Squid Game: 12 Hidden Details You Definitely Missed

3. Hyung, Or Sang-Woo And Ali's Relationship

Many viewers might have heard Ali saying "Hyung" when Sang-Woo said he could call him by his name instead of Sir. It's clear that "Hyung" isn't Sang-Woo's name, but to the very end, this is how Ali refers to him.

"Hyung" is a term that means "big brother", and can be used by younger males (younger females would use the term "oppa") to show familiarity and even affection toward an older brother figure. It's an important marker for closeness for someone like Ali who, up to this point, had to walk on eggshells when interacting with other Koreans due to his shaky status in the country, as well as the racism he likely experienced.

The term is also used when Sang-Woo talks to Gi-Hun early in the series, despite how he often otherwise looks down on Gi-Hun as time goes on. This provides even more insight into Gi-Hun and Sang-Woo's relationship, showing how Gi-Hun used to take care of Sang-Woo when they were kids, including bringing him to school.

It makes the scene where Sang-Woo betrays Ali way more heartbreaking to imagine Ali saying "big brother?" when calling for Sang-Woo before his death.