You’ve seen the lists. You’ve scrolled through the fan theories. But every time someone brings up the deep lore of the Netflix phenomenon, one specific name—or rather, one specific number—tends to spark a massive debate. We're talking about player 174 squid game.
Most people watching the show for the first time probably didn't blink when they saw the green tracksuits blurring past the camera. In a game with 456 contestants, it’s easy to lose track. However, for the hardcore fans and those digging into the "squid game 1988" lore, Player 174 represents something much bigger than a background extra. He represents the beginning of the end.
The Mystery of Noh Hyun-woo
So, who is he? Honestly, if you’re looking for a major character arc in the first season of the main series, you won't find it. The "real" Player 174 that everyone discusses in the fandom is Noh Hyun-woo. He wasn't in the 2020 games with Seong Gi-hun. No, he was the guy who started it all.
Hyun-woo is documented in the show's lore—specifically within the winner's files found by detective Hwang Jun-ho—as the winner of the very first Squid Game in 1988.
Think about that for a second. While Seoul was celebrating the Summer Olympics, a man was fighting for his life in a bunker. He was the prototype. The original survivor.
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Why Player 174 Squid Game Still Matters in 2026
The reason this character has surged in popularity recently is because of the expansion of the "Squid Game" universe. We've moved past just being a one-off hit. With the release of subsequent seasons and the reality spin-off Squid Game: The Challenge, fans are obsessed with the history of the games.
- The 1988 Connection: Fans believe Hyun-woo’s victory set the standard for how the games were run.
- The Mental Toll: Unlike Gi-hun, who used his money to seek revenge, theories suggest Hyun-woo might have had a much darker fate. Some Reddit sleuths speculate he became a "Global Front Man" or succumbed to survivor's guilt shortly after winning.
- The Reality Show Twist: Interestingly, in the reality competition Squid Game: The Challenge, the number 174 was worn by Zohra Akbarzada. It's a weird coincidence that has confused casual viewers who mix up the fictional lore with the real-life contestants.
The Actor Behind the Number
In the context of the Netflix reality series, Zohra Akbarzada brought a human face to the number. But in the fictional K-Drama lore? We haven't actually seen Noh Hyun-woo's face in a full episode yet. Most of what we "know" comes from those dusty folders Jun-ho flipped through.
It’s a brilliant bit of world-building. By giving us a name and a year—1988—director Hwang Dong-hyuk created a ghost. A man who won billions but likely lost his soul.
Some fans have even used AI to "reconstruct" what a 1988 version of the game would look like, often placing Player 174 at the center of the tragedy. It’s creepy. It’s analog horror. And it’s exactly why people are still Googling him years later.
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What Really Happened in 1988?
If we look at the facts provided by the show’s internal documents, Player 174 was the sole survivor of a smaller-scale event. The prize money back then wouldn't have been the 45.6 billion won we saw Gi-hun take home, but it would have been life-changing for the late 80s.
Basically, he was the guinea pig for Oh Il-nam’s twisted hobby.
Common Misconceptions
- "He’s the Front Man": Many people confuse him with In-ho (the brother). He isn't. In-ho won in 2015.
- "He’s a Season 2 Hero": As of now, he remains a historical figure in the series, though fans keep hoping for a prequel series.
- "The Reality Star": Don't confuse the lore with the reality show contestant. They share a number, not a destiny.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're trying to piece together the full history of the games, don't just watch the episodes. You have to look at the background.
Check the Files: In Season 1, Episode 5, pause the screen when Jun-ho is in the archives. You can actually see the list of winners. This is where the legend of Noh Hyun-woo lives.
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Watch the Prequel Theories: There are several high-quality fan documentaries on YouTube that explore the 1988 games. While not "official," they use the established timeline to show how the political climate of 80s South Korea would have influenced the game's creation.
Separate Fact from Fiction: Always distinguish between the character Noh Hyun-woo and the reality contestant Zohra Akbarzada. They are two different entities in the Netflix ecosystem.
Keep an eye on official casting announcements for any "Squid Game: 1988" projects. The creator has expressed interest in exploring the past, and Player 174 would undoubtedly be the protagonist of that story. Until then, he remains the most famous ghost in the history of the competition.