As Gi-hun gears up for his second confrontation with the deadly games in Squid Game Season 2, he embarks on a critical mission to seek out the enigmatic Salesman, portrayed by Gong Yoo. Known for his unsettling demeanor and unpredictable cruelty, the Salesman played a pivotal role in recruiting players during the first season. Despite knowing Gi-hun would not win in their previous encounter involving a game of ddakji, he relished the opportunity to humiliate Gi-hun, further establishing his menacing presence.
In the overall hierarchy of the games, the Salesman stands out as a crucial link to the players’ recruitment process. While the Front Man and guards operate from the safety of an isolated island, the Salesman roams freely, preying on the vulnerable and destitute within society. This connection is what drives Gi-hun’s relentless pursuit; finding the Salesman can potentially unlock the path to the mastermind behind the gruesome competition.
However, the Salesman is far from helpful; instead of providing answers, he engages Gi-hun in a dangerous game of Russian Roulette, where he goes so far as to take the life of one of his own men. This chilling encounter leads us deeper into the twisted backstory of this character, revealing the depths of his insanity. Warning: spoilers ahead!
Unhinged and Dangerous: The Salesman’s Role in Season 2
Season 2 takes viewers on a disturbing journey, providing a glimpse into the Salesman’s life outside of the game. When he is not involved in recasting players, he engages in morally reprehensible activities, such as a cruel selection game he calls Bread or Lottery. In this arraignment, he presents homeless individuals with a choice between a scratch card or food, with the grim reality being that most opt for the scratch card, leaving them empty-handed and hungry. Afterward, he mockingly discards the food, literally trampling on the sustenance that could have saved them.
“I gave you a choice, and you made your choice,” he taunts, shifting the burden of guilt onto his victims. “I’m not the one who threw these away. It was you, ladies and gentlemen.”
Later in the season, the Salesman’s sinister nature is further revealed when he discovers he is being followed by two of Gi-hun’s associates. Rather than fleeing, he ties them up and forces them to partake in an absurd game combining elements of Rock, Paper, Scissors, and Russian Roulette—all with a disturbing delight.
A Shocking Revelation: The Salesman’s Family Legacy
At the climax of the first episode, Gi-hun confronts the Salesman within his own dilapidated building, escalating their tense standoff to a game of Russian Roulette. When Gi-hun accuses the Salesman of being a mere puppet of his superiors, the Salesman openly admits to deriving enjoyment from his position. He shares a harrowing tale of his past, revealing he once participated in the games himself, acting as a caretaker for the deceased players.
“I disposed of countless bodies, convincing myself they were worthless,” he confesses. “Then one day, I faced my own father, begging for his life, and I shot him without hesitation. That moment solidified my path in this world.”
As the gripping scene unfolds, Gi-hun narrowly escapes while the Salesman, defeated in their twisted encounter, takes his own life. Fans expressed their shock and awe at the dark intensity of the scene, revealing not only the depth of the Salesman’s madness but also the powerful performances that have become synonymous with the Squid Game franchise.
“This entire scene had me so transfixed, even though the outcome was obvious,” one viewer commented. Another remarked on Gong Yoo’s powerful acting, emphasizing how gripping the Russian Roulette moment was. It’s clear that Season 2 continues to push boundaries, exploring complex characters and their harrowing choices.
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