Alright guys, let's dive deep into the world of Squid Game and talk about Seong Gi-hun's best friend. When we think about Gi-hun, we see a guy who's down on his luck, kinda clueless, but with a good heart buried under all the gambling debts. The show really throws him into the deep end, and it's during these insane, life-or-death games that friendships are tested like never before. So, who actually stood out as Gi-hun's rock, his ride-or-die, throughout the chaos of Season 1? It’s a question that really gets you thinking about trust and loyalty when your life is literally on the line. The show masterfully builds these relationships, making us question who we can really count on when things get tough. We see Gi-hun forming bonds with various people, but one connection stands out, one that’s built on shared history and a desperate need for companionship. It’s not just about who he talks to; it’s about who he trusts implicitly, who he shares his fears and hopes with, even in the face of unimaginable horror. The narrative cleverly weaves in moments of vulnerability and shared struggle, highlighting the importance of human connection even in the most dehumanizing circumstances. This friend isn't just a sidekick; they become a crucial part of Gi-hun's journey, reflecting his own humanity and providing a mirror to his evolving character. Their interactions often serve as a brief respite from the grim reality of the games, offering moments of genuine warmth and camaraderie. But as the games progress, the pressure mounts, and the lines between friend and foe blur, forcing Gi-hun to make difficult choices that test the very fabric of these newfound bonds. The question of who is truly a friend in such a cutthroat environment becomes not just a narrative device, but a profound exploration of human nature itself.

The Unlikely Bond: Kang Sae-byeok

When we talk about Seong Gi-hun's best friend in Squid Game Season 1, the name that consistently rises to the top is Kang Sae-byeok. Now, I know what some of you might be thinking – they weren’t exactly childhood buddies or anything. And you’re right! Their friendship is forged in the crucible of the Squid Game itself. It’s not a typical friendship that develops over years of shared experiences. Instead, it’s a bond born out of necessity, mutual respect, and a shared desire to survive and get back to their families. Sae-byeok, the North Korean defector, is initially portrayed as cold, distrustful, and fiercely independent. She’s got her own mission: to win enough money to get her family out of the North. Gi-hun, on the other hand, is a chaotic, gambling-addicted father who desperately needs money for his daughter. They start off as strangers, navigating the deadly challenges with their own agendas. However, as the games progress, they find themselves on the same side, or at least, recognizing a kindred spirit in each other. Gi-hun’s innate kindness and impulsiveness often clash with Sae-byeok’s pragmatic and guarded nature. Yet, he consistently shows her compassion, even when she's being prickly. Remember when he vouched for her during the marbles game? That was a huge moment. He risked his own game, his own survival, to protect her, even though she had been deceitful in the past. This act of selfless trust is what truly cements their connection. Sae-byeok, in turn, begins to see beyond Gi-hun's flaws. She witnesses his moments of empathy, his struggle with guilt, and his genuine desire to help others, like Ali. While she might not always express it openly, her actions begin to show a growing concern for his well-being. She doesn't have anyone else in that situation, and Gi-hun, despite his own issues, offers a sliver of genuine human connection. Their alliance isn't strategic in a manipulative way; it's a partnership built on shared vulnerability and a silent understanding that they are both fighting for something bigger than themselves. The show doesn't overplay their bond with constant declarations of friendship, which makes it feel all the more real. It's in the quiet moments, the shared glances, the small acts of protection, that their friendship truly shines. They become each other's unlikely confidantes in a place designed to strip them of their humanity. Gi-hun’s decision to protect Sae-byeok, even when it meant going against the rules or his own immediate advantage, speaks volumes about the depth of his developing feelings for her. It’s a testament to his character that even in the darkest of times, he can still form genuine connections. Sae-byeok, too, finds herself looking out for Gi-hun, offering him a gruff sort of support that’s more valuable than any empty platitude. Their dynamic is a perfect example of how friendships can bloom in the most unexpected and brutal environments, proving that even in a game designed to pit everyone against each other, solidarity can emerge.

The Marbles Game: A Turning Point

One of the most pivotal moments for Gi-hun and Sae-byeok's friendship was undoubtedly the marbles game. This was the sixth game, and it’s where the true stakes of trust and betrayal were laid bare. Gi-hun was paired with Oh Il-nam, the old man he had befriended earlier. Sae-byeok, on the other hand, was paired with Abdul Ali, a kind-hearted Pakistani immigrant. The twist? They were playing against each other. Gi-hun, in his characteristic bewildered state, was struggling to come to terms with the brutality of the game. He couldn't fathom playing against someone he had come to know, even if only superficially. The real drama, however, unfolded when Gi-hun discovered that Sae-byeok had been hiding something crucial. She revealed to him that she had stolen money from one of the other players, specifically Mr. Cho Sang-woo. This was a massive revelation because Sang-woo was Gi-hun's childhood friend and the supposed 'smart one' of the group. The fact that Sae-byeok had engaged in such a dishonest act put her in a precarious position, and Gi-hun was forced to confront the reality of who he was aligning himself with. He knew Sang-woo was capable of ruthless actions, and Sae-byeok’s confession painted her in a similar light, at least in terms of her survival instincts. However, Gi-hun didn't turn his back on her. Instead, he was more concerned about her safety. He knew that if Sang-woo found out, he might retaliate. This is where Gi-hun’s inherent goodness really shone through. Despite the fact that Sae-byeok had lied to him and committed theft, he saw her desperation and her underlying reasons. He chose to protect her secret, not out of naivety, but out of a burgeoning sense of loyalty and empathy. He saw her not just as a competitor, but as another lost soul trying to survive. Sae-byeok, witnessing Gi-hun’s reaction, must have felt a profound shift in her perception of him. She was used to people exploiting her or viewing her with suspicion. Gi-hun’s willingness to forgive her dishonesty and focus on her well-being was a powerful validation of their growing bond. It was a moment where she saw that maybe, just maybe, there were still decent people in this hellhole. This act of trust from Gi-hun, despite the evidence of Sae-byeok's questionable actions, solidified their connection. It moved their relationship beyond mere convenience or alliance. They were starting to genuinely look out for each other. The tension of the marbles game itself, where players were forced to betray their partners or face elimination, perfectly amplified the significance of Gi-hun’s choice. He could have used Sae-byeok's confession against her, or simply distanced himself, but he chose solidarity. This decision paved the way for their continued reliance on each other in the subsequent games, and it truly marked Sae-byeok as Gi-hun's most trusted ally, his unofficial best friend in the deadly arena.

Gi-hun's Other Relationships

While Kang Sae-byeok arguably emerges as Gi-hun's closest confidante by the end of Squid Game Season 1, it's crucial to acknowledge the other significant relationships he navigates. These connections, though perhaps not reaching the same level of trust or intimacy, play vital roles in shaping Gi-hun's experience and revealing different facets of his character. Cho Sang-woo, his childhood friend and fellow Seoul National University alumnus, represents a complex and ultimately tragic bond. Initially, Sang-woo is the pragmatic one, the