Key Points:
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Myung-gi killed Hyun-ju during the hide-and-seek game under the influence of greed and peer pressure.
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Hyun-ju was only trying to protect Jun-hee and her newborn during the chaos.
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Myung-gi’s brutal decision led to his ultimate downfall in the final game.
Why Did Myung-gi Kill Hyun-ju in Squid Game Season 3?
In Squid Game Season 3, Episode 2, titled The Starry Night, Myung-gi (Player 333) kills Hyun-ju (Player 120) in what becomes one of the most reckless and tragic moments of the episode. The game revolves around a high-stakes version of hide-and-seek, with players divided into red-vested hunters and blue-vested runners. Myung-gi, part of the red team, initially aims to protect his pregnant ex-girlfriend Jun-hee (Player 222), who is on the blue team, along with Hyun-ju and Geum-ja (Player 149).
Although Myung-gi promises to protect Jun-hee, his priorities shift mid-game after Nam-gyu (Player 124) convinces him that killing more players will increase the total prize money. Succumbing to the idea of wealth and influenced by peer pressure, Myung-gi joins in a spree of violence against blue-vested players, completely disregarding his initial promise.
Meanwhile, Hyun-ju works selflessly to defend Jun-hee and Geum-ja during the chaos, especially after Jun-hee unexpectedly gives birth during the game. Despite locating the exit and having the chance to escape, Hyun-ju decides to help the others instead.
Tragically, Myung-gi stabs Hyun-ju from behind, unaware that she was never a threat. Her only goal was to protect Jun-hee and the baby. The realization hits Myung-gi too late, and Hyun-ju dies from her injuries. This impulsive and senseless act becomes a turning point, exposing Myung-gi’s descent into selfishness and ruthlessness.
READ MORE: Squid Game Season 3 Baby Fate and Ending Explained
Did Myung-gi Regret Killing Hyun-ju in Squid Game?
After Hyun-ju’s death, Myung-gi appears visibly shaken, especially when he sees Jun-hee with their newborn child. However, this moment of shock does not equate to true remorse. Myung-gi’s violent tendencies had already surfaced earlier in the season when he killed a fan-favorite character, Thanos, during a brawl in Season 2.
Despite his claims of wanting a future with Jun-hee and their baby, Myung-gi’s actions consistently contradicted his words. His decision to kill Hyun-ju—who was helping his family—revealed that he was driven by greed and survival instinct more than any sense of love or protection.
Jun-hee’s later death in the fifth game adds to Myung-gi’s unraveling. Rather than learning from his mistakes, he spirals further into desperation. By the final round, Myung-gi is willing to kill his own child to claim victory in the Squid Game. This shocking act marks the final stage of his moral collapse, confirming that his earlier regret was superficial at best.
READ MORE: M3GAN 2.0 Full Cast List
What Was the Impact of Hyun-ju’s Death on Squid Game Season 3?
Hyun-ju’s death is a pivotal moment in Season 3. It shows how even well-meaning players become victims in a system designed to corrupt. Her sacrifice mirrors earlier characters in the series who died trying to protect others, reinforcing the tragedy of the game’s structure.
More importantly, her murder by Myung-gi shatters Jun-hee emotionally, setting off a chain of events that ultimately leads to both her and Myung-gi’s downfalls. Hyun-ju’s death is not just a plot point—it’s a symbol of how easily morality is abandoned under extreme pressure.
READ MORE: Did Riri Kill The Hood’s Cousin in Ironheart Episode 3
When Did Squid Game Season 3 Premiere on Netflix?
Squid Game Season 3 premiered on June 27, 2025, exclusively on Netflix. The final season continues the dark exploration of power, morality, and desperation in the face of survival, with 12 main cast members returning, including Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, and Yim Si-wan.
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