"I've poured my all into making a finale worthy of the long journey." — Director Hwang Dong-hyuk

When Squid Game first dropped on Netflix in 2021, it sparked a global phenomenon. Season 2 went on to become one of the most-watched shows in the U.S. during the 2024–2025 TV season.

With its high-stakes survival format and shocking plot twists, Squid Game captivated the world. At the core of its success, though, was its powerful social commentary—posing razor-sharp questions about inequality and capitalism.

Now, Season 3 is set to begin the final game. This time, instead of delivering a message, it asks questions—highlighting the harsh effects of late-stage capitalism: endless competition, relentless desire, and the crushing weight of defeat.

💭 "Rather than tell you what to think, I wanted to ask: Can we leave a better world for the next generation?" — Hwang Dong-hyuk

🎬 The Cast Reunites to Launch the Final Season

On June 9, the Squid Game: Memorial Showcase was held at Seoul Dragon City. The event was also livestreamed via Netflix Korea's official YouTube.

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk was joined by a star-studded cast including Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Wi Ha-jun, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-wook, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-shim, Jo Yu-ri, Chae Gook-hee, Lee David, and Noh Jae-won.

Season 3 centers on Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), now burdened by guilt after losing his closest friend in Season 2. Meanwhile, the mysterious Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) returns. The two will face off in a final confrontation of morality and power.

📢 "Season 3 is about whether Gi-hun can overcome the guilt of not saving his friend. The tension between Gi-hun and the Front Man escalates," said Director Hwang.

Lee Jung-jae added, "In Season 2, Gi-hun enters the game to stop it. In Season 3, he knows exactly what he must do—and acts on it."

🧠 The Stakes Are Higher, The Characters Deeper

Lee Byung-hun reprises his role as the enigmatic Front Man. "Gi-hun still believes in humanity. Season 3 is the 'conclusion' in our narrative arc—and it's going to be emotionally intense," he noted.

Returning cast members shared teasers:

• Im Si-wan (Myung-gi): "Myung-gi makes foolish choices that dig him deeper into trouble. Expect more chaos from him this season."
• Kang Ha-neul (Dae-ho): "He failed to deliver bullets in Season 2 due to trauma. This time, his storyline is deeply intertwined with the other players."
• Park Sung-hoon (Hyun-joo): "Her just and selfless nature remains intact. She'll show stronger leadership as she fights to survive with her teammates."

Jo Yu-ri (Jun-hui), playing a pregnant contestant, faces both physical and mental struggles, while Chae Gook-hee (Seon-nyeo), who hears divine voices, promises an eerie twist.

🎲 New Games, Bigger Surprises

Director Hwang teased upgraded challenges, including a tightrope game and a maze-like search. "Classic childhood games like tag and cops-and-robbers inspired some of our designs. And yes, there's a final hidden game we're saving for the end."

He confirmed that Chul-soo, the male counterpart to Young-hee, the iconic killer doll, will also appear. "Young-hee and Chul-soo are a duo. It's time global viewers meet him too," Hwang said.

The director revealed Seasons 2 and 3 were written and filmed together. "Some viewers felt Season 2 was lacking, but Season 3 will tie up the entire narrative. Those who were disappointed before will be satisfied."

🏆 Legacy of a Global Hit

Squid Game made history as the first non-English show to win at the Emmys in 2022. Coincidentally, on the same day as the showcase, Korean original musical Maybe Happy Ending swept the 78th Tony Awards with six wins.

Hwang Dong-hyuk celebrated: "K-content has conquered the Oscars and Emmys—Grammys and Tonys were the next dream. I thought Tonys were the farthest off, but today's news was inspiring."

While there are no current plans for Season 4, Hwang hinted at possible spinoffs in the future. "Right now, I'm focusing on my next film project. But a spinoff might come someday."

🎬 "Season 3 is the one I'm most proud of. I gave it my all," he concluded. "I hope it serves as a fitting finale to the journey."

Squid Game Season 3 premieres on Netflix on June 27.

[Photo Credit: Song Hyo-jin, Dispatch]