Is Park Hae-soo’s Cho Sang-woo In Squid Game Season 2?

WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Squid Game season 2, episode 1.

Fans have wondered whether Park Hae-soo will reprise his role as Cho Sang-woo in Squid Game season 2. Season 1 star Lee Jung-jae returns as Squid Game winner Seong Gi-hun in Squid Game season 2, which is finally here after three years.

With a lot of new players in Squid Game season 2, the show didn’t have time for too many flashbacks or references to the first season. That said, Gi-hun was deeply affected by the events of the previous season, particularly the death of Cho Sang-woo. While the character obviously doesn’t return, he does make a brief comeback in a horrifying scene.

Cho Sang-woo’s Head Appears In Gi-hun’s Dream In Squid Game Season 2, Episode 1

Cho Sang-woo only returns in the new season in Gi-hun’s nightmare

As seen in Squid Game season 2, episode 1, Cho Sang-woo only returns in the new season in Gi-hun’s nightmare. His severed head is held by the Front Man in front of Gi-hun as well as the severed head of Jung Ho-yeon’s Kang Sae-byeok, who was Gi-hun’s ally in the first Squid Game. Both Sae-byeok and Sang-woo died during the Squid Game in season 1. In fact, Sang-woo killed Sae-byeok before taking his own life during the final round. Because of this, it was not expected for either of their characters to return in Squid Game season 2.

Park Hae-soo Does Not Return In Squid Game Season 2

His character died in the Squid Game season 1 finale

Because of his character’s death in Squid Game season 1, Park Hae-soo does not return in Squid Game season 2 for obvious reasons. Gi-hun does check in on his mother in the early episodes of season 2, who was a fish vendor that Gi-hun had several conversations with during season 1. Sang-woo’s mother ended up taking custody of Sae-byeok’s little brother, Cheol, and is seen as his adoptive grandmother. In this way, Gi-hun fulfills his promise to Sae-byeok that he would look after her family.

What Park Hae-soo Has Done Since Squid Game

He has starred in several films and TV shows

Park Hae-soo's character holding a gun in The Great Flood

Since achieving international acclaim for his role as Song-woo in Squid Game season 1, Park Hae-soo has starred in several notable films and television series. His immediate Squid Game follow-up with the 2021 thriller series Chimera followed by Yaksha: Ruthless Operations and The Accidental Narco in 2022. His latest effort was in the 2023 action crime movie Phantom written and directed by Lee Hae-young. He leads the cast of a new upcoming series called Karma and will star in the upcoming films The Great Flood and Butterfly, which should be released sometime in 2025, as should Squid Game season 3.