The old man, Oh Il-nam, initially appears to die during the Marbles game in Squid Game, but it is later revealed that he actually survived and was the mastermind behind the deadly competition. He ultimately passes away from a brain tumor.
Oh Il-nam's True Identity and Deception
Contrary to the belief that he was an ordinary, ailing participant, Oh Il-nam was in fact the original founder and clandestine leader of the entire organization responsible for running the Squid Games. His participation in the games was a ruse, allowing him to experience the event from the inside and amuse himself with the spectacle he created. He orchestrated events, such as his survival during the Red Light, Green Light game, and his "elimination" during the Marbles game, to maintain his disguise and manipulate the outcomes.
After the games concluded, Il-nam re-emerges to confront Gi-hun, the final winner. During this final encounter, he confesses his true identity and the motivations behind the games, explaining his role in creating this elaborate and cruel spectacle for the entertainment of the wealthy elite.
His Ultimate Demise
Despite surviving the games he orchestrated, Oh Il-nam does eventually die. His death is attributed to the brain tumor he suffered from. He passes away while in the presence of Gi-hun, but not before divulging the full truth about his involvement and the nature of the games. His final moments underscore his deeply cynical and manipulative character, cementing his portrayal as a truly bad person who profited from human desperation and suffering.
