The top five tips to survive Squid Game’s Red Light Green Light, as told by Gi-hun

Squid Game actor Lee Jung-jae, who has portrayed the main character Seong Gi-hun in both seasons of the Netflix show, has given his top five tips for making it through Red Light, Green Light, in one piece.

We were first introduced to the deadly challenge in season one of Squid Game and it draws inspiration from the real-world playground game Statues. Though each country seemingly has its own version, with the UK’s being Grandmother’s Footsteps or Fairy Footsteps, the rules are basically the same. Of course, Squid Game gives a nasty twist to its version and players are brutally gunned down if they move a muscle when the giant robot girl Young-hee turns around.

Season two offered us another version of the game, but this time Gi-hun was prepared are knew to stand still. Well, now he’s passed on his wisdom before we are introduced to Young-hee’s equally as creepy boyfriend in season three, Chul-su.

1. You need to be quick on your feet to beat Squid Game’s Red Light, Green Light

“Move quickly, but don’t be too greedy,” Gi-hun actor Lee Jung-jae explained in a video uploaded to Twitter by the official Squid Game account. “Rather than big moves, it’s recommended to move with narrow strides.”

I’m hoping you’re already aware of this, but he also echoed that you need to “stop immediately” when the Young-hee turns out.

2. Take a breath, Player

Between the revolutions, masked soldiers, and drug-induced mania of Thanos, taking part in Squid Game can be a stressful experience, to say the least. For that reason, take a moment to centre yourself.

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Jung-jae explained: “You have to stay as calm as possible even if people are getting shot. The moment you lose focus, you could die. It’s good to get in some core exercises regularly, but you should also train your mind and body by watching jump scare scenes.”

3. Be cautious of the other players, but don’t be a Thanos

5 tips to survive Red Light, Green Light🚦 pic.twitter.com/8Lb3A5x6T6

— Squid Game (@squidgame) January 13, 2025

“Collaborating or following the herd can be good strategies, but be careful not to get too close to the other participants. Some people might not act maliciously or try to push you out,” he said.

Yes, Squid Game is full of people you’d love to share a glass of Soju with, but it’s also brimming with jarring personalities that you wouldn’t trust alone with your drink. Be cautious, Player, especially if your new friend is named after a Marvel supervillain.

4. It’s a marathon, not a sprint

Red Light, Green Light, can be a long game with lots of quick changes and prolonged periods of stillness so you need to strap on your sensible shoes and assume positions that aren’t going to put you under too much stress.

As the Gi-hun actor put it: “You don’t know how long the red light will last, so get in a position that will allow you to hold out as long as possible.”

5. Tip number five might actually get you killed

Lee Jung-jae’s final tip in the video was to remember that Red Light, Green Light, is a game and to have fun with it. Though having a grand old time will surely get you a bullet, Thanos was living his best life so what do I know?

Squid Game 2 is available on Netflix now. For all the latest Netflix news, drops and memes like The Holy Church of Netflix on Facebook. 

Featured image credit: Netflix