In Squid Game, a handful of characters are explicitly or strongly implied to be gay. This status clarifier separates confirmed story details from fan interpretation, using onscreen evidence and production context. Here is what can be said with confidence about the main gay characters, how their identities are shown, and what remains uncertain. The show treats sexuality as one layer of personality rather than the defining trait; this overview keeps focus on narrative facts, episode specifics, and production clues that support a gay reading.
Which Characters Are Gay
The most clearly gay characters in Squid Game are:
- Young-hee: Portrayed as a devoted fan of the girl group Twice, especially the member Momo, and presents a photo of the group in her room. In the TV series, she has a known girlfriend at home, confirming her lesbian identity.
- Player 101 (the man with the square mask in the tug-of-war): In the behind-the-scenes documentary The Truth of Squid Game, actor Anupam Tripathi states that his character is gay.
- Ali Abdul: In the show, Ali says his late wife passed away, making it clear that he is a gay man who was pressured into a marriage. In the series, Ali is confirmed as part of the LGBTQ+ community.
- Player 001 (Oh Il-nam): In the later seasons and interviews, it is confirmed that Oh Il-nam is gay.
Young-hee Profile
Young-hee is a schoolgirl contestant whose room features prominent Twice memorabilia and a photo of Momo. In the TV series, it is stated that she has a girlfriend waiting for her at home, confirming her as a lesbian character within the show’s canon.
Player 101 (Tug-of-War Mask)
Player 101 is the masked figure on the losing team in the tug-of-war. Actor Anupam Tripathi has stated in interviews that the character is gay, offering a direct production-level confirmation that supports the onscreen reading.
Ali Abdul’s Status
Ali Abdul, played by Anupam Tripathi, mentions that his wife is deceased, indicating he is a gay man who was placed into a marriage. This aligns with the series’ broader inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters and experiences.
Player 001 (Oh Il-nam)
Oh Il-nam, the first player to die in the competition, is later confirmed to be gay in interviews and later seasons, adding to the representation within the show.
Supporting Evidence and Sources
Status information below combines onscreen storytelling, cast and crew commentary, and reputable entertainment reporting. No unverified claims are presented; each entry is tagged with the kind of evidence that supports it.
| Character / Reference | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Young-hee (Twice poster & girlfriend) | Lesbian identity shown via memorabilia and series dialogue | Show evidence + series lines |
| Player 101 (masked tug-of-war) | Actor states character is gay | Cast interview (The Truth of Squid Game) |
| Ali Abdul (dead wife mention) | Character indicates he is gay by referencing deceased wife | Episode dialogue + cast context |
| Player 001 (Oh Il-nam) | Confirmed gay in interviews and later seasons | Interviews + series continuation |
Behind the Scenes Context
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk has discussed the importance of representing marginalized communities, and several cast members have shared details about their characters’ identities in interviews. These statements help confirm the gay status of certain players, while also highlighting the show’s effort to include diverse experiences within the high-stakes competition framework.
Common Misconceptions
Not all players are explicitly identified as gay, and some audience interpretations may extend beyond what is directly stated. This clarifier sticks to production interviews and onscreen facts, avoiding speculation about characters who are portrayed as heterosexual or whose orientation is unconfirmed.
Key Takeaways
- Young-hee is a confirmed lesbian within the show, supported by her room décor and series dialogue.
- Player 101 and Ali Abdul are identified as gay men through a combination of actor statements and in-story details.
- Player 001 is confirmed gay in interviews and later seasons, adding to the representation in the series.
- The show includes LGBTQ+ characters as part of its broader exploration of inequality and human motivation.