The final season of Squid Game has left fans devastated, but no death has hit harder than Player 120’s tragic end. Cho Hyun-ju was killed during episode 2’s high-risk hide-and-seek game, and viewers worldwide are expressing their heartbreak with the rallying cry: “Player 120 deserved better.”
Released on June 27, 2025, Squid Game Season 3 promised to be an emotional rollercoaster, but few expected such a beloved character to meet such an early and brutal end. Let’s explore why Hyun-ju’s death has become the most talked-about moment of the season.
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Who Was Player 120? The Heart of Squid Game
Cho Hyun-ju became the standout character of Squid Game Season 2, consistently stealing the show with her compassion, bravery, and skill. As a transgender woman facing financial hardship due to medical expenses and societal discrimination, her story resonated deeply with audiences who saw her as representation done right.
Her backstory revealed the painful reality: “Everything was fine before I told people who I really am… once I told people I wanted to live as a woman and started transitioning, everything changed. My mom cried a lot, and my father stopped talking to me. I was fired from my job and lost all my friends.”
This vulnerability, combined with her fierce protectiveness of other players, made her an instant fan favorite.
The Tragic Death: How It Happened
Hyun-ju (Player 120) died from a stab wound inflicted by Myung-gi as she tried to protect fellow contestants during the twisted hide-and-seek game in Season 3, Episode 2. The game divided players into two opposing sides, creating chaos and violence that ultimately claimed several beloved characters.
Her death wasn’t just random—it exemplified her character perfectly. Even in her final moments, Hyun-ju was protecting others, staying true to the compassionate nature that made fans love her.
Fan Reactions: A Community in Mourning
| Platform | Common Reactions | Key Sentiment |
|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | “Player 120 deserved better” trending | Anger at early death |
| Detailed analysis posts | Disappointment with writing choice | |
| TikTok | Tribute videos and edits | Celebration of character’s impact |
| Fan art and memorial posts | Love for representation | |
| YouTube | Reaction compilations | Shock and sadness |
Player 120 was described as “one of the most adored characters in the game, and her death might just be one of the saddest deaths we have seen so far in Season 3.”
Social media has been flooded with fans expressing their grief, with many feeling that the character’s early departure was a disservice to the meaningful representation she provided.
Why Her Death Feels Different
Unlike other character deaths in Squid Game, Hyun-ju’s demise feels particularly cruel because:
Representation Matters: She was one of the few positive transgender characters in mainstream media, making her loss feel personal to many viewers.
Character Development: After two seasons of growth, fans expected to see more of her story, not an abrupt ending.
Protective Nature: Her alliance with Gi-hun’s team and participation in the revolt showed her evolution from survivor to leader.
Timing: Dying in Episode 2 of the final season felt rushed and unsatisfying to many fans.
The Broader Impact on Season 3
The Netflix hit has been described as “an endless parade of loss,” but Hyun-ju’s murder stands out as “particularly tragic.” Her death sets a brutal tone for the final season, signaling that no character—no matter how beloved—is safe.
This creative choice has divided the fanbase. Some argue it’s realistic to the show’s theme of arbitrary violence, while others feel it wastes the potential of a groundbreaking character.
What Made Player 120 Special
Hyun-ju represented more than just good representation—she embodied hope within Squid Game’s nihilistic world. Her story showed resilience in the face of discrimination, and her protective instincts toward other marginalized players made her a natural leader.
Key Character Traits:
- Compassionate: Always looked out for vulnerable players
- Brave: Stood up to threats despite personal risk
- Skilled: Excelled in games requiring strategy and teamwork
- Authentic: Never hid who she was, even in dangerous situations
The Legacy Continues
While Player 120’s death has left fans heartbroken, her impact on the series and its representation cannot be understated. She proved that LGBTQ+ characters could be integral to mainstream narratives without being defined solely by their identity or trauma.
Fans have declared they “will never forgive Netflix” for the brutal death, but perhaps that’s exactly the emotional response the creators intended. In death, Hyun-ju has become more than a character—she’s become a symbol of what representation can achieve.
Moving Forward: Honoring Her Memory
As Squid Game Season 3 continues, fans are left to process this loss while hoping the remaining episodes honor Hyun-ju’s memory. Her death may have been early, but her influence on the show’s legacy will endure.
For more Squid Game analysis and K-drama reviews, check out our Korean entertainment coverage and streaming show rankings.
The phrase “Player 120 deserved better” has become more than just fan disappointment—it’s a testament to how much this character meant to viewers worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Could Player 120 somehow return in future episodes of Season 3?
A: Unfortunately, Cho Hyun-ju’s death appears to be final based on the circumstances shown in Episode 2. The stab wound from Myung-gi was fatal, and there are no indications in the show’s format that dead players can return. However, she may appear in flashbacks or influence other characters’ decisions throughout the remaining episodes.
Q: Why did the creators choose to kill off such a popular character so early?
A: While the creators haven’t explicitly stated their reasoning, Squid Game has always been about the arbitrary nature of violence and death. Killing beloved characters serves the show’s themes about inequality and the disposability of marginalized people in society. However, many fans feel this particular death was poorly timed and wasted the character’s potential for meaningful story development.
