Did Gi-hun Really Give Away Squid Game‘s Full $38M Prize Money?
As an avid gamer and content creator focused on the gaming world, one of the biggest questions I‘ve been asked lately is: Did Seong Gi-hun (Player #456) really give away the entire ₩45.6 billion (about $38 million USD) prize for winning the contests in Netflix‘s hit drama Squid Game?
The Short Answer:
No. While Gi-hun did use small amounts of the money to honor promises to deceased contestants, he still retains access to the vast majority of the massive prize fund 1+ year after being crowned champion.
The Breakdown:
Here is a summarized breakdown of what Gi-hun has spent so far, against the total €45.6 billion won:
| Description | Korean Won Used | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Withdrew to buy beer & flowers | ₩10,000 | $8 |
| [Unknown amount] helping Sae-byeok‘s brother | ? | ? |
| [Unknown amount] paying Sang-woo‘s debts | ? | ? |
| Estimated remaining | ₩45 billion+ | $38 million+ |
You can see clearly that only a tiny fraction of the money has been utilized so far.
Gi-Hun‘s Bank Balance Is Virtually Unchanged
Based on the information provided in Squid Game, Gi-hun‘s bank account balance remains largely untouched since the massive ₩45.6 billion prize was deposited.
The show indicated he withdrew ₩10,000 shortly after winning to buy some minor items. And while exact amounts used are unspecified, he also fulfilled promises to:
- Help fellow contestant Kang Sae-byeok‘s brother get out of an orphanage
- Repay debts owed by childhood friend Cho Sang-woo
Considering those were the only uses shown in the show‘s storyline, it‘s safe to deduce Gi-hun retains access to the vast majority – perhaps over ₩45 billion still – of the near $40M equivalent grand prize a year later.
What Does This Tell Us About Gi-Hun‘s Psyche?
As someone who creates content analyzing gaming narratives and characters, I couldn‘t help but notice how little Gi-hun taps into his massive winnings after what he went through. This likely speaks volumes about his mindset and emotional scarring after surviving the deadly contest.
Gi-hun exhibits possible symptoms of intense survivor‘s guilt – trauma haunting him after witnessing the graphic deaths of hundreds of other contestants. The magnitude of the prize money serves as a constant reminder of the horrors he endured on the path to obtaining it.
This leaves him disconnected from feeling worthy or eager to actually make significant use of the €45.6 billion fortune now available to transform his previously impoverished life. It represents mental anguish rather than tangible possibility.
What Does The Ending‘s Red-Haired Gi-Hun Imply?
The closing scene of Squid Game season 1 shows Gi-Hun preparing to board a plane – presumably to finally go reunite with his daughter. But he suddenly stops and turns around, revealing freshly dyed red hair.
Based on comments from Squid Game‘s director, this striking visual symbolizes the intense anger brewing in Gi-hun – the games leaving him a profoundly changed man. He is ready to immerse himself back into the world of the contest rather than resume his normal life.
My theory as an avid gaming commentator:
The still-intact fortune Gi-hun won allows him to now wield tremendous power and resources. He will likely stop at nothing utilizing that wealth to take down the organization behind the deadly competition. Perhaps he even intends to sabotage future iterations of the games.
Gi-Hun‘s choice to keep nearly all of his €45.6 billion shows he and the money are still attached. It will assuredly empower him in unknown ways going forward.
Final Thoughts and Theories
While Gi-hun distributed small amounts to fulfill promises to fallen contestants, the bulk of his massive Squid Game prize remains untouched as of the Season 1 conclusion. His minimal spending exposes profound personal trauma and disinterest in improving his own life with the fortune.
The ending‘s last shot of Gi-hun hints that his intentions still involve the money and world of Squid Game. Gi-hun seems to hold onto the €45 billion fund not for himself, but as resource to wield against those running the deadly games.
As a gaming commentator, I speculate Season 2 will show Gi-hun ending the contest for good – avenging all victims with his own winnings. The red hair signals that the money‘s purpose has shifted from personal enrichment to supporting Gi-hun‘s vengeance. He‘s now playing an entirely different game.
What other implications do you think Gi-hun‘s retained prize fortune signals about Squid Game‘s next chapter? I welcome debates in the comments from my fellow passionate gamers and entertainment enthusiasts!
