Squid Game has captivated audiences worldwide with its intense survival game narrative and complex characters. Among the myriad fan theories circulating online, one particularly intriguing idea suggests a familial link between two pivotal characters: the Front Man and Oh Il-nam a.k.a. Player 001.
Why the Internet Believes the Front Man Is Actually the Son of Oh Il-Nam in "Squid Game"
Squid Game is back in the spotlight with season two, and so are the mind-blowing fan theories. The latest one making waves is a Reddit thread that's sparking debate over the real relationship between the Front Man/Hwang In-ho (played by Lee Byung Hun) and Oh Il-nam (O Yeong Su), the original Player 001 and the secret mastermind behind the games.
One of the viral threads, posted by user sarahcuckabee in the r/SquidGame subreddit, lays out a detailed case that connects these two key characters in ways we can’t unsee. Basically, the theory claims that the Front Man isn’t just a former player turned game enforcer—he’s Oh Il-nam’s actual son. And here’s why Reddit thinks so:
Player 001
Both characters are linked to the number 001. In season one, Oh Il-nam entered the games as Player 001. In season two, the Front Man infiltrates the games under the alias “Oh Young-il” (also as Player 001). Fans believe this recurring number is more than a coincidence—it's a breadcrumb dropped by the show.
What’s in a Name?
Redditors have pointed out that “Il-nam” and “Young-il” sound suspiciously similar. It’s almost as if the writers wanted us to connect the dots. Another coincidence? The thread doesn’t think so.
The Milk Theory
This is where things get really wild. Remember in season one when Gi-hun refuses milk, saying he’s lactose intolerant? Oh Il-nam’s response was “You’re just like my son.” Fast forward to season two, and the Front Man (acting as Player 001) offers his milk to the pregnant player, Kim Jun-hee. He says it's because he “can’t drink regular milk.” Fans in the thread are convinced this shared detail isn’t random—it’s genetic.
Reddit isn’t alone in this theory—fans across social media are buzzing about the possibility. TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook have picked up on the conversation, with users dissecting every scene for additional clues. However, it's important to note that none of this has been confirmed by Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk (or at least not yet). We might have to wait for season three to finally get the answers we need!
Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!
