SEOUL — Netflix’s global phenomenon “Squid Game” is set to return for its highly anticipated third and final season on June 27, bringing the brutal survival saga to a close.
At a press conference held in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, director Hwang Dong-hyuk and lead cast members including Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun spoke candidly about what fans can expect — addressing the mixed reception of Season 2, fan theories, and recent spoiler-related controversies.
Season 3 resumes immediately after the events of Season 2. Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), disillusioned and grieving, recommits himself to taking down the deadly system behind the games. Meanwhile, the mysterious Frontman (Lee Byung-hun) returns to his role as the cold mastermind, setting the stage for an epic confrontation.
“Gi-hun is deeply shaken after losing his closest friend at the hands of the Frontman,” Lee Byung-hun explained. “But he rediscovers his purpose — to fight back, while still holding onto his faith in humanity. That sparks the next phase of their psychological and strategic clash.”
Director Hwang emphasized that Seasons 2 and 3 were conceived as one continuous story.
“This final season will serve as the narrative’s climax and conclusion. It’s where the emotional and thematic arcs will come full circle,” Hwang said. “Rather than offering answers, I wanted to raise questions. In a world dominated by competition and unchecked desire, can we build a better future?”
Despite the enormous success of Season 1 — which earned an Emmy and broke Netflix viewership records — Season 2 received criticism for its pacing and unresolved storylines. Hwang acknowledged this, noting that the two final seasons were produced together, meaning Season 3 could not be adjusted based on feedback.
“I understand some were disappointed with Season 2. But I believe many of those concerns will be addressed naturally as the story concludes in Season 3,” he said.
The director also confirmed that Season 3 will mark the end of the main storyline — at least for now.
“There are no plans for a Season 4. That was agreed upon with Netflix. However, the world of ‘Squid Game’ is rich, and while I’m not working on anything immediately, a spin-off is something I may explore in the future.”
The production was not without controversy. Cast members Park Sung-hoon and Park Gyu-young faced backlash after Park Sung-hoon shared inappropriate fan content and Park Gyu-young inadvertently revealed a major Season 3 spoiler on social media.
Hwang responded with calm: “It was unfortunate, but I chose to move on. There’s much more in the story that hasn’t been spoiled — viewers will still be surprised.”
As the countdown begins, fans worldwide are preparing for one last, high-stakes round in the deadly world of Squid Game — a finale that promises to challenge both its characters and its audience.
Sayart / Kelly.K pittou8181@gmail.com
SEOUL — Netflix’s global phenomenon “Squid Game” is set to return for its highly anticipated third and final season on June 27, bringing the brutal survival saga to a close.
At a press conference held in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, director Hwang Dong-hyuk and lead cast members including Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun spoke candidly about what fans can expect — addressing the mixed reception of Season 2, fan theories, and recent spoiler-related controversies.
Season 3 resumes immediately after the events of Season 2. Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), disillusioned and grieving, recommits himself to taking down the deadly system behind the games. Meanwhile, the mysterious Frontman (Lee Byung-hun) returns to his role as the cold mastermind, setting the stage for an epic confrontation.
“Gi-hun is deeply shaken after losing his closest friend at the hands of the Frontman,” Lee Byung-hun explained. “But he rediscovers his purpose — to fight back, while still holding onto his faith in humanity. That sparks the next phase of their psychological and strategic clash.”
Director Hwang emphasized that Seasons 2 and 3 were conceived as one continuous story.
“This final season will serve as the narrative’s climax and conclusion. It’s where the emotional and thematic arcs will come full circle,” Hwang said. “Rather than offering answers, I wanted to raise questions. In a world dominated by competition and unchecked desire, can we build a better future?”
Despite the enormous success of Season 1 — which earned an Emmy and broke Netflix viewership records — Season 2 received criticism for its pacing and unresolved storylines. Hwang acknowledged this, noting that the two final seasons were produced together, meaning Season 3 could not be adjusted based on feedback.
“I understand some were disappointed with Season 2. But I believe many of those concerns will be addressed naturally as the story concludes in Season 3,” he said.
The director also confirmed that Season 3 will mark the end of the main storyline — at least for now.
“There are no plans for a Season 4. That was agreed upon with Netflix. However, the world of ‘Squid Game’ is rich, and while I’m not working on anything immediately, a spin-off is something I may explore in the future.”
The production was not without controversy. Cast members Park Sung-hoon and Park Gyu-young faced backlash after Park Sung-hoon shared inappropriate fan content and Park Gyu-young inadvertently revealed a major Season 3 spoiler on social media.
Hwang responded with calm: “It was unfortunate, but I chose to move on. There’s much more in the story that hasn’t been spoiled — viewers will still be surprised.”
As the countdown begins, fans worldwide are preparing for one last, high-stakes round in the deadly world of Squid Game — a finale that promises to challenge both its characters and its audience.
Sayart / Kelly.K pittou8181@gmail.com
