In Squid Game, Young-hee, the animatronic doll featured in the first game (“Red Light, Green Light”), has some hidden significance and features that contribute to the unsettling atmosphere of the show.

The Doll’s Name and Origin
The doll’s name, Young-hee, is actually a common Korean name. It was not randomly chosen, its somewhat innocent and traditional name contrasts starkly with the sinister context in which it appears, adding to the eerie feeling. The design of Young-hee is inspired by traditional Korean children’s toys and dolls, particularly those from the 1970s.

The Doll’s Facial Expression
The doll has a large, unsettling smile on its face, which contrasts with its deadly function. This innocent smile becomes terrifying once players realize the consequences of being caught moving during “Red Light, Green Light.”

The Doll’s Real-World Influence
The design of Young-hee was influenced by “Cheongchun,” a character from a children’s book popular in South Korea in the 1970s. The doll’s appearance is a mix of old-school Korean aesthetic and a haunting, almost lifeless quality. Some fans believe that the unsettling nature of the doll taps into childhood fears of lifeless toys coming to life.

Young-hee’s Symbolism
In a show with a lot of symbolism, Young-hee may represent the contrast between innocence and danger. Children’s games, which are supposed to be innocent and fun, are twisted into deadly competition, with Young-hee being the embodiment of this corruption.

Her Role in the First Game
Young-hee’s role in the game, where she watches players and decides who moves and who is eliminated, symbolizes the ruthless and dehumanizing nature of the Squid Game itself. Players’ lives are determined by something as arbitrary and mechanical as a doll’s gaze. In a broader sense, it reflects the larger theme of how individuals’ fates are controlled by unseen, impersonal forces (in this case, the organizers of the Squid Game).

Cultural Reference
The “Red Light, Green Light” game itself has roots in children’s games played across various cultures, but in Korea, it is called “Musical Chairs” (in a slightly different format). Young-hee, as part of the game’s setup, is a subtle reminder of how childhood innocence can be manipulated into something cruel.

Fan Theory
Some fans have speculated that Young-hee might be a more significant character later in the series or could symbolize a key theme, such as surveillance and control. The doll’s eyes are constantly scanning for movement, representing the way participants are monitored throughout the games. Some believe the doll may even have a connection to the VIPs or the higher-ups in the game, though this is purely speculative at this point.

Young-hee’s Appearance in the Sequel (Season 2)
Given the popularity of the character, there are rumors that Young-hee will make an appearance in the second season. She might not just be a background piece but could evolve into something even more sinister as the game escalates.

Young-hee’s role in Squid Game extends beyond just being a part of a deadly game; she represents a chilling intersection of childhood nostalgia and horror, making her one of the most memorable and mysterious characters in the series.