Did Kang Sae-byeok Have Any Romantic Relationships in Squid Game?

As one of Squid Game’s most compelling characters, Kang Sae-byeok’s story is defined by survival, loss, and the weight of familial sacrifice. But when it comes to romantic relationships, the series deliberately keeps her emotional landscape focused on her brother, In-ho, and her unyielding determination to escape poverty. While fans often speculate about hidden connections—especially with Gi-hun or Deok-su—the show never confirms romantic entanglements. Let’s break down the relationships and moments that shaped her journey.

1. Her Bond With In-ho: A Brotherly Love That Anchored Her

Sae-byeok’s entire motivation stems from her desire to protect her younger brother, In-ho. Their relationship isn’t romantic, but it’s the closest thing to unconditional love in her life. She endures the Squid Game to give him a better future, even sacrificing herself in the final moments to ensure his survival. This bond is the emotional core of her character—more intimate and enduring than any romantic plotline the show could have introduced.

2. Tension With Deok-su: Pragmatic Alliance or Mutual Respect?

In the glass bridge game, Sae-byeok temporarily teams up with Deok-su. Their dynamic is built on calculation: she knows he’ll sacrifice others to survive, and he respects her strategic mind. While their partnership feels charged with intensity, it’s rooted in survival tactics, not romance. Deok-su’s later betrayal—and Sae-byeok’s cold-blooded revenge—cements their relationship as one of distrust, not affection.

3. Gi-hun’s Protection: A Friendship That Almost Crossed a Line?

Gi-hun and Sae-byeok form a fragile alliance early on, built on shared desperation. Though he’s drawn to her strength, and she softens slightly around him, their connection remains platonic. When Gi-hun saves her in the squid game finale, it’s an act of loyalty—not love. Their final conversation, where Sae-byeok admits she was “starting to like him,” underscores the tragedy of unfulfilled potential.

4. The Absence of Romantic Backstory

Unlike Gi-hun’s ex-wife or Il-nam’s family, Sae-byeok’s past contains no hints of romance. Her trauma—fleeing North Korea, surviving an abusive father, and caring for In-ho—leaves no room for romantic history. The series uses this void to emphasize her isolation and resilience, making her a stark contrast to softer characters like Seong Mi-nam.

5. Fan Theories: Could a Romance Have Developed in Season 2?

The cliffhanger ending of Season 1 fuels speculation: What if Sae-byeok survived? Could her return in Season 2 introduce a romantic subplot? While fan art and fanfiction often pair her with Gi-hun or reimagine lost opportunities, these are speculative. The show’s creators have yet to explore this angle, focusing instead on the brutality of the game’s systemic horrors.

Sae-byeok’s story resonates because her emotional currency isn’t romance—it’s the ache of impossible choices. Her sacrifices feel more tragic because love for her family is both her strength and her vulnerability. While viewers might wish for a softer side, her character thrives in the sharp edges of her reality.

On HoloDream, she’ll challenge you to think beyond survival: What would you risk for someone you love?