Squid Game Season 3 has finally arrived, and with it, the world’s eyes are back on this gripping Netflix series. Since 2021, viewers have followed contestants risking their lives in deadly children’s games for a massive cash prize of 45.6 billion won, about 33 million dollars. Now, the latest season delivers darker twists that have divided fans, especially in South Korea where the story is set.
By the close of the latest season’s six episodes, the main character Gi-hun, played by Lee Jung-jae, meets a grim fate. Meanwhile, the show’s antagonists, including the powerful and mysterious V.I.P.s who bankroll the games, remain very much alive and thriving. This outcome left many viewers, especially in the series’ home country, feeling uneasy.
Kim Young Eun, a 24-year-old university student in Seoul, watched the new episodes with her boyfriend right after they dropped Friday night. She said she felt disappointed that most of her favorite characters were killed off, while the corrupt elite stayed in control. “It felt like the director was telling us that good people finish last,” she said.
Chun Taehyun, another university student, said he could relate to the players who lost their savings or made risky investments. “Korean people are moving away from traditional stable jobs and taking more risks,” he explained. “It’s important that Squid Game shows a different side of South Korea — not just the polished image K-pop gives.”
The creator of Squid Game, Hwang Dong-hyuk, confirmed this intention. In a December interview before Season 2 aired, he said the series was meant as a mirror to today’s world. “The world is becoming more extreme,” he noted.
The timing of the series reflects real political and social tensions. Season 1 came out during the global Covid-19 pandemic. Season 3 arrives shortly after South Korea’s snap election and political upheaval, capturing the uncertain mood of the country.
Season 3 introduces contestants with varied backgrounds, including a cryptocurrency scammer, a pregnant young woman, and a transgender character. These choices highlight social issues that resonate in Seoul and beyond.
To mark the end of the series, fans gathered at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul for a lively parade. Participants dressed as the iconic pink-suited guards marched alongside a marching band. Fans played a mock round of the infamous “Red Light, Green Light” game and cheered on the leading cast members.
At a fan event, Hwang said the show had been a heavy burden. “I feel lighter now that I can finally put it down,” he shared.
Even with the official Season 3 finale, Netflix may not be done with the franchise. The last episode closes with a scene in Los Angeles featuring Cate Blanchett in a cameo. She plays ddakji, the Korean game used to recruit players. Rumors of a U.S. remake swirl, but Netflix has not confirmed any plans.
The show’s mix of graphic violence and sharp social commentary helped push Korean content into the global spotlight. Season 1’s success led Netflix to invest $2.5 billion into Korean shows and movies through 2027. According to experts, Squid Game boosted international interest in Korean beauty, food, and culture.
Netflix’s Minyoung Kim, vice president of content for Asia, called the series a breakthrough for non-English language shows. “If your show travels globally, that’s the ultimate achievement,” she said.
Both Kim and Hwang agree the show is deeply rooted in South Korean values — even if that means showing the harsh realities beneath the surface. Professor Gyu Tag Lee of George Mason University Korea explained that Squid Game reflects the country’s focus on academic status and material success. In Korea’s competitive society, “stepping on others to win” is often seen as part of the game, as long as the rules are followed.
