eliminated in final game; implied death | Episode 9 |
| Front Man | Organizer; identity protected; no canonical arrest | Throughout Season 1 |
| Player 001 (Oh Il-nam) | Dies mid-series; reveals insider knowledge | Episodes 5–6 |
Future Seasons and New Winners
As of 2026, Netflix has not renewed Squid Game for additional seasons beyond Season 1. There is no canonical winner beyond Gi-hun in the released series. Rumors of Season 2, a movie, or a prequel remain speculative. Official statements from Netflix and the production company indicate no active development; any new winner would require a new season that does not yet exist.
Status Summary
- No confirmed Season 2 production or release date
- No new winners exist in released canon
- Future content would need new casting, games, and outcomes
Real-World Comparisons and Trivia
While Squid Game’s prize is fictional, it invites comparisons with real lottery jackpots and reality-competition payouts. The show’s global success created merchandise and tourism effects, but the prize itself remains a narrative device rather than a benchmark for real winnings. Common trivia includes the doll’s inspiration, set design references to Korean childhood games, and the allegorical critique of inequality and indebtedness.
FAQ
Reader questions
Did Gi-hun actually get the money?
Yes. The series confirms Gi-hun receives ₩45.6 billion in cash. He chooses life over killing in the final temptation, keeping his moral victory and prize.
Are there multiple winners in any season?
No. Season 1 has a single canonical winner. No released season shows co-winners or shared prize distribution.
Is there a Season 2 winner already?
No. As of 2026, there is no Season 2, and therefore no Season 2 winner.