The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Squid Game theory claims old man and G-hun have surprising link away from deadly tournament
The evidence is very compelling
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Squid Game theory is doing the rounds – and it will make you want to re-watch the show.
The Korean-language series follows a group of destitute people who participate in challenges for a big cash prize. However, if they lose, they are killed.
It has become the streaming service’s most successful show, with 111m households tuning in since its release on 17 September.
This makes it Netflix’s most-watched series launch ever, beating period drama Bridgerton, which was watched by 82m households in its first 28 days.
Fans have been feverishly poring over every scene for details they might have missed the first time around – one of which, featured in the first episode, teases the show’s final twist.
Spoilers for the Squid Game finale follow, so beware!
But, a fun theory is suggesting that Oh Il-nam, also known as “the old man”, has a close link to the tournament’s eventual winner, Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae).
The theory goes that the pair are father and son, with one TikTok video highlighting key evidence in the form of the scene in which Gi-hun asks for chocolate milk as he’s unable to drink regular milk due to an inability to digest it properly.
“As a kid, I’m willing to bet you got spanked a lot,” Il-nam says to Gi-hun, who replies: “How did you know?’
Here, Il-nam cryptically states: “My son did too. He was just like you, friend.”
It’s also revealed that they lived in a similar place during the marble challenge, when Il-nam says: “You know, when I was a kid, I lived in a neighbourhood just like this.”
Gi-hun tells him he did too, adding: “And you know something? Our alleyway looked very similar.”
It’s revealed that Il-nam has a special interest in Gi-hun due to the kindness he shows him, but perhaps it’s because he knows of their relation.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
One of Squid Game’s stars has shocked his Instagram followers with a post following the show’s huge success.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments