Warning: Spoilers for Squid Game season 2, episode 1.
Squid Game season 2, episode 1 dives deep into the mysterious Salesman, played by Gong Yoo. Fans of the first season will remember him as the man who offered people a chance to play Ddakji for money.
Though his role was small in season 1, Gong Yoo’s character stole the spotlight. Now, in season 2, his backstory is fully explored, shedding light on his twisted journey.
From Low-Level Guard to Recruiter
The episode reveals that the Salesman started as a low-level masked guard. His job was to burn the bodies of eliminated players.
However, his dedication to the games eventually earned him a promotion. He rose through the ranks to become a recruiter, responsible for finding new players to join the deadly competition.
A Shocking Family Twist
One of the most shocking revelations is that the Salesman was forced to kill his own father during one of the games. When he was given a gun, he was tasked with eliminating a player.
To his horror, the person he was supposed to kill was his father. Despite this, the Salesman showed no remorse and carried out the task without hesitation. This moment marked his complete commitment to the games.
A Cold Perspective on Life
The Salesman’s outlook on life is chilling. He believes that miserable, desperate people are like trash and should be eliminated. He justifies his actions by seeing the players as people who have nothing left to live for.
He even offers homeless people a choice between bread or a lottery ticket, believing that their decision shows they are willing to gamble with their lives.
A Life Devoted to the Games
Gong Yoo’s character has dedicated most of his life to the Squid Games. Raised within this cruel system, he found purpose and validation in his role.
The Salesman’s unwavering loyalty to the games is clear, as he is willing to die for them. This dedication makes him a perfect fit for the recruiter role, where he continues to play deadly games with no hesitation.
In season 2, episode 1, the Salesman’s backstory becomes a key part of the story, revealing the dark forces behind the Squid Games.
Gong Yoo’s performance and the character’s twisted journey make him one of the most compelling figures in the series.