The final episode of Squid Game: The Challenge – a game show simulating the popular Korean survival drama – aired on December 7. After going through many missions, a Vietnamese woman named Mai Whelan, 55 years old, shirt number 287 won.
In the final episode, Mai defeated two opponents, Sam Lantz and Phill Cain. The 55-year-old woman won a cash prize of $4.56 million, the largest in reality TV show history.
As a result, the 55-year-old woman won the Squid Game show and received media attention. According to CBC , Mai’s impression throughout the program is very small. Her story was rarely explored throughout the show’s 9 episodes.
In episode 9, she recounts her experiences in her first days living in America. “I will never forget the moment I was held at gunpoint in America. That motivated me to become stronger,” Mai said.
According to Netflix information, Mai works as an immigration judge. Before that, she worked in the US Navy. Outside of work, the 55-year-old woman is passionate about gardening and traveling. Mai shares her huge bonus to buy a house after retirement.
Mai’s opponents have a lot of survival experience, with Phill Cain (player 451, 27 years old, scuba diving instructor) and Sam Lantz (player 016, artist). The players are all said to be strong in strategy and skills when facing many difficult games in the reality show Squid Game.
Squid Game: The Challenge is a reality show simulating the global hit movie. The game show imitates everything from the setting, costumes, game rules to the games in the game. Players can explore their personal stories, be ready to betray, and strategize like a real battle for survival.
According to CBC , contestants face pressure similar to those in movies due to the large prize money and strict game rules. Player 273 Johnson said that in the game Red Light, Green Light, players had to record in subzero weather in England. Although the opening game only takes a few minutes, players actually have to record for many hours.