Squid Game Creator Discusses Inspiration Behind Gi-hun’s Distinctive Red Hair

One of the most pressing inquiries regarding Season 2 of Squid Game is the significance of Gi-hun’s striking red hair. While its meaning has been hinted at, the official inspiration behind this choice has now been unveiled.

In the concluding scenes of Squid Game Season 1, viewers see Gi-hun at the airport after receiving yet another ddakji (the recruiting card) from the individual who initially enlisted him for the games. This time, however, he’s flaunting his now-iconic red locks.

Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator of the series, revealed that this bold hair color drew inspiration from an unexpected source. “The red hair of Seong Gi-hun at the end of Season 1 was influenced by my favorite comic book, Slam Dunk,” he disclosed during a press conference at Lucca Comics.

He went on to explain, “Although I’m unsure of the character’s Japanese name, he sports red hair, which sparked my idea. This color symbolizes that Gi-hun is no longer ‘normal.’ After enduring those brutal games and suffering significant loss, he attempts to return to a typical life but finds it impossible. Thus, his red hair represents his divergence from normality.”

The director previously addressed Gi-hun’s hair transformation back in 2021. In a conversation with Zapzee, he explained: “I came up with this idea instinctively… imagining how Gi-hun would choose to change his hairstyle at a salon. I put myself in his shoes and thought, ‘What color would he never choose to dye his hair?’

“Ultimately, I concluded that Gi-hun would never opt for red; that would be the most outrageous decision for him. This choice vividly reflects his inner turmoil and anger.”

Despite this, early promotional teasers for Squid Game Season 2 suggest that Gi-hun’s hairstyle may revert as the series advances.

While the specific timing of this change remains uncertain, as he prepares to infiltrate the games arena from within, we can expect clarity on this matter soon.

Squid Game Season 2 is set to premiere on the streaming platform on December 26. In the meantime, explore why David Fincher should complete Mindhunter before embarking on Squid Game: America, as well as recommendations for shows similar to Squid Game: The Challenge.

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Images Credit: Dexerto.com