Kang Sae-byeok to Seong Gi-hun-8 most heroic Netflix's HIT show Squid Game characters
Squid Game is a brutal test of survival, pushing its contestants to their limits in a deadly battle for fortune. This Netflix series, first released in 2021, has captivated audiences with its high-stakes drama and intense psychological battles. With one season consisting of nine episodes and a second season with seven episodes, Squid Game continues to explore themes of desperation, morality, and survival. Some characters display exceptional courage, whether through self-sacrifice, rebellion, or sheer determination to survive. Here’s a ranking of the eight bravest characters who stood out for their fearless acts in the series.

8. Thanos—Reckless Yet Fearless
Debut: Season 2, Episode 3 (001)
Thanos, a rapper known for his drug-fueled antics, exuded a sense of misplaced bravery. While his courage may have stemmed from substance-induced recklessness rather than genuine heroism, he still played the deadly games without hesitation. His overconfidence ultimately led to his downfall, but his bold presence made him one of Season 2’s most unforgettable contestants.

7. Kim Jun-hee — A Mother’s Unwavering Strength
Debut: Season 2, Episode 1 (Bread and Lottery)
Competing in Squid Game is terrifying enough, but Kim Jun-hee entered the arena while pregnant. Driven by her desperation to secure a better life for her child, she risked everything to win. Despite receiving support from Lee Myung-gi, Jun-hee demonstrated her ability to handle high-pressure situations, positioning her as one of the series' most courageous participants.

6. Han Mi-nyeo—Fearless in Revenge
Debut: Season 1, Episode 2 (Hell)
Han Mi-nyeo's chaotic energy and unpredictable nature made her a significant player in the games. She fearlessly took matters into her own hands after Jang Deok-su betrayed her. In one of the most shocking moments of Season 1, she dragged Deok-su to his death, ensuring that he met the same fate he had planned for her. Her willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice for revenge cemented her fearless reputation.

5. Park Jung-Bae- Loyal to the End
Debut: Season 2, Episode 3 (001)
Park Jung-bae may not have been a main character, but his bravery was undeniable. A close ally of Seong Gi-hun, he survived a brutal Rock-Paper-Scissors elimination game only to continue fighting alongside his friend. His courage, however, was met with tragedy—his attempt to rebel against the system led to his execution, proving that standing up for what’s right in Squid Game often comes at a deadly cost.

4. Kang Sae-byeok—Risking Everything for Family
Debut: Season 1, Episode 1 (Red Light, Green Light)
A North Korean defector with a heart-wrenching backstory, Kang Sae-byeok joined the games to reunite with her family. Though she initially distrusted others, she formed meaningful connections, particularly with Ji-yeong. In a heartbreaking moment, she nearly sacrificed herself during the marbles game. Her quiet resilience and selflessness made her one of the bravest and most beloved characters in the series.

3. Cho Hyun-ju— A Revolutionary Spirit
Debut: Season 2, Episode 3 (001)
Cho Hyun-ju wasn’t just playing for personal survival—she was fighting for a cause. Seeking funds for gender-affirming surgery, she became a key figure in an uprising against the game’s organisers. As a former marine, she demonstrated exceptional combat skills, taking down multiple guards in a daring rebellion. Though the revolt ultimately failed, her willingness to take on the system made her one of the most fearless contestants.

2. Hwang Jun-ho — The Relentless Detective
Debut: Season 1, Episode 2 (Hell)
Hwang Jun-ho infiltrated the games at enormous personal risk, determined to find his missing brother. Upon confronting his sibling, who had assumed the role of the Front Man, he received a fatal shot. However, Jun-ho survived and resumed his mission to expose the deadly operation. His persistence in the face of near-certain death makes him one of the show’s bravest characters.

1. Seong Gi-hun — The Ultimate Survivor
Debut: Season 1, Episode 1 (Red Light, Green Light)
Seong Gi-hun, Player 456, overcame incredible odds to win the first Squid Game, but his bravery extended far beyond his survival. Unlike others, he refused to let the horrors of the games break his morality. Rather than enjoying his wealth, he chose to re-enter the games in Season 2, risking everything to dismantle the system from within. His selflessness and courage make him the ultimate hero of the series.