Kim Young-mi: 5 Shocking Facts About Squid Game Player 440, The Actress Who Just Stole Scenes In Queen Of Tears

The character of Player 440 in Netflix’s global phenomenon *Squid Game* is a masterclass in how a minor role can leave a major, unforgettable impact. While most fans focus on the main players like Gi-hun (Player 456) or Kang Sae-byeok (Player 067), Player 440’s story—and the stunning betrayal that ended it—is one of the most brutal and ironic moments in the entire series. As of December 2025, the actress behind the iconic turquoise tracksuit is gaining renewed attention for her recent breakout roles in major K-Dramas, proving that her career is far from a minor supporting act. This deep dive uncovers the true identity of Player 440, the actress’s surprising biography, the behind-the-scenes story of her character's shocking death, and her recent, high-profile work in 2024 and 2025 that cements her as a rising star in the South Korean entertainment industry.

The Full Profile and Biography of Actress Kim Young-mi

The woman who brought the desperate, debt-ridden Player 440 to life is the talented South Korean actress Kim Young-mi (김영미). Despite her brief but memorable appearance in *Squid Game*, she is a seasoned performer whose career spans decades, culminating in a significant resurgence in recent years.

• Full Name: Kim Young-mi (김영미)
• Nationality: South Korean
• Date of Birth: July 12, 1984
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 41
• Education: Sejong University
• Debut: 1998 (Early career in film and television)
• Notable Filmography (Pre-*Squid Game*):
  • *Mr. Idol* (2011)
  • *Missing: Sarajin Yeoja* (2016) - As a pediatrics nurse
  • *A Haunting Hitchhike* (2019) - As a Seoul Hospital nurse
• Breakout Role: Player 440 in *Squid Game* (2021)
• Recent K-Drama Success (2024): *Queen of Tears*, *Lovely Runner*

Kim Young-mi’s extensive background in supporting and minor roles provided the depth and experience necessary to make Player 440’s few on-screen moments feel authentic and impactful, setting the stage for her subsequent career boost.

The Shocking Irony of Player 440's Elimination

Player 440, a contestant in the 33rd *Squid Game* (Season 1), was introduced as one of the 456 players driven by heavy debt to participate in the lethal competition. Her brief screen time is packed with intense emotional weight, particularly due to the circumstances surrounding her death.

The Special Game and the Brutal Betrayal

While many fan theories and unofficial sources incorrectly link Player 440 to a "Hide & Seek" game or a non-existent *Squid Game* Season 3, her actual elimination occurs in one of the most emotionally charged moments of the original series. Player 440 was eliminated in Round 4, a phase of the game that often requires players to eliminate each other through a twist of fate or direct confrontation. The most shocking detail about her fate involves a desperate, spontaneous decision made just before the game began: the infamous vest switch.

According to actress Kim Young-mi, director Hwang Dong-hyuk (HDH) made a spontaneous, last-minute decision on set to maximize the emotional impact of the scene. Player 440, in a moment of desperate camaraderie or misplaced trust, agreed to switch her numbered vest with Player 192.

The crushing irony and brutal twist? Player 192, the man whose life she may have unwittingly tried to save or whose identity she briefly held, ultimately became her executioner. The director’s goal was achieved: the betrayal by the person she had a fleeting connection with delivered a devastating emotional blow, solidifying the theme that in the *Squid Game* arena, no act of kindness goes unpunished.

Why Player 440’s Death is a Fan-Favorite Tragic Moment

The character of Player 440 is often cited by fans as a tragic example of the show's core message: the games exploit the human need for connection. Her backstory, like many minor characters, is one of heavy debt and desperation. Her willingness to trust or cooperate with Player 192, even in a small gesture like switching vests, highlights a desperate clinging to humanity in a world designed to strip it away.

This betrayal scene is a perfect example of how the *Squid Game* universe uses minor characters to amplify the psychological horror. Player 440’s death, while quick, serves as a powerful cautionary tale about the illusion of alliances within the deadly competition. The narrative choice to have the vest-switch lead directly to her demise is a masterstroke in cinematic irony and a testament to the spontaneous genius of the show's creative team, giving the minor character a major narrative function.

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Kim Young-mi’s Post-Squid Game Career Resurgence (2024-2025)

Since her appearance in the global hit *Squid Game*, actress Kim Young-mi has utilized her increased profile to secure roles in some of the most popular and critically acclaimed K-Dramas of 2024, demonstrating her versatility and topical authority in the industry. Her recent projects prove that the exposure from the Netflix series was a powerful career catalyst.

Scene-Stealing Roles in 2024 K-Dramas

Kim Young-mi’s work in 2024 is what makes her story so current and relevant today. She successfully transitioned from the intense, dark world of survival drama to the high-stakes, emotional narratives of mainstream Korean television.

• Queen of Tears (2024): In this highly-rated K-Drama, Kim Young-mi took on the role of Dr. Kim Mi. Her performance in a medical setting showcased a completely different side of her acting range, moving away from the frantic desperation of Player 440 to a more measured, professional character. The massive success of *Queen of Tears* has put her in front of millions of new viewers globally.
• Lovely Runner (2024): She also appeared in the popular time-travel romance series *Lovely Runner*. Although her role was a guest appearance, being associated with two of the year's biggest K-Drama hits demonstrates her rising status and the demand for her talent.

The Future of the 'Squid Game' Actress

The success of Kim Young-mi (Player 440) is a prime example of the "Squid Game Effect," where even actors in supporting roles benefit from the show's massive global reach. Her current trajectory suggests a promising future with more substantial roles in upcoming Korean television series and films throughout 2025 and beyond.

The actress’s ability to portray a character with such a tragic, memorable arc in *Squid Game*—a story of debt, survival, and betrayal—has clearly resonated with casting directors. Fans who appreciated the depth she brought to Player 440 are now eagerly following her career, watching her evolve from a minor contestant in a deadly game to a recognized figure in the global K-Drama landscape.

Her story is a powerful reminder that in the complex ecosystem of a mega-hit like *Squid Game*, every single number, even Player 440, represents a compelling human story and a talented actor ready for their next big moment.