The Twisted Backstory of Oh Il-nam: Did Squid Game Reveal It All?

Oh Il-nam’s introduction as a feeble, elderly man battling a brain tumor immediately sets him apart from the other players. While others enter the game driven by desperation, his reasons seem more personal and philosophical. Fans later realized that subtle hints—his cheerful demeanor during brutal games and his mysteriously clean record in dangerous situations—were foreshadowing his true role.

The finale unveils the shocking truth: Oh Il-nam is not just a player but the creator of the Squid Game. For years, he orchestrated these deadly competitions as a twisted form of entertainment for the ultra-wealthy. Yet, in his final days, he chose to join the game himself, seeking the thrill of competition and a reminder of his humanity.

Il-nam’s decision to participate in the game is shrouded in ambiguity. Was it genuine nostalgia for simpler times, or a calculated way to observe his creation up close? His reasoning—that the rich grow bored and seek extreme thrills—only scratches the surface of his twisted psyche.

One of the most heartbreaking moments in Squid Game is the marble game, where Il-nam feigns confusion and vulnerability to manipulate Gi-hun into sparing him. In hindsight, this scene underscores his ability to exploit others’ emotions—a skill he likely honed as the architect of the games.

Il-nam’s brain tumor adds another layer of complexity. Was it a genuine ailment that pushed him toward rediscovering life’s meaning, or yet another fabrication to enhance his deception? Fans are divided, speculating that it could have been a tactic to disarm others.

Astute viewers noticed that Il-nam’s dormitory bed was never attacked during the chaotic fight in Episode 4. This detail has sparked debates about whether he was protected by unseen guards, reinforcing the idea that the game was rigged in his favor.

Il-nam’s cheerful demeanor during the carnage, particularly during the tug-of-war game, points to a sociopathic detachment from the suffering he’s caused. He views life and death as mere elements of his “game,” reflecting his lack of empathy for the players he victimizes.

One of the series’ most intriguing dynamics is Il-nam’s bond with Seong Gi-hun. He takes a paternal interest in Gi-hun, offering advice and companionship. Fans have speculated whether Il-nam saw Gi-hun as a potential successor or simply found his childlike compassion refreshing in a ruthless competition.

Il-nam’s story raises profound ethical questions. Is his creation a reflection of human greed and desperation, or does it serve as a critique of the power imbalance in society? Fans are divided, with some seeing him as a tragic figure and others as an irredeemable villain.

Il-nam’s cheerful demeanor during the carnage, particularly during the tug-of-war game, points to a sociopathic detachment from the suffering he’s caused. He views life and death as mere elements of his “game,” reflecting his lack of empathy for the players he victimizes.

One of the series’ most intriguing dynamics is Il-nam’s bond with Seong Gi-hun. He takes a paternal interest in Gi-hun, offering advice and companionship. Fans have speculated whether Il-nam saw Gi-hun as a potential successor or simply found his childlike compassion refreshing in a ruthless competition.

Astute viewers noticed that Il-nam’s dormitory bed was never attacked during the chaotic fight in Episode 4. This detail has sparked debates about whether he was protected by unseen guards, reinforcing the idea that the game was rigged in his favor.

Il-nam’s brain tumor adds another layer of complexity. Was it a genuine ailment that pushed him toward rediscovering life’s meaning, or yet another fabrication to enhance his deception? Fans are divided, speculating that it could have been a tactic to disarm others.

One of the most heartbreaking moments in Squid Game is the marble game, where Il-nam feigns confusion and vulnerability to manipulate Gi-hun into sparing him. In hindsight, this scene underscores his ability to exploit others’ emotions—a skill he likely honed as the architect of the games.

Il-nam’s decision to participate in the game is shrouded in ambiguity. Was it genuine nostalgia for simpler times, or a calculated way to observe his creation up close? His reasoning—that the rich grow bored and seek extreme thrills—only scratches the surface of his twisted psyche.

The finale unveils the shocking truth: Oh Il-nam is not just a player but the creator of the Squid Game. For years, he orchestrated these deadly competitions as a twisted form of entertainment for the ultra-wealthy. Yet, in his final days, he chose to join the game himself, seeking the thrill of competition and a reminder of his humanity.

1. Was Gi-hun His Heir?
   Some fans theorize that Il-nam saw Gi-hun as a worthy successor to oversee the games, given his empathy and strategic mind. Others argue that Il-nam’s bond with Gi-hun was purely self-serving.

2. The Possibility of a Successor
   With Il-nam’s death, who will take over the Squid Game? Could another character from Season 1 rise to fill his role, or will an entirely new antagonist emerge?

3. A Deeper Connection to Gi-hun
   A popular theory speculates that Il-nam may have been Gi-hun’s estranged father. Their shared love for specific childhood games and subtle hints in their dialogue lend some weight to this idea.

Oh Il-nam’s character is a masterstroke of storytelling—a blend of charm, cunning, and cruelty that leaves fans questioning everything they thought they knew. While the series reveals key aspects of his backstory, it leaves enough ambiguity to keep fans speculating about his true motives and legacy.

Whether he was a bored billionaire, a manipulative sociopath, or a man seeking meaning in his final days, Il-nam’s presence casts a long shadow over Squid Game. As fans eagerly await a potential second season, one question remains: how much of the game—and its creator—have we truly seen?

Il-nam’s ultimate wager—a bet on whether someone would help a homeless man before midnight—exemplifies his cynical worldview. Even as he lay dying, he clung to his belief that human nature is inherently selfish. Gi-hun’s victory in the bet seems to challenge this belief, but the scene leaves lingering questions about Il-nam’s intentions.