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Sae-byeok’s Fate: 5 Shocking Reasons Why Player 067’s Return In Squid Game Season 2 Is Still Possible

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The question of whether Kang Sae-byeok (Player 067) is alive for Squid Game Season 2 remains one of the most hotly debated and persistent mysteries among fans, even years after the Season 1 finale. As of December 20, 2025, the official, heartbreaking answer is no: the beloved North Korean defector tragically died in the final moments of the first season, a victim of the brutal Cho Sang-woo (Player 218) and the merciless nature of the games. However, the immense popularity of the character and the actress, Jung Ho-yeon, has fueled a relentless wave of theories and rumors, including one jokingly suggested by the series creator himself, that keep the hope for her return burning bright.

While the confirmed cast list for the highly anticipated second season does not include Jung Ho-yeon, the depth of the character's story and the show's potential for non-linear storytelling mean that a return, in some form, is not entirely out of the question. Fans are desperate to see the character’s arc—which centered on reuniting with her younger brother—get a proper conclusion. We dive deep into the official plot points, the confirmed cast, and the most compelling fan theories that suggest a shocking twist could bring Sae-byeok back to the screen.

Jung Ho-yeon: The Actress Behind Player 067’s Global Phenomenon

Before diving into Sae-byeok’s fate, it is crucial to understand the global star who brought the character to life. Jung Ho-yeon, a world-renowned model, made her acting debut in Squid Game, catapulting her to international fame and establishing her as a formidable talent in the entertainment industry. Her compelling portrayal of the stoic and resilient North Korean defector earned her a Screen Actors Guild Award, making her the first Asian actress to win the award in a solo performance category.

Jung Ho-yeon Biography Profile

  • Full Name: Jung Ho-yeon (정호연)
  • Born: June 23, 1994
  • Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
  • Career: Fashion Model and Actress
  • Debut: Began modeling career as a freelance model in 2010.
  • Breakthrough Role: Kang Sae-byeok (Player 067) in Squid Game (2021).
  • Height: 176 cm (5 ft 9 in)
  • Awards: Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series (2022).

The Definitive Answer: How Kang Sae-byeok Died in Season 1

To address the "is Sae-byeok alive" question directly, it is necessary to revisit the brutal conclusion of the Glass Bridge game and the subsequent events in the players’ dormitory.

The Fatal Sequence of Events

Kang Sae-byeok was one of the final three players remaining alongside Seong Gi-hun (Player 456) and Cho Sang-woo (Player 218).

  • Injury from the Glass Bridge: During the Glass Bridge game, when the final pane exploded, a large shard of glass lodged itself into Sae-byeok’s abdomen.
  • The Plea for Help: Back in the dormitory, Sae-byeok was severely weakened and bleeding out. Gi-hun noticed her critical condition and desperately tried to get the attention of the guards for medical assistance, believing the rules of the game required medical intervention for non-game-related injuries.
  • Sang-woo’s Betrayal: While Gi-hun was pleading at the door, Cho Sang-woo, driven by his singular focus on winning the 45.6 billion won prize and seeing Sae-byeok as a threat, seized the opportunity. He brutally stabbed the already injured Sae-byeok in the neck, killing her instantly.

Her death was a definitive on-screen event, carried out by one of the final players. The body of Player 067 was later removed by the masked guards, confirming her permanent elimination from the game and the series' narrative.

5 Compelling Reasons Why Sae-byeok’s Return is Still a Hot Topic

Despite the definitive nature of her death, the possibility of Jung Ho-yeon returning to Squid Game Season 2 is still widely discussed. These fan theories and creator comments are the main drivers of the ongoing speculation.

1. The "Twin Sister" Theory (A Creator’s Joke)

The most popular and persistent rumor stems from an interview where series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk jokingly suggested a way to bring Jung Ho-yeon back. He quipped that perhaps Sae-byeok has a twin sister, a character who could be introduced in Season 2. While the director later clarified that this was a joke and an example of how he could theoretically bring back a popular actor, the idea of a twin—a new character with a familiar face—has taken root among fans as a plausible, albeit dramatic, plot device.

2. Flashbacks and Non-Linear Storytelling

The most realistic way for Sae-byeok to appear in Season 2 is through flashbacks. The new season is confirmed to focus on Seong Gi-hun's mission to take down the organization behind the games, and this quest for justice could easily involve him recalling his most traumatic memories. Sae-byeok was the person Gi-hun was closest to in the final stages of the competition, and her death—along with the deaths of Ali and the others—is a primary motivator for his return. Flashback scenes could be used to deepen Gi-hun’s emotional state or reveal more about Sae-byeok's past as a North Korean defector.

3. The Need for a New "Sae-byeok-like" Character

The character of Sae-byeok resonated deeply with the audience due to her tragic backstory, her quiet strength, and her ultimate goal of saving her family, specifically her younger brother. The emotional void left by her absence may necessitate a new character who embodies similar themes of resilience and desperation. Some speculation suggests that a new player, or an ally to Gi-hun, might be introduced to mirror Sae-byeok's qualities, potentially even played by a different actress who shares a similar screen presence.

4. The Confirmed Returning Cast Focuses on the Front Man’s World

The confirmed returning cast for Squid Game Season 2 includes Lee Jung-jae (Seong Gi-hun), Lee Byung-hun (The Front Man/Hwang In-ho), Wi Ha-jun (Hwang Jun-ho, the detective), and Gong Yoo (the Salesman). This lineup indicates that the main focus of the new season will be Gi-hun's conflict with the organization, the backstory of the Front Man and his brother, and the inner workings of the game itself. The lack of Sae-byeok in this core group strongly suggests the narrative has moved past her story, focusing on the antagonists and the protagonist’s new mission.

5. The Unfinished Story of Her Younger Brother

Sae-byeok’s driving force for entering the game was to earn enough money to get her mother out of North Korea and ensure a stable life for her younger brother, Kang Cheol. While Gi-hun ultimately wins the money, one of his final acts is to ensure Cheol is taken care of. Sae-byeok’s story is not fully resolved until her brother’s fate is secure. Season 2 could feature Kang Cheol as a minor character, perhaps a source of information for Gi-hun or a constant reminder of the lives lost, thereby keeping Sae-byeok’s memory and influence alive.

In conclusion, while the character Kang Sae-byeok is definitively deceased, the global love for Jung Ho-yeon and the emotional weight of Player 067's tragic arc ensure that she will remain a crucial part of the Squid Game legacy. Her presence in Season 2 will most likely be felt through Gi-hun’s flashbacks and his continued commitment to the promise he made to her, rather than a miraculous resurrection.

is sae byeok alive in season 2
is sae byeok alive in season 2

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