When we talk about Squid Game, one of the most heartwarming and ultimately heartbreaking relationships that captured everyone's attention was the bond between Seong Gi-hun and Ali Abdul. Guys, if you watched the show, you know what I'm talking about. Ali, with his infectious smile and unwavering loyalty, quickly became a fan favorite and Gi-hun's closest ally in the deadly games. But who really was Seong Gi-hun's best friend in Season 1 of Squid Game? Let's dive deep into the complexities of their friendship and explore why Ali Abdul stands out as the most genuine connection Gi-hun made amidst the chaos.

From their very first encounter in the massive dormitory, there was an instant camaraderie between Gi-hun and Ali. Gi-hun, initially hesitant and a bit selfish, found himself drawn to Ali's sincerity and good nature. Ali, a Pakistani immigrant working tirelessly to support his family back home, was participating in the games out of desperation, much like Gi-hun. This shared vulnerability, this common ground of needing a life-changing sum of money, forged an unlikely partnership. Ali’s inherent kindness and trust contrasted sharply with the cutthroat environment of the games, making him a beacon of hope. He didn't see Gi-hun as just another player; he saw a fellow human being struggling. Gi-hun, in turn, started to shed his own self-serving tendencies, inspired by Ali’s unwavering moral compass. Their interactions weren't just about surviving the next game; they were about offering each other comfort, advice, and a sense of belonging in a place designed to strip participants of their humanity. Ali’s belief in Gi-hun, even when Gi-hun doubted himself, was a powerful force. He offered Gi-hun his marble during the marble game, a gesture of pure selflessness that highlighted the depth of his trust and affection. This wasn't just a strategic alliance; it was a genuine friendship blossoming under the most extreme circumstances imaginable. Their bond was a stark reminder that even in the darkest of times, human connection and loyalty can prevail, making their eventual separation all the more devastating.

The Unwavering Loyalty of Ali Abdul

Let's talk about loyalty, because that’s the core of what made Ali Abdul such a standout character and, arguably, Gi-hun's best friend in Squid Game Season 1. Ali wasn't just there to play the games; he was there to survive, yes, but he also seemed to carry a deep-seated belief in doing the right thing, even when survival was on the line. His initial interactions with Gi-hun showed a man who was open, honest, and willing to trust. Remember when Gi-hun initially tricked Ali in the first game? Ali, despite being wronged, didn't hold a grudge. Instead, he forgave Gi-hun and even offered him help later. That, my friends, is a level of grace and understanding that's rare, especially in a situation where everyone is literally fighting for their lives. His trust in Gi-hun grew, and it culminated in that heart-wrenching marble game. Ali, completely unaware that he was being betrayed by Gi-hun, willingly gave him his marbles, believing they were partners. This act of absolute trust and self-sacrifice is what defines Ali's character. He trusted Gi-hun implicitly, placing his fate in his hands without a second thought. It wasn't a calculated move; it was the purest form of friendship, based on the belief that Gi-hun would do the right thing by him.

This unwavering loyalty is what makes Ali’s eventual fate so tragic. He was betrayed by Sang-woo, a player who represented the darker, more pragmatic side of humanity. Ali, who had shown nothing but kindness and loyalty to Gi-hun, was ultimately a victim of deception. His death wasn’t just the elimination of a player; it was the crushing of a pure spirit. For Gi-hun, losing Ali wasn’t just losing an ally; it was losing a friend who embodied the best of humanity. Ali’s character served as a moral compass for Gi-hun, constantly reminding him of the values he was struggling to uphold. Even after Ali’s death, Gi-hun's subsequent actions, particularly his decision to sabotage the final game, were heavily influenced by the memory of Ali and the injustice he suffered. Ali’s story is a powerful testament to the importance of integrity and the devastating consequences of betrayal. His friendship with Gi-hun, though short-lived, was arguably the most authentic and meaningful connection Gi-hun experienced, solidifying his place as the best friend in that brutal arena. His genuine nature and selfless actions resonated deeply, making his loss a pivotal moment in Gi-hun's journey.

Gi-hun's Reliance and Guilt

Seong Gi-hun's journey in Squid Game Season 1 was deeply intertwined with his reliance on and subsequent guilt over his friendship with Ali Abdul. Initially, Gi-hun was a flawed protagonist, driven by addiction and a desire for a quick fix. He wasn't exactly the picture of a loyal friend from the get-go. However, meeting Ali seemed to bring out a better side of him. Ali's unconditional trust and genuine nature acted as a foil to Gi-hun's own insecurities and past mistakes. Gi-hun found himself leaning on Ali, not just for support in the games, but for the moral grounding Ali provided. Ali's simple, honest approach to life and the games was something Gi-hun clearly admired and perhaps even envied. He saw in Ali a purity that he himself lacked, a sense of unwavering goodness that resonated deeply.

This reliance, however, morphed into a profound sense of guilt, especially after Ali's tragic elimination. The marble game was a turning point. Gi-hun's decision to trick Ali, even if he ultimately regretted it and even tried to 'rectify' it by giving Ali his marbles back, was a heavy burden to bear. He knew he had participated in the downfall of someone who had shown him nothing but kindness. This guilt fueled Gi-hun’s desire for justice and his growing disillusionment with the entire game. He began to see the cruelty and manipulation for what it truly was, and Ali’s fate was a stark reminder of the human cost. The memory of Ali’s trusting face as he walked away, unaware of the betrayal, haunted Gi-hun. This guilt wasn't just a fleeting emotion; it became a driving force behind his actions in the later stages of the game. It contributed to his decision to refuse the prize money and to try and expose the organization running the games. Ali wasn't just a friend; he was a symbol of innocence lost, a victim of the system that Gi-hun was now determined to fight against. Gi-hun's internal struggle with his actions towards Ali, and the profound grief he felt, solidified Ali’s position as the friend whose memory would continue to shape Gi-hun's choices long after the games concluded. The weight of Ali’s trust and subsequent demise became an unbearable burden, pushing Gi-hun towards a path of seeking retribution for the injustices he had witnessed and participated in.

The True Meaning of Friendship in Squid Game

When we really break down Squid Game Season 1, the friendships, or lack thereof, reveal a lot about the human condition under extreme duress. The deadly games were designed to exploit weaknesses, sow distrust, and turn people against each other. Yet, amidst this brutal environment, the friendship between Seong Gi-hun and Ali Abdul emerged as a powerful counter-narrative. It showcased the enduring strength of human connection, kindness, and loyalty, even when faced with overwhelming odds. Ali, with his unwavering moral compass and genuine spirit, represented the best of what humanity could be. He approached the games not with ruthless ambition, but with a quiet determination and an inherent sense of decency. His trust in Gi-hun, even after initial missteps, was a testament to his forgiving nature and his belief in the good of others. This kind of unfiltered trust is what defines true friendship, and Ali offered it freely.

Gi-hun, on the other hand, was a man struggling with his own demons, initially motivated by selfish desires. However, his interactions with Ali began to chip away at his cynicism. Ali's kindness acted as a catalyst, prompting Gi-hun to question his own actions and to strive for something more than just survival. He saw in Ali a reflection of the person he could be, a person guided by empathy and integrity. The devastating betrayal Ali suffered, orchestrated by Sang-woo and involving Gi-hun’s complicity, highlights the fragility of these bonds when tested by desperation and greed. Ali’s fate served as a brutal lesson for Gi-hun, cementing the idea that true friendship requires not just camaraderie but also protection and unwavering loyalty. The show masterfully uses their relationship to explore themes of morality, sacrifice, and the devastating consequences of betrayal. Ali’s unwavering belief in Gi-hun, and Gi-hun’s subsequent guilt and desire for justice in his memory, underscore the profound impact of their friendship. It wasn't just about surviving the games; it was about what one chose to uphold – their humanity or their desperation. Ali Abdul, despite his tragic end, stood as a symbol of true friendship, embodying the very qualities Gi-hun desperately needed to rediscover within himself. His presence, even in absence, deeply influenced Gi-hun’s path forward, making him the undisputed best friend in a season filled with fleeting alliances and heartbreaking betrayals.

The final word on Ali Abdul? He was the friend we all wished we had in our darkest moments, the embodiment of loyalty and trust in a world that offered neither. His bond with Gi-hun was the emotional core of Season 1, and his memory continues to resonate.