9 Squid Game Characters and Their Disney Counterparts
Surprising Parallels Between Two Worlds
Squid Game captivated audiences worldwide with its intense survival drama and memorable characters. The hit Korean series explores themes of desperation, morality, and human nature through its diverse cast of contestants competing in deadly children's games.
Drawing parallels between Squid Game's characters and beloved Disney figures reveals surprising similarities in their core traits and storylines. This comparison offers a fresh perspective on both franchises, highlighting how universal character archetypes can transcend vastly different genres and settings. From determined underdogs to charismatic villains, examining these character counterparts provides insight into storytelling techniques that resonate across cultures.
1) Seong Gi-hun - Aladdin
Seong Gi-hun, the protagonist of Squid Game, shares striking similarities with Disney's Aladdin. Both characters come from humble beginnings, struggling to make ends meet in their respective societies.
Gi-hun, a chauffeur and former assembly worker, faces financial hardships and gambling addiction. Aladdin, a street urchin in Agrabah, survives by stealing food and evading authorities.
Despite their circumstances, both characters possess a kind heart and a strong moral compass. They often prioritize helping others, even at their own expense.
Gi-hun and Aladdin are thrust into extraordinary situations that test their character and offer life-changing opportunities. For Gi-hun, it's the deadly Squid Game, while Aladdin encounters a magical lamp and genie.
Throughout their journeys, both characters demonstrate resourcefulness, quick thinking, and adaptability. They navigate complex challenges and outsmart formidable opponents.
Ultimately, Gi-hun and Aladdin undergo significant personal growth. They learn valuable lessons about friendship, sacrifice, and the true nature of wealth and happiness.
2) Cho Sang-woo - Scar
Cho Sang-woo, a central character in Squid Game, shares striking similarities with Scar from Disney's The Lion King. Both characters are driven by ambition and a willingness to betray those close to them.
Sang-woo, like Scar, presents a facade of intelligence and success. He graduated top of his class from a prestigious university, much as Scar initially appears as a respected member of the pride.
Their true natures are revealed through their actions. Sang-woo manipulates and eliminates fellow contestants to advance in the game, mirroring Scar's calculated plot to usurp the throne.
Both characters struggle with feelings of inferiority. Sang-woo resents his childhood friend Gi-hun's simple nature, while Scar harbors jealousy towards his brother Mufasa.
The pursuit of power ultimately leads to their downfall. Sang-woo's guilt drives him to suicide in the final game, paralleling Scar's defeat at Pride Rock.
These characters serve as cautionary tales about the destructive nature of unchecked ambition and the consequences of betraying one's allies.
3) Kang Sae-byeok - Mulan
Kang Sae-byeok and Mulan share a remarkable similarity in their fierce determination and resourcefulness. Both characters face immense challenges and overcome them through their quick thinking and adaptability.
Sae-byeok, a North Korean defector in Squid Game, displays incredible strength and resilience throughout the deadly competition. Her survival skills and strategic mind mirror Mulan's military prowess and tactical abilities.
Like Mulan, who disguises herself to join the army, Sae-byeok must conceal her true intentions and past to navigate the dangerous world of the game. Both characters are driven by a deep sense of duty to their families.
Mulan fights to protect her father and bring honor to her family, while Sae-byeok participates in the game to secure a better future for her younger brother. Their selfless motives and unwavering dedication make them truly heroic figures.
These two characters also demonstrate exceptional skills in traditionally male-dominated arenas. Mulan excels in warfare, while Sae-byeok proves her mettle in the cutthroat competition of Squid Game.
4) Oh Il-nam - Geppetto
Oh Il-nam, the elderly player in Squid Game, shares intriguing similarities with Geppetto from Disney's Pinocchio. Both characters are elderly men who play pivotal roles in their respective stories.
Oh Il-nam, also known as Player 001, initially appears as a frail, kind-hearted participant in the deadly games. His gentle demeanor and apparent vulnerability make him a sympathetic figure among the other contestants.
Geppetto, the skilled woodcarver in Pinocchio, is similarly portrayed as a caring older man. He creates Pinocchio out of loneliness and a desire for companionship, much like Oh Il-nam's apparent motivation to participate in the games for one last thrill.
Both characters form close bonds with younger protagonists. Oh Il-nam befriends Seong Gi-hun during the games, while Geppetto becomes a father figure to Pinocchio.
However, Oh Il-nam's true nature is revealed later in the series, adding complexity to his character. This twist sets him apart from the straightforward goodness of Geppetto, highlighting the depth and unpredictability of Squid Game's narrative.
5) Jang Deok-su - Gaston
Jang Deok-su from Squid Game and Gaston from Beauty and the Beast share striking similarities in their personalities and roles. Both characters exude a domineering presence and rely on their physical strength to intimidate others.
Jang Deok-su, a gangster deeply in debt, enters the deadly competition to save himself. His aggressive and hostile behavior towards other contestants mirrors Gaston's treatment of those he deems inferior.
Like Gaston, Jang Deok-su sees himself as superior to others and will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. They both use manipulation and force to get their way, showing little regard for the well-being of those around them.
Both characters also have a group of followers who support their actions. Jang Deok-su forms alliances within the game, while Gaston has the adoration of the villagers.
Their inflated egos and belief in their own invincibility ultimately lead to their downfall. Jang Deok-su's overconfidence in the game and Gaston's inability to accept defeat result in their respective demises.
These characters serve as antagonists in their stories, providing a stark contrast to the more sympathetic protagonists. Their shared traits of arrogance, aggression, and selfishness make them compelling villains in their respective narratives.
6) Han Mi-nyeo - Ursula
Han Mi-nyeo, Player 212 in Squid Game, shares striking similarities with Ursula from Disney's The Little Mermaid. Both characters are cunning manipulators who use their charm and wit to further their own agendas.
Mi-nyeo, like Ursula, is not afraid to use her sexuality as a tool. She forms alliances with other players, most notably Jang Deok-su, to increase her chances of survival in the deadly games.
These women are masters of deception, putting on fake personas to gain trust. Mi-nyeo's seemingly innocent demeanor masks her true ruthless nature, much like Ursula's initial friendly facade towards Ariel.
Both characters ultimately meet their downfall due to their own schemes. Mi-nyeo's desire for revenge against Deok-su leads to her dramatic self-sacrifice, while Ursula's pursuit of power results in her destruction.
Their loud, brash personalities and willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals make Han Mi-nyeo and Ursula memorable antagonists in their respective stories.
7) Hwang Jun-ho - Flynn Rider
Hwang Jun-ho, the determined police detective from Squid Game, shares surprising similarities with Flynn Rider from Disney's Tangled. Both characters are driven by personal quests that lead them into dangerous territory.
Jun-ho infiltrates the deadly games to find his missing brother, while Flynn enters the tower to retrieve a stolen crown. Their resourcefulness and quick thinking help them navigate treacherous situations.
These characters also demonstrate a strong sense of justice. Jun-ho risks his life to expose the truth behind the games, much like Flynn ultimately chooses to do the right thing by helping Rapunzel.
Both Jun-ho and Flynn are skilled at adopting disguises to blend in with their surroundings. Jun-ho impersonates various staff members, while Flynn uses his charm and wit to assume different identities.
Their journeys lead to unexpected revelations about themselves and those close to them. Jun-ho uncovers shocking truths about his brother, mirroring Flynn's discovery of his true identity as Eugene Fitzherbert.
8) Ali Abdul - Quasimodo
Ali Abdul from Squid Game and Quasimodo from The Hunchback of Notre Dame share striking similarities in their character traits. Both are kindhearted individuals who face challenges due to their circumstances.
Ali, a Pakistani immigrant in South Korea, struggles to provide for his family. Quasimodo, born with physical deformities, lives isolated in the bell tower of Notre Dame Cathedral. Despite their hardships, they maintain a gentle and compassionate nature.
These characters are known for their physical strength. Ali's muscular build serves him well in the Squid Game challenges, while Quasimodo's power allows him to swing effortlessly through the cathedral's architecture.
Their trusting nature sometimes leads to their downfall. Ali's faith in others is betrayed during the marble game, mirroring how Quasimodo is initially deceived by those he considers friends.
Both Ali and Quasimodo form unexpected bonds with other characters. Ali's friendship with Gi-hun parallels Quasimodo's connection with Esmeralda, showcasing their ability to see beyond societal barriers.
9) Jang Ho-yeon - Pocahontas
Jang Ho-yeon, known for her role as Kang Sae-byeok in Squid Game, shares striking similarities with Disney's Pocahontas. Both characters exhibit strength, resilience, and a fierce independent spirit.
Sae-byeok, a North Korean defector, displays remarkable survival skills throughout the deadly games. Similarly, Pocahontas demonstrates her resourcefulness and connection to nature in her Disney portrayal.
These women stand out as protectors of their loved ones. Sae-byeok's primary motivation is to reunite with her family, while Pocahontas acts as a mediator between her tribe and the English settlers.
Both characters face difficult choices that challenge their loyalties. Sae-byeok must navigate alliances within the game, while Pocahontas balances her duty to her people with her growing affection for John Smith.
Their strength lies not just in physical abilities, but also in their emotional intelligence and adaptability. Sae-byeok and Pocahontas both demonstrate wisdom beyond their years, often serving as voices of reason in tense situations.
Character Analysis
The characters in Squid Game and Disney franchises share intriguing parallels in their traits and development arcs. Examining these similarities reveals insights into storytelling across different cultural contexts and genres.
Comparative Traits
Squid Game's Seong Gi-hun and Disney's Aladdin exhibit similar underdog qualities. Both start as down-on-their-luck protagonists who display kindness despite their circumstances. Gi-hun's willingness to help others during the deadly games mirrors Aladdin's generosity in sharing his stolen food.
The Front Man from Squid Game shares authoritative traits with Disney villains like Jafar from Aladdin. Both characters wield power ruthlessly and maintain strict control over their domains. Their commanding presence instills fear and obedience in those under their influence.
Kang Sae-byeok's resourcefulness and adaptability in Squid Game draw parallels to Mulan's quick thinking and determination. Both characters rely on their wits and skills to survive in challenging environments.
Character Evolution
Cho Sang-woo's moral descent in Squid Game echoes the transformation of Anakin Skywalker in Disney's Star Wars franchise. Both characters start with good intentions but gradually compromise their values. Sang-woo's betrayal of his childhood friend Ali parallels Anakin's turn to the dark side.
Oh Il-nam's revelation as the game's creator mirrors the hidden identities often found in Disney stories. This plot twist, similar to Mother Gothel's true nature in Tangled, forces viewers to reevaluate earlier interactions and motivations.
Han Mi-nyeo's character arc in Squid Game shares elements with Disney's antiheroes. Her initial self-serving actions evolve into a final act of revenge, reminiscent of characters like Maleficent who blur the lines between hero and villain.
Thematic Similarities
Squid Game and Disney stories share intriguing parallels in their exploration of human nature and societal dynamics. Both delve into complex moral quandaries and examine how power shapes characters' choices and relationships.
Moral Dilemmas
Squid Game confronts players with agonizing ethical choices, mirroring dilemmas faced by Disney characters. In Squid Game, contestants must decide whether to betray allies for personal gain. Similarly, Disney films like Aladdin present characters wrestling with honesty versus deception.
The glass bridge challenge in Squid Game forces players to sacrifice others to survive. This echoes Sophie's heart-wrenching choice in The BFG, where she risks exposure to save her giant friend.
Both narratives explore the blurred lines between right and wrong in desperate circumstances. They prompt viewers to consider: What would you do in such situations?
Influence of Power
Power dynamics play a crucial role in both Squid Game and Disney stories. The masked VIPs in Squid Game wield absolute control over contestants' fates, paralleling villains like Ursula in The Little Mermaid who manipulate others for personal gain.
Squid Game's Frontman, once a player himself, becomes corrupted by his newfound authority. This transformation mirrors characters like Hans in Frozen, who reveal their true nature when given power.
Both narratives showcase how power can reveal characters' true selves. They highlight the temptation of authority and its potential to corrupt even seemingly good individuals.
