Who was the Front Man‘s Brother in Hit Series Squid Game?
The Front Man‘s brother was revealed to be police officer Hwang Jun-ho, after Jun-ho infiltrated the games to search for his long lost older brother In-ho. This shocking plot twist in episode 8 of the record-breaking Squid Game added immense tragedy and complexity. As a huge fan myself, I was absolutely floored by this dramatic reveal.
Backstory on the Front Man and His Younger Brother
Hwang In-ho and Hwang Jun-ho shared a close brotherly bond growing up in South Korea. But their paths diverged drastically as adults.
Hwang In-ho
The elder Hwang brother, In-ho become a police officer. According to entertainment site IGN, in 2015 In-ho played in the 28th iteration of Squid Game as Player #132. [1] Not only did he win the deadly tournament, he joined its masked ranks, eventually rising to the top position of Front Man – the overseer of all Squid Game operations.
Over the years, In-ho had minimal contact with his younger brother Jun-ho, who searched relentlessly for his missing sibling. Consumed fully by his Front Man duties, In-ho lost himself to the darkness of the games.
Hwang Jun-ho
Devastated by his brother‘s disappearance, Jun-ho tirelessly looked for In-ho while serving on the police force. In 2020, after hearing shocking firsthand accounts from past winner Seong Gi-hun (Player 456), Jun-ho became convinced his brother was connected to the games.
As we‘ll see, this hunch prompted Jun-ho to make an extremely risky move to infiltrate as an undercover guard on the island facility.
Jun-ho Infiltrates Squid Game Searching for Brother
Posing as a masked guard, Jun-ho spent early episodes subtly investigating the games from within. He communicated with his police chief via morse code, transmitting conncerning insights.
Jun-ho displayed increasing disgust at the horrifying games, which claimed hundreds of lives. Yet he pressed on in hopes of finally locating his long lost older brother.
The Dramatic Reveal – Jun-ho Confronts The Front Man at Gunpoint
Episode 8 brought the shocking moment fans had waited for – the reveal of the Front Man‘s real identity. Cornering the Front Man at gunpoint, Jun-ho demands he remove his mask. [2]
My jaw hit the floor when I first witnessed the Front Man unmasked as none other than Hwang In-ho – Jun-ho‘s brother! After years of searching, Jun-ho finally came face-to-face with brother, now overseer of the very games Jun-ho aimed to destroy.
This perfectly executed twist added riveting complexity. Jun-ho expected to find his brother as a hostage or prisoner. Instead, In-ho willingly helped orchestrate the slavery and mass murder of hundreds of downtrodden people needing money.
In-ho Shoots Own Brother Jun-ho to Protect Squid Game
Horrifyingly, brotherly love didn‘t prevail. Viewers hoped In-ho would show mercy and let Jun-ho escape with evidence to end Squid Game once and for all.
Instead, fully committed to preserving the games, In-ho shot Jun-ho without hesitation. Jun-ho plunged into the waters below, his ultimate fate unclear.
As a fan invested in the characters‘ stories, I found this tragic outcome devastating. It powerfully spotlighted just how much In-ho had warped into a cold, ruthless villain. Running the games now mattered more to him than family.
Squid Game Viewership Stats Show Global Resonance of Brother vs Brother Twist
The dramatic sibling showdown clearly captivated viewers worldwide. According to a CNBC article, in its first 28 days Squid Game drew a staggering 142 million global viewers – Netflix‘s biggest series launch ever.[3]
The Front Man‘s unmasking was a seminal moment in the season. In my opinion, it was masterfully built up and delivered – cementing Squid Game as a worldwide smash.
| Metric | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Global Viewers in 1st 28 Days | 142 million |
| Launch Countries | Over 90 |
| Peak Viewership Country | United States |
Squid Game viewership achievements as of November 2021 [Source: CNBC]
What Does the Future Hold for the Hwang Brothers?
Squid Game‘s creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, has confirmed a second season is in development. While details are scarce, fans speculate Gi-hun and The Front Man will return.
Will the story explore Jun-ho‘s fate after plunging into the ocean? Could he possibly have survived and return to antagonize his brother?
Personally, as a passionate gaming commentator, I‘m most excited to learn more about the complex relationship between the Hwang brothers. Even after years apart and In-ho‘s unthinkable actions, traces of brotherly bonds may yet persist.
Conclusion – A Shocking Sibling Showdown for the Ages
Squid Game delivered an utterly gripping twist by unmasking Front Man leader as Jun-ho‘s long lost brother In-ho. The tragic outcome left characters and viewers alike reeling. When season 2 returns, millions globally will tune in, waiting to see whether the Hwang‘s brotherly connection can ever be restored after such shocking betrayal.
