From Player 001 to Mastermind: What Really Happened to the Old Man in 'Squid Game?'

The first season of Netflix’s hit show, Squid Game, was packed with interesting characters. Among them was Oh Il-nam, also known as Player 001.

Il-nam is initially presented as a frail old man with a brain tumor. Il-nam, portrayed by South Korean actor O Yeong-su, entered the competition under the guise of a terminally ill man seeking the thrill of his youth.

Throughout the series, he befriended protagonist Seong Gi-hun (Player 456), forming a fatherly bond with him.

Their relationship appeared genuine, with Il-nam showcasing vulnerability during high-stakes games such as the Tug of War and the heart-wrenching Marble Game.

In the finale, the series revealed that Il-nam orchestrated the games for his and other wealthy individuals’ entertainment. He confessed to joining the 33rd Squid Game as a player to experience the excitement of life-and-death situations firsthand before succumbing to his illness.

This revelation stunned both Gi-hun and the audience, cementing Il-nam as one of the most complex characters in the show. Now, fans of the series are curious about Il-nam’s future.

He appeared to meet a grim fate in Season 1, but some are hoping he’ll return for Season 2. Here’s what we know about him.

The intricate storytelling around Il-nam added depth to Squid Game. Even in his final moments, Il-nam left a chilling legacy, reminding Gi-hun—and viewers—of the cruel aspects of society. In the recently released second season, the narrative delves deeper into the origins and operations of the games. While Il-nam's direct involvement is limited due to his death from a brain tumor, he could make an appearance.

Season 2 of Squid Game introduces new characters and delves into the complex dynamics among the game's organizers and participants. Notably, the Front Man, portrayed by Lee Byung-hun, takes on a more prominent role, with revelations about his past and motivations adding depth to the storyline. And while it remains unclear if Il-nam will make a cameo, a younger version of the character could potentially appear in a flashback in future episodes.

Il-nam’s death from a brain tumor appeared to conclude his story, but his role as the architect of the games continues to loom large over the series. Il-nam will undoubtedly be mentioned in the series, but we will have to wait to see if the character will appear on-screen.

O Yeong-su, the 79-year-old actor known for his role as Oh Il-nam, was found guilty of sexual misconduct by a South Korean court, according to Vulture. The charges stem from a 2017 incident in which O Yeong-su was accused of inappropriately touching a woman without her consent during a theater tour.

The Seongnam Branch of the Suwon District Court sentenced him to an eight-month prison term, suspended for two years, and mandated his attendance in a 40-hour sexual violence treatment program. O Yeong-su has denied the allegations and expressed his intention to appeal the verdict.