Remember Kang Sae-byeok, the fierce pickpocket player 067? The one who fought so desperately to get her family back? Her entire tragic story revolved around one singular, powerful goal: reuniting with her little brother. That brother is Cheol. And if you’re wondering who is Cheol in Squid Game 3, you’re asking the right question, but perhaps not for the reasons you think. Forget theories of a vengeful brother entering the games. The truth is far more poignant. Cheol isn’t a new villain; he is the living, breathing resolution to one of the series’ most heart-wrenching stories—a symbol of the hope that persists even after unimaginable tragedy.
His presence in the upcoming season is less about introducing a new player and more about honoring an old one. It’s the final, emotional chapter of Sae-byeok’s legacy, a storyline that promises to close a loop of pain with a much-needed dose of humanity. Let’s pull back the curtain on this crucial character and explore what his role truly means for the future of Squid Game.
Cheol’s Backstory: The Foundation of a Sister’s Sacrifice
To truly understand Cheol, we have to rewind to Season 1. He is the entire reason Sae-byeok, a North Korean defector, risked her life in the deadly games. Their backstory is one of shattered family and desperate hope.
- A Family Torn Apart: Sae-byeok and Cheol’s family attempted a dangerous defection from North Korea. During the escape, their mother was lost, and their father was killed, leaving Sae-byeok as Cheol’s sole protector and guardian.
- Life in an Orphanage: After successfully getting to South Korea, the siblings were separated. Young Cheol was placed in an orphanage, while Sae-byeok was sent to a detention center. Her entire driving force became earning enough money to get them both out and secure a safe, normal life.
- The Ultimate Motivation: Every decision Sae-byeok made within the Squid Game arena was calculated for survival to save Cheol. Her alliance with Gi-hun, her stealth, and her determination were all fueled by the image of her little brother waiting for her. Her tragic death before the final game made her mission feel heartbreakingly unfinished.
Cheol, though not physically present for most of Season 1, was arguably one of the most important characters. He was the invisible anchor of Sae-byeok’s narrative, the symbol of everything pure and worth fighting for in a world of grotesque greed.
Why Cheol’s Season 3 Role is About Resolution, Not Revenge
So, what happens now? The natural assumption for a blockbuster show is to escalate—to introduce a darker, more vengeful plot. Many fans theorized an older, angry Cheol would discover the truth about his sister’s death and seek to infiltrate or destroy the games from within. However, this would fundamentally misunderstand the core of his character.
The context provided makes it clear: Cheol’s role is an emotional throughline. His Season 3 presence is designed to resolve and honor Sae-byeok’s original storyline, not to twist it into something new and antagonistic.
Think of it this way: Sae-byeok’s story was a beautiful, unfinished symphony. Cheol’s arc in Season 3 is the final, resolving chord. It provides the closure that both the character and the audience desperately need. It’s about showing that her sacrifice was not in vain. The money she won, which was eventually passed to Gi-hun, has the power to change Cheol’s life, finally fulfilling Sae-byeok’s dying wish.
This approach is narratively richer and more mature than a simple revenge tale. It reinforces the show’s central themes of economic desperation and the bonds of family, contrasting them against the grotesque spectacle of the games.
The Emotional Weight: Cheol as a Symbol of Innocence and Future
Cheol represents what all the players are ultimately fighting for: a chance at a better future, a return to innocence, and the well-being of loved ones. He is the embodiment of the “life outside” that the games corrupt and destroy.
- The Innocent Bystander: He is pure, untouched by the horror and greed of the games. His storyline allows the show to explore the aftermath of the games on the world beyond the arena—on the families left behind.
- Gi-hun’s Moral Compass: We left Gi-hun at the end of Season 1 as a broken, rage-filled man, determined to burn the system down. Discovering and caring for Cheol could be the thing that grounds him. It would give him a tangible, positive mission—to protect Sae-byeok’s legacy—rather than just a destructive one. It connects him back to the humanity he almost lost.
- Honoring Sae-byeok: By ensuring Cheol is safe, loved, and provided for, the narrative pays the highest respect to Player 067. It validates her struggle and makes her death meaningful beyond the bloody confines of the game.
His character allows the show to have heart amidst the horror. He is the reminder of what’s at stake, making the villainy of the Front Man and the VIPs feel even more monstrous.
Predicting the Narrative: How Cheol’s Story Might Unfold
While we can’t know for sure, we can make some educated guesses based on narrative logic and character development.
- Gi-hun’s First Mission: Before he can take on the entire organization, Gi-hun’s first and most important task will be to find Cheol. Using the resources from his winnings, he will track down the boy in the orphanage.
- A Guardian Role: Gi-hun will likely assume a guardian or father-figure role for Cheol. This would be a beautiful full-circle moment, redeeming his own failings as a father to his daughter and allowing him to honor his fallen friend’s last wish.
- The Catalyst for Action: Knowing that Cheol—and thousands of children like him—are vulnerable to the same systemic forces that drove him and Sae-byeok into the games could fuel Gi-hun’s resolve. He’s not just fighting for revenge; he’s fighting to create a safer world for the next generation.
Cheol’s storyline won’t be a subplot; it will be the emotional core that gives Gi-hun’s larger mission its weight and meaning.
Beyond the Theory: Why This Approach is a Masterstroke
Making Cheol a central figure of hope instead of a weapon of vengeance is a brilliant writing decision for several reasons:
- It Subverts Expectations: In an age of predictable sequels, this choice is surprising and refreshing. It avoids the tired trope of “the brother seeks revenge.”
- It Strengthens Season 1: Instead of overwriting Season 1’s themes, it reinforces and deepens them. It makes Sae-byeok’s story even more powerful in retrospect.
- It Prioritizes Emotion Over Spectacle: Squid Game became a phenomenon not just because of its violence, but because of its heart. Focusing on Cheol doubles down on what made the show connect with millions globally.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Player 067 Lives On
So, who is Cheol in Squid Game 3? He is not a player. He is not an antagonist. He is the promise kept. He is the light that Sae-byeok fought for, finally shining through. His character ensures that the conversation around Season 3 isn’t just about bigger games and higher stakes, but about consequence, humanity, and the enduring power of family.
His story is the necessary balm to the show’s brutality, a reminder that even in its darkest corners, Squid Game is ultimately about what we value most: each other.
Your Next Steps:
- Re-watch Season 1 with a focus on Sae-byeok’s scenes—Cheol’s importance becomes even clearer.
- Share your thoughts below! Do you think Cheol will play a different role? How do you hope Gi-hun honors Sae-byeok’s memory?
- Stay tuned for more deep dives into the characters and theories of Squid Game Season 3!
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FAQs
Is Cheol going to be a player in Squid Game Season 3?
It is highly unlikely. Narratively, his purpose is to serve as the emotional resolution to his sister Sae-byeok’s story, not to become a new contestant. His role is symbolic of hope and family outside the games.
How old is Cheol in Squid Game?
In Season 1, Cheol is depicted as a young child, likely between 8 and 10 years old. By the time of Season 3, which will take place after the events of Season 1 and the upcoming Season 2, he will be a few years older.
What happened to Cheol after Sae-byeok died?
The show hasn’t revealed this yet. The prevailing assumption is that he remained in the orphanage in South Korea, unaware of his sister’s fate or the Squid Game. Finding him will likely be one of Gi-hun’s first missions.
Could Cheol become evil and seek revenge?
While a popular fan theory, the provided context suggests this is not the direction the writers are taking. His character is framed as a symbol of hope and innocence, making a dark turn toward vengeance unlikely and thematically inconsistent.
Who is taking care of Cheol?
As of the end of Season 1, he is presumably still under the care of the state in the orphanage where Sae-byeok knew he was living.
Why is Cheol so important to the story?
He is the entire motivation behind Sae-byeok’s participation in the games. His well-being represents the ultimate goal for many players: using the prize money to save and provide for their families, making him a powerful symbol of the human cost of the games.
Will Gi-hun find Cheol in Season 3?
This is one of the most anticipated storylines. It is overwhelmingly likely that Gi-hun will find Cheol and use Sae-byeok’s share of the winnings to care for him, finally fulfilling her dying wish and giving her story a proper conclusion.
