Cho Sang-woo (Squid Game)

Cho Sang-woo (Korean: 조상우), also known as Player 218, is a fictional character in the first season of the South Korean survival drama television series Squid Game. He starts off as a major protagonist and antagonist at the end. He is portrayed by South Korean actor Park Hae-soo, while the younger version is portrayed by Park Si-won. The character was based on one of series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk's childhood friends. Sang-woo was one of the three finalists in the competition, alongside his childhood friend Seong Gi-hun, who had become his rival by that point, and Kang Sae-Byeok, whom he killed before the final game. He is voiced in the English dub by Stephen Fu.

Sang-woo was the leader of an investment team at a securities company, and a graduate of Seoul National University. He became a successful investment banker but fell into heavy debt after failed investments, leading to a warrant for his arrest on charges of financial crimes. To solve his financial problems, Sang-woo participated in the game. Initially allied with Gi-hun and several other players, he takes on a darker role as the series progresses, becoming willing to kill other players to ensure his own survival. His character would then be contrasted with Lee Myung-gi, who also kills players for his own survival.