Squid Gameseason 2 is poised to deliver many twists and turns, butone of the most popular theories about the Netflix show’s second outing may have been debunked.Squid Gameseason 2will debut on the streamer on July 24, 2025. Judging by the trailer, it looks like it will throw Gi-hun back into the chaos of the titular tournament. It’s not clear if Gi-hun is rejoining the Squid Games by choice or by force, but afterSquid Gameseason 1’s ending, he’s determined to enact revenge on the Front Man.

One of the most prominenttheories aboutSquid Gameseason 2suggests thatGi-hun could become the new Front Man after defeating In-ho. This would put him in an interesting position ahead of the Netflix show’s third and final season. It would allow him to do away with the Games using his newfound power — or continue them after being corrupted by it. Either path would start interesting discussions about the show’s central premise. But unfortunately, the theory that Gi-hun becomes the next Front Man may have been debunked by one ofSquid Game’s stars.

The Front Man wearing his mask in Squid Game

Lee Byung-hun May Have Debunked The “Gi-hun Becomes The New Front Man” Theory

The In-ho Actor Said It’s “Far From The Actual Story”

During aNetflixQ&A, thecast ofSquid Gameaddressed fan theories about the upcoming second season — andIn-ho actor Lee Byung-hun shot down the notion that Gi-hun will take his character’s place as the Front Man. In response to the suggestion that In-ho would become one of the VIPs while Gi-hun takes over as the Front Man, the actor said, “This theory is very imaginative, but it is far from the actual story.” It’s possible Gi-hun just won’t become the Front Man in this specific manner. However, the actor’s comment doesn’t bode well for the idea overall.

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He could also be joking or intentionally misleading viewers, asit’s likely Netflix would want to keep such a major twist under wraps. Comments from promotional videos should always be taken with a grain of salt, but it’s telling that the actor denies the theory rather than just deflecting. And withSquid Gameseason 2’s trailershowing Gi-hun back in the Games, it is getting harder to see him becoming the Front Man. This could mean the actor is telling the truth, which would be disappointing for proponents of this popular Gi-hun theory.

Seong Gi-hun, aka Player 456, is in front of the masked men from Squid Game

The Netflix Series Could Go Interesting Places

Gi-hun becoming the Front Man is such a popularSquid Gametheory because it gives the show an opportunity to go in some very interesting directions. For one,Gi-hun taking over the role of Front Man would enable him to bring down the Squid Games from the inside. Since no one sees the Front Man’s face, he could disguise himself and start working against the VIPs. This would be an immensely satisfying revenge story for Gi-hun, and it’d be an effective means of dismantling the system that allows the Games to happen.

The transition could legitimately turn him into a villain, depicting how power and greed can corrupt a person over time.

Gi-Hun with dyed red hair holding a phone in Squid Game season 2

Alternatively,Squid Gamecould take a more cynical approach to Gi-hun becoming the Front Man. The transition could legitimately turn him into a villain, depicting how power and greed can corrupt a person over time. This would deliver a more pessimistic message, but it would fit with the Netflix series' themes. It would start conversations about class and power, just like season 1. And the twist of Gi-hun becoming a villain would make for an impressive and surprising follow-up.

How Gi-hun Could Still Become The New Front Man In Squid Game

It Could Happen Under Different Circumstances

Despite Lee Byung-hun’s insistence thatSquid Gameseason 2’s story will be different,Gi-hun could still become the Front Man. The cast wouldn’t give away spoilers in a promotional video for Netflix, so this Gi-hun twist could still happen in the next batch of episodes. It could also occur later in the series, with Gi-hun taking the role inSquid Gameseason 3instead. Since he’s returning to the titular tournament in the second outing, it probably makes more sense for him to become the Front Man in the final season anyway.

He could infiltrate the Games and kill the Front Man, adding layers to his revenge against theSquid Gamevillain.

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Gi-hun could also become the Front Man under different circumstances than the Netflix Q&A’s theory suggests. He could infiltrate the Games and kill the Front Man, adding layers to his revenge against theSquid Gamevillain. This scenario seems more likely, as there’s no real reason for In-ho to become one of the VIPs. The trailer confirms that Gi-hun will receive a visit from the tournament’s overseer, giving him another opportunity to enact this revenge plan. Only time will tell if Gi-hun really puts on the mask, but it’s certainly still possible.

Squid Game

Cast

Squid Game is a South Korean series released in 2021 that follows numerous financially struggling participants who are invited to partake in children’s games with deadly outcomes. As they compete, they vie for a substantial cash prize, all while navigating lethal challenges orchestrated by mysterious figures.