Kang Sae-byeok

Kang Sae-byeok
Squid Game character
Jung Ho-yeon as Kang Say-byeok
First appearance	"Red Light, Green Light" (2021)
Last appearance	"Bread and Lottery" (2024)
Created by	Hwang Dong-hyuk
Portrayed by	HoYeon Jung
In-universe information
Alias	Player 067
Nationality	Korean

Kang Sae-byeok (Korean: 강새벽; Korean pronunciation: [kaŋsɛbjʌk̚]), also known as Player 067, is a character in the first season of the Netflix series Squid Game. A defector from North Korea to South Korea, she aspires to support her younger brother Cheol and help their mother enter South Korea through China, accepting an invitation to play life-or-death games for 45,600,000,000 won. She becomes acquainted with protagonist Seong Gi-hun after pickpocketing him, causing him to pursue her for it. They eventually become allies when push comes to shove to ensure their mutual survival.

She was created by series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk, who made her a defector in order to provide representation of a minority group in South Korea. Model Jung Ho-yeon was cast due to what Hwang described as having the gaze of a wild horse. Jung researched for the role by watching documentaries about North Korean defectors, as well as writing a journal in character as Sae-byeok to get into the character better. She frequently consulted with actress Lee Yoo-mi, who portrayed Ji-yeong, which she felt improved the two characters' chemistry together.

Sae-byeok has been well-received, regarded as among the best characters in Squid Game season one. Jung received praise for her performance, and the depiction of her as a defector was considered significant, with politician and North Korean defector Ji Seong-ho saying that she reflected the truth of what it's like as a defector in South Korea. Despite being well received, her death was considered disappointing, with multiple critics believing she should have survived.