Netflix’s ‘Squid Game‘ returned with its highly anticipated second season, shedding light on one of the series’ most enigmatic figures: the Front Man. Known as In-ho in the show, he is revealed to be the estranged brother of police officer Hwang Jun-ho.
The first season left viewers with unanswered questions about how In-ho transitioned from a police officer to the sinister overseer of the deadly games. So, let’s look into how season 2 dives deeper, into the backstory of the Front Man.
In-ho’s Journey Of Desperation Before Becoming The Front Man
The Front Man’s descent into darkness began long before his appearance in the games. Once a dedicated police officer and a loving husband, In-ho’s life took a tragic turn when his wife was diagnosed with acute cirrhosis. Additionally, this devastating news was compounded by the discovery of her pregnancy.
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Doctors recommended terminating the pregnancy to prioritize her health. However, she stood firm in her decision to carry the child. As her condition worsened, the couple faced a lot of financial and emotional challenges. In-ho borrowed heavily, even resorting to loans from dubious sources, to fund her treatment.
However, the mounting medical bills were too much, and when he sought assistance from his superiors, they misinterpreted his actions as bribery. Despite his years of service, he was dismissed. This further plunged his family into further despair. To add to the tragedy, In-ho had previously donated a kidney to his brother Jun-ho.
This left him unable to offer another organ to save his wife. His family, struggling with their own financial burdens, couldn’t provide significant support either. When his wife passed away, In-ho was devastated and severed ties with his family. This series of misfortunes led In-ho into the game and also stripped him of any hope or faith in humanity.
Moreover, winning the 28th Squid Game edition in 2015 offered him a twisted form of redemption. However, it was at the cost of his morality. His eventual appointment as the Front Man marked the culmination of his transformation into a man who had lost all compassion. Additionally, he saw the game as a reflection of society’s cruelty.
The Complex Relationship Of In-ho And Gi-hun
Season 2 introduces In-ho under the alias “Young-il.” He entered the games again as Player 001. His purpose, however, is not survival but to challenge our protagonist, Seong Gi-hun. Unlike In-ho, who has lost touch with his humanity, Gi-hun clings to a fragile belief in the goodness of society and people.
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The interactions between Young-il and Gi-hun are pivotal in the second season. In-ho recounts his devastating life experiences to Gi-hun, using them as proof of the futility of hope and the inherent selfishness of people. His disillusionment becomes a weapon, aimed at breaking Gi-hun’s spirit.
In these moments, the series takes a turn and delves into the psychological and emotional toll of survival in a ruthless world. In-ho’s character emerges as both a victim of circumstance and a perpetrator of cruelty. Moreover, his story resonates deeply because it mirrors real-world struggles.
