‘Squid Game’ Creator Reveals Alternate Ending for Gi-hun and the Series’ Hidden Messages
Jason Yim / Published June 30, 2025 11:03 AM
Jason Yim
Netflix’s global phenomenon “Squid Game” came to a close last week with its final episode, capping off a three-season journey of survival, morality, and social commentary. But according to series creator and director Hwang Dong-hyuk, the story could have ended very differently — at least in the beginning.
Speaking to reporters at a press event in central Seoul on Monday, Hwang shared that his original vision for Seong Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) involved a happier outcome.
“I vaguely assumed that if there were a second season, it would naturally have a happy ending,” Hwang said. “I imagined Gi-hun going back into the game, destroying it, making it out alive with some people, and finally reuniting with his daughter in the U.S.”
Another early concept even involved the return of police officer Jun-ho (Wi Ha-jun), who was set to locate the island and rescue Gi-hun. But as the world changed — and grew darker — so did the director’s narrative.
“I felt that if things continue as they are, we’re heading toward an even more hopeless and bleak future,” Hwang explained. “I wanted to reflect that reality by closing Gi-hun’s journey in a way that captures the struggles of an ordinary, even below-average man.”
Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator and director of Netflix's ″Squid Game″ [NETFLIX]
A Darker Direction Season 3, which premiered on June 27, picked up after Gi-hun’s failed rebellion and the death of his ally Jung-bae (Lee Seo-hwan) at the hands of the mysterious Front Man (Lee Byung-hun). The finale, which stunned viewers with its emotional and brutal turns, served as a grim meditation on society’s treatment of the vulnerable.
In one of the final scenes, the Front Man approaches Gi-hun’s lifeless body — a rare moment of vulnerability for the otherwise stoic villain. Hwang explained that this act was symbolic.
“The Front Man was defeated by Gi-hun’s sacrifice. In that moment, humanity won,” he said.
The Baby and the Future One of the season’s most talked-about plotlines involved Jun-hee, the baby of Player No. 222, being thrust into the deadly game. Viewers were outraged — and confused — but Hwang insists the storyline was deliberate.
“The baby represents our future,” he said. “We inherited this world from the generation before us, and we owe it to the next generation not to make it worse.”
By exploring the conflicting motivations of those trying to protect or exploit the child, the show sought to comment on generational responsibility and the fragile hope that still remains.
Breaking Clichés The show also rejected some common storytelling tropes. In a shocking twist, Player No. 149 (Kang Ae-sim) fatally stabs her own son, Player No. 007 (Yang Dong-geun). But Hwang clarified it wasn’t a betrayal.
“She didn’t intend to kill her son,” he said. “It was an instinctive act to stop him from committing murder in front of an innocent child and mother.”
Squid Game [NETFLIX]
Games, Symbolism, and Latin As with earlier seasons, “Squid Game” Season 3 featured deadly competitions inspired by children’s games — but with a chilling twist. Though classic games like “London Bridge is Falling Down” were considered, they were ultimately cut to prioritize character development.
One new game, “Sky Squid Game,” was designed to reflect the cruelty of the real world. “When disaster strikes, it’s always the weakest who fall first,” Hwang noted.
In the final game room, a Latin phrase appears on the wall: “Hodie mihi, cras tibi” — “Today it is my turn, tomorrow it is yours.” Hwang said he added the quote as a quiet but powerful reminder of human mortality and shared fate.
What’s Next? Hwang, who spent six years developing the series, said the success of “Squid Game” has changed his life in profound ways. While rumors swirl about a potential U.S. adaptation — especially following Cate Blanchett’s surprise cameo — Hwang denied any involvement.
He did, however, express openness to working on a spinoff — with one caveat: “It must have a lighter tone,” he said.
Referring to scenes involving Captain Park (Oh Dal-soo), the Front Man, and the mysterious Recruiter (Gong Yoo), Hwang teased the idea of a side story exploring the personal lives of masked characters, free from heavy-handed social critique.
As the world says goodbye to one of Netflix’s most ambitious and talked-about dramas, Hwang Dong-hyuk leaves audiences with a lingering message: hope — however fragile — still exists.
Sayart.net Jason Yim yimjongho1969@gmail.com
Netflix’s global phenomenon “Squid Game” came to a close last week with its final episode, capping off a three-season journey of survival, morality, and social commentary. But according to series creator and director Hwang Dong-hyuk, the story could have ended very differently — at least in the beginning.
Speaking to reporters at a press event in central Seoul on Monday, Hwang shared that his original vision for Seong Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) involved a happier outcome.
“I vaguely assumed that if there were a second season, it would naturally have a happy ending,” Hwang said. “I imagined Gi-hun going back into the game, destroying it, making it out alive with some people, and finally reuniting with his daughter in the U.S.”
Another early concept even involved the return of police officer Jun-ho (Wi Ha-jun), who was set to locate the island and rescue Gi-hun. But as the world changed — and grew darker — so did the director’s narrative.
“I felt that if things continue as they are, we’re heading toward an even more hopeless and bleak future,” Hwang explained. “I wanted to reflect that reality by closing Gi-hun’s journey in a way that captures the struggles of an ordinary, even below-average man.”
Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator and director of Netflix's ″Squid Game″ [NETFLIX]
A Darker Direction Season 3, which premiered on June 27, picked up after Gi-hun’s failed rebellion and the death of his ally Jung-bae (Lee Seo-hwan) at the hands of the mysterious Front Man (Lee Byung-hun). The finale, which stunned viewers with its emotional and brutal turns, served as a grim meditation on society’s treatment of the vulnerable.
In one of the final scenes, the Front Man approaches Gi-hun’s lifeless body — a rare moment of vulnerability for the otherwise stoic villain. Hwang explained that this act was symbolic.
“The Front Man was defeated by Gi-hun’s sacrifice. In that moment, humanity won,” he said.
The Baby and the Future One of the season’s most talked-about plotlines involved Jun-hee, the baby of Player No. 222, being thrust into the deadly game. Viewers were outraged — and confused — but Hwang insists the storyline was deliberate.
“The baby represents our future,” he said. “We inherited this world from the generation before us, and we owe it to the next generation not to make it worse.”
By exploring the conflicting motivations of those trying to protect or exploit the child, the show sought to comment on generational responsibility and the fragile hope that still remains.
Breaking Clichés The show also rejected some common storytelling tropes. In a shocking twist, Player No. 149 (Kang Ae-sim) fatally stabs her own son, Player No. 007 (Yang Dong-geun). But Hwang clarified it wasn’t a betrayal.
“She didn’t intend to kill her son,” he said. “It was an instinctive act to stop him from committing murder in front of an innocent child and mother.”
Squid Game [NETFLIX]
Games, Symbolism, and Latin As with earlier seasons, “Squid Game” Season 3 featured deadly competitions inspired by children’s games — but with a chilling twist. Though classic games like “London Bridge is Falling Down” were considered, they were ultimately cut to prioritize character development.
One new game, “Sky Squid Game,” was designed to reflect the cruelty of the real world. “When disaster strikes, it’s always the weakest who fall first,” Hwang noted.
In the final game room, a Latin phrase appears on the wall: “Hodie mihi, cras tibi” — “Today it is my turn, tomorrow it is yours.” Hwang said he added the quote as a quiet but powerful reminder of human mortality and shared fate.
What’s Next? Hwang, who spent six years developing the series, said the success of “Squid Game” has changed his life in profound ways. While rumors swirl about a potential U.S. adaptation — especially following Cate Blanchett’s surprise cameo — Hwang denied any involvement.
He did, however, express openness to working on a spinoff — with one caveat: “It must have a lighter tone,” he said.
Referring to scenes involving Captain Park (Oh Dal-soo), the Front Man, and the mysterious Recruiter (Gong Yoo), Hwang teased the idea of a side story exploring the personal lives of masked characters, free from heavy-handed social critique.
As the world says goodbye to one of Netflix’s most ambitious and talked-about dramas, Hwang Dong-hyuk leaves audiences with a lingering message: hope — however fragile — still exists.
