Long-time Squid Game star Lee Jung-jae, who played Gi-hun, reacts to his character's fate after the shocking and divisive season 3 series finale.

“If Gi-hun doesn’t go through with it — which is what happens — the Front Man will feel a sense of defeat. He would also feel a form of self-reproach, or even envy,” Lee continued. “ But the deepest part of him wanted to see Gi-hun not give in and continue to hold onto hope for the world and for humanity .” In short: he wanted Gi-hun to win.

This article contains major spoilers from the “Squid Game” series finale, now streaming on Netflix. Lee Jung-jae’s Seong Gi-hun has always been the beating heart of “Squid Game,” and his ultimate sacrifice allows the dour finale to have a flash of humanity shine through.