The tournament begins with , where players who move after the "Red Light" command are immediately executed by snipers. Following a massacre, the survivors use a clause in their contract to vote and end the games, returning to their desperate lives. However, realizing that their reality is just as hellish as the game, Gi-hun and many others eventually choose to return for the massive prize money. As the games progress, Gi-hun forms an alliance with:
: A migrant worker seeking a better life for his family. Key Game Turning Points Squid Game - Season 1
: A North Korean defector trying to reunite her family. The tournament begins with , where players who