Warning: This article includes SPOILERS for Squid Game season 3!
After Dae-ho defected from the rebellion at the end of season 2, <em>Squid Game</em> season 3 provides a deep dive into his character, revealing a truth that is as heartbreaking as many viewers anticipated. Netflix has released the final season of this gripping Korean dystopian horror series, which is filled with numerous devastating twists. While unexpected moments, such as a newborn baby triumphing in Squid Game, took fans by surprise, other developments were painfully predictable, leading to an emotional rollercoaster for the audience.
One of the most notable revelations pertains to the character Dae-ho, who played a crucial role in the events of seasons 2 and 3. The previous season concluded with Gi-hun spearheading a rebellion against the pink soldiers, during which Dae-ho was tasked with retrieving extra ammunition from the dormitory but failed to return. This cliffhanger left fans speculating about Dae-ho‘s true intentions and circumstances. Unfortunately, the reality was just as tragic as many had feared.
The Unveiling of Dae-ho’s Deception: He Was Never a Marine
Unmasking Dae-ho: The Truth Behind His Faked Marine Background in Squid Game
Dae-ho exhibited an alarming eagerness to present himself as a former Marine during his participation in the games, resembling more of a child engaging in fantasy play than a seasoned veteran. When confronted with high-pressure situations at the end of Squid Game season 2, his reactions starkly deviated from what one would expect from someone claiming military experience. If this had been the only anomaly, it might have been justifiable as potential PTSD from combat experiences. However, he also displayed a shocking ignorance of basic firearm handling, including how to load and hold a weapon, which further called into question his fabricated identity.

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After his rebellion against the games failed at the end of season 2, I was not prepared for Gi-hun‘s shockingly dark turn in Squid Game season 3.
This moment led most fans, including myself, to correctly guess that Dae-ho had never actually served in the Marines, a revelation that was confirmed during the Squid Game season 3 episode titled “The Starry Night.” Gi-hun made the pivotal decision not to switch to the key, allowing him the chance to confront and eliminate Dae-ho for his treachery. Ultimately, when cornered and pleading for his life, Dae-ho confessed the truth to Gi-hun. However, when he realized that this revelation held no significance for Gi-hun, he quickly attempted to redirect blame onto the rebellion’s leader for the tragic outcome.
Exploring Dae-ho’s Heartbreaking Backstory: A Tragic Fate in Squid Game
Dae-ho’s Yearning for Friendship with Gi-hun & Jung-bae: A Tragic Twist
Throughout the series, every contestant’s demise in Squid Game is portrayed with profound tragedy, demonstrating the harsh realities of survival in a ruthless competition. While I may detest the actions of Player 100 and Player 044, it remains clear that even the most despicable characters are subjected to the brutal pressures of late-stage capitalism. However, Dae-ho‘s backstory, unveiled in season 3, intensifies the tragedy of his death because he was killed by the one person he admired the most. Rather than fabricating his military service to enhance his image, Dae-ho viewed himself as a failure and earnestly desired to forge friendships with Gi-hun and Jung-bae. Tragically, the very lie he believed would facilitate those connections ultimately led to his demise.
It is important to clarify that I do not condone the act of stolen valor. Dae-ho was unequivocally wrong for deceiving others and perpetuating a false narrative that endangered lives. Nevertheless, there is a slight sense of empathy and compassion for him, as many individuals can likely relate to the overwhelming desire to belong and connect with those they admire.
Although Squid Game season 3 clarifies Dae-ho‘s deceptive claim, it leaves unanswered the question of why he possessed a marine tattoo.
Examining Dae-ho’s Role: Was He Truly Responsible for the Rebellion’s Outcome?
The Truth: No One Was Solely Responsible for the Rebellion’s Failure
While it may be tempting to point fingers at Dae-ho for the events that transpired during the rebellion, I believe that no participant truly deserves blame for the tragic outcome. The odds of surviving the assault were exceptionally low, even with the additional ammunition; their chances of success were nearly non-existent when a small group of approximately 12 rebels, lacking extensive weapon training, faced off against hundreds of pink soldiers, all of whom were well-versed in combat.
The group of rebels seemed to recognize that they probably wouldn’t win, but they didn’t want to go down without a fight.
In reality, only Jung-bae and Hyun-ji possessed any combat experience, and even that may not have been sufficient to overcome the overwhelming numbers of the pink soldiers. The impact of Dae-ho‘s deception did not ultimately alter the outcome of the rebellion.

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Moreover, the rebels found themselves at a significant disadvantage due to the pink soldiers’ superior knowledge of the building’s layout, coupled with their access to advanced security systems. It is evident that the members of Gi-hun‘s team were not oblivious to the slim chances of success; they understood that their prospects were bleak. However, they were determined to stand and fight for their lives. The feelings of betrayal experienced by Gi-hun and Hyun-ju in Squid Game season 3 are entirely justified, as they believed that all rebels had agreed to unite, while Dae-ho ultimately retreated. In a dire situation such as this, it is only natural for him to become an easy target for blame.

Squid Game
- Release Date
- 2021 – 2025-00-00
- Network
- Netflix
- Showrunner
- Hwang Dong-hyuk
- Directors
- Hwang Dong-hyuk
- Writers
- Hwang Dong-hyuk
Lee Jung-jae
Seong Gi-hun / ‘No. 456’
Jeon Young-soo
Game Guide