Meaning Behind Kim Jun-hee’s Name in Squid Game Season 2

WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Squid Game season 2.

The character Kim Jun-hee in Squid Game season 2 carries a significant name, the meaning of which is not directly highlighted in the Netflix series. Following its record-breaking debut in September 2021, marking it as Netflix’s most-watched series to date, Squid Game season 2 premiered on December 26, 2024. Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk returns to both write and direct this season, and has already confirmed the production of Squid Game season 3, anticipated to be released in 2025, which will be the final act of this thrilling saga.

In episode 5 of season 2, the characters take a moment to share the meanings behind their names. Interestingly, Player 22, known as Kim Jun-hee and portrayed by the talented singer and actress Jo Yu-ri, confesses her ignorance about the significance of her name. Notably, In-ho, who portrays the enigmatic Front Man, cleverly refers to Seong Gi-hun (Player 456) as their “un-Seong” hero. He also concocts a name for himself, Oh Young-il, which cleverly aligns with his Player 001 uniform.

Understanding the Name: Jun Means Handsome/Talented & Hee Means Shining/Bright

Kim Ju-hee: The Good Luck Charm of Gi-hun’s Team

Jo Yu-ri as Kim Jun-hee and Yim Si-wan as Lee Myeong-gi in Squid Game season

The surname Kim is the most prevalent in Korea, translating literally to “gold”. As of 2015, over 10.6 million people in Korea share this surname. Thus, it’s clear that Kim Jun-hee is far from the only participant in the Squid Game with that name. The given name Jun conveys notions of handsomeness and talent in Korean, while Hee signifies brightness or shining. This connection is emphasized as Jung-bae refers to Kim Jun-hee as their “good luck charm,” harmonizing beautifully with the meanings of her name.

Furthermore, Jun-hee can also be spelled as Joon-hee and serves as a unisex name within Korean culture. Noteworthy individuals who share this name include celebrated filmmaker Han Jun-hee and prominent composer and educator Lim Jun-hee. The name itself is primarily associated with positive traits, encompassing joy, happiness, and virtuous attributes.

Implications of Kim Jun-hee’s Name Meaning for Season 3

Interpreting the significance behind Kim Jun-hee’s name, one might speculate that she stands a chance of emerging victorious in Squid Game season 3. With keywords like “gold,””talented,”and “bright,”the implications suggest she could potentially become the ultimate winner, akin to Gi-hun and In-ho before her. Given her character’s pregnancy, her demise would likely register as one of the most heartbreaking events in the entire series. Such a grave fate seems unlikely, as the narrative might avoid following this path of despair, even in its dark portrayal.

Ultimately, Kim Jun-hee’s name may serve as a hidden foreshadowing of her fate in the anticipated third season. Her ignorance regarding her own name’s meaning could cleverly suggest a narrative twist—revealing it at a pivotal moment within the storyline. Regardless of the outcome, it is established that she is regarded as a good luck charm, suggesting she may either advance significantly in the competition or find a way to escape unscathed.

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