Among the many heart-wrenching moments in the intense world of Squid Game, one of the most tender involves a baby. In the midst of desperate adults fighting for survival, the presence of an infant raises a crucial question for viewers. It’s a moment that highlights the stark contrast between innocence and brutality, making many wonder about the fate of this vulnerable child and who takes care of the baby in squid game when the players are forced into deadly competition.
The Guardian in the Arena
The baby belongs to Kang Sae-byeok, player 067, a North Korean defector who entered the games to reunite her family. During the games, the responsibility of caring for the infant falls squarely on the shoulders of another player, Ji-yeong, player 240. Ji-yeong forms a quick but deep bond with Sae-byeok. Recognizing her friend’s desperation, Ji-yeong voluntarily looks after the baby in the dormitory. This act of kindness provides a small sanctuary of care and normalcy, allowing Sae-byeok to focus on the challenges ahead while knowing her child is safe.
What Happens After the Games?
The narrative takes a tragic turn when both Sae-byeok and Ji-yeong do not survive. This leaves the baby’s future uncertain and adds to the show’s emotional weight. However, the story provides a resolution. The series’ protagonist, Seong Gi-hun (player 456), honors his fallen friend’s final wish. After winning the games and escaping the nightmare, Gi-hun uses his prize money to ensure the baby is well cared for. He arranges for Sae-byeok’s mother to be brought from North Korea and also secures the safe release of her young son from the orphanage. The baby is ultimately reunited with their grandmother and older brother, finding a stable and loving home.
The Baby’s Role in the Story
Beyond the practical question of care, the baby serves as a powerful symbol. It represents the future, innocence, and the very reason Sae-byeok is fighting so hard to survive. The infant is a constant reminder of the lives and families left behind, humanizing the players and underscoring the profound tragedy of their situation. The care shown to the baby by Ji-yeong and later by Gi-hun illustrates that even in a place designed to breed selfishness, compassion and humanity can still persist.
The journey of the baby in Squid Game is a subtle thread of hope woven through the darkness. It shows that even after immense loss, acts of responsibility and kindness can create a new beginning, ensuring that a mother’s sacrifice was not in vain.
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