Upamanyu Biswas
While the overarching narrative of ‘Squid Game‘ is centered around Seong Gi-Hun and The Front Man, season 3 also provides a resolution to other storylines and characters, including the participants from the games. One such individual is Im Jeong-dae (Player 100), a senior citizen whose 10 billion won debt compels him to participate in the twisted competition, hoping that he wins enough to pay back what he owes. Despite not possessing any real talents, Jeong-Dae manages to stand out as a ruthless competitor because of his self-centered approach and desire to win at all costs. To that end, his greediness serves him well throughout the narrative, helping him pass several rounds. However, as we enter the final with only a few contestants remaining, Jeong-Dae faces a stiff survival test that leaves his fate hanging in the balance. SPOILERS AHEAD.
The Old Man is Killed in the Final Game
In the last stage, the few remaining contestants have to climb atop three pillars carved out in the shapes of a circle, triangle, and square – the symbol of ‘Squid Game.’ Once they mount the platforms, they are tasked with eliminating three players from within the group, which is the primary objective of the round. As such, the majority decides to vote against Seong Gi-Hun and the baby as they see him as a troublemaker and the one protecting Jun-Hee’s baby (Player 222), whom they resent. Jeong-Dae leads the conspiracy against Seong Gi-Hun, using his influence to convince the others. He tells them that by killing Gi-Hun and the baby, they can easily get rid of two of the required three. However, this desire to eliminate Gi-Hun eventually backfires as one of Jeong-Dae’s group members, Myung-Gi, betrays them all and kills the old man by throwing him off the pillar.
Myung-Gi’s reasons for killing Jeong-Dae are mainly revealed to be monetary, as he tells him that by getting rid of him, they are increasing their prize pool by a significant amount. This new strategy takes Jeong-Dae entirely by surprise as he expects that he will survive as one of the winners no matter the cost. Time and again, he showcases a ruthless and selfish edge when his own survival enters the equation, which he believes is his best way to get his hands on the money. Therefore, he is startled at the fact that the odds turn so quickly against him in the final round, which he entered fully believing that he would survive. In fact, he also instilled this resolute stance in the others, encouraging them to eliminate Gi-Hun, the baby, and Min-Su as part of their final task.
Initially, Myung-Gi joins Jeong-Dae’s group, promising to uphold the bargain of killing Gi-Hun, the baby, and Min-Su. However, when the games kick off, Myung-Gi starts to take over proceedings by suggesting innovative ways to eliminate certain finalists so that they can proceed to the next rounds. He even saves Gi-Hun’s life on the first pillar by killing Min-Su in his stead. This appeases the others from having to take any drastic steps just yet. To that end, the bulk of the conflict takes place on the second pillar, as Myung-Gi shifts allegiances and stands alongside Gi-Hun in taking down the others. They are both successful in their task, leaving only Jeong-Dae as the last conspirator. With no one left to protect him, Jeong-Dae pleads his case to Myung-Gi. However, the latter ignores the begging and shoves the old man to his grave.
The Old Man Faces the Consequences of His Own Choices
One of the intriguing aspects of ‘Squid Game’ is how it tries to tie its moral and ethical devices from the various games with the players competing within them. This is particularly true in the case of Jeong-Dae, whose approach revolves around only looking after himself. While this mindset has its benefits, as illustrated by the fact that he survives several rounds, it leaves one open to the same approach being taken towards them. As others lose their lives around him, Jeong-Dae tries to make the most of his situation to not only survive but also lead others to their death. For instance, during the hide-and-seek game, he avails the help of another blue team member to unlock the various rooms of the maze. However, when it suits him, he betrays the man and lets a member of the red team kill him.
In the same game, Jeong-Dae also betrays another integral character, Seon-Nyeo, the self-proclaimed shaman who shows him the exit door out of the maze. Rather than thanking her and working with her to escape the labyrinth together, Jeong-Dae uses her to his advantage, locating the exit door before double-crossing her by locking her out of the exit. This eventually leads to her demise at the hands of Min-Su, showcasing how Jeong-Dae’s actions have far-reaching life-and-death consequences for those in the game. Furthermore, he feels no regret over causing people to die, seeing it as a necessary part of increasing the final prize pool awaiting the winner. Thus, there is a sense of cyclical justice when Jeong-Dae is killed by Myung-Gi for the same reason the former kills so many others: greed.
Read More: Does the Shaman (Player 044) Die in Squid Game Season 3?
