She does, however, have a desire to connect with Sae-Byeok, with whom she attempts cordial engagement. Ji-yeong's promise that she'll make sure Sae-Byeok wins implies that her aims aren't to win or survive, but rather to connect with Sae-Byeok, whom she wants to be her partner. There is a level on which these two women need each other. By joining together, they can avoid exposing themselves emotionally to the rest of the participants, and since neither of them wants to plead for someone who can partner with them, they won't seize upon each other's flaws if they are revealed. The implication here, of course, is that Ji-yeong and Sae-Byeok have each finally found someone they can trust. However, Ji-yeong isn't looking for reciprocal benefits from their collaboration; she has a job here as the older sister, and that goal is to save Sae-Byeok. The two ladies decide to take some steps in the gaming arena, and this is essentially where Ji-yeong's goal becomes evident; despite the ghastly circumstances of a filthy game, Ji-yeong wanders about joyfully, nagging Sae-Byeok to chat with her. She's attempting to break through to her, not just to establish a connection for herself, but also to give Sae-Byeok a new connection. She knows what she thinks about Sae-Byeok and what she wants from her in this game. She wants to chat; she simply wants to feel something and connect with someone before she dies. She's discovered someone who shares her spiritual beliefs, so she has an opportunity to create a meaningful relationship before leaving. Ji-yeong has more knowledge than helplessness, and it comes to the surface during the marble game.
When it is revealed that the marbles game would not be a trial of two partners but a combat between rivals, and hence a duel to the death, Ji-yeong appears generally unconcerned, but she turns to Sae-Byeok, who appears slightly concerned. She's unconcerned about herself, but she's quite interested in how Sae-Byeok feels since she knows Sae-Byeok still wants to quit the game and have a life, and she wants to provide that for her. This explains Ji-yeong's calm demeanor throughout the game; she's determined to die, yet she still wants to help Sae-Byeok. In exchange, Ji-yeong gets to build a connection she can feel as she encourages optimism in Sae-Byeok. We witness Ji-yeong start to smile as their connection strengthens and she gets Sae-Byeok to open up about an emotion. She is clearly delighted in this moment.
But Ji-yeong's work isn't done; she now urges Sae-Byeok to talk about her future goals and her hopes. Ji-yeong is enjoying the chat, but it's really for Sae-Byeok, which is why she's being so pushy; she's really trying to persuade Sae-Byeok to utilize her imagination. She wants Sae-Byeok to reveal herself and what's hidden deep within her. It's important to Ji-yeong that Sae-Byeok dreams again. Sae-Byeok's telling Ji-yeong that her dream is to go to Jeju is so heartfelt, so real, it's reflective of men's dreams that go unanswered across the constant toil of days, and yet there's that sweet, innocent hope that lives in Sae-Byeok, no matter her pain and struggle, and Ji-yeong finds it.
[2021©softywicce]
Date: November 11, 2021
Author: softywicce
Title: Squid Game: A Character Review & A Story of Friendship (Part 2)
Article No.: 4—
Author's Note
Hi! This is the second part of the article I previously wrote, I'm supposed to post it yesterday but I was busy. I hope you like this and if you enjoy this, you can check out my previous articles below. Thank you so much (´∩｡• ᵕ •｡∩`)
To those who are willing to sponsor, thank you in advance and thank you so much! I will always owe you my growth and my dedication (ʃƪ＾3＾)♡
