The first season of Squid Game debuted on Netflix in 2021 and became a global phenomenon. Now, with seasons 2 and 3—released in 2024 and 2025 respectively—Netflix appears to be bidding farewell to this groundbreaking series.
However, the ending of season 3 suggests this may not be the end. It could instead mark the beginning of a more global gameplay, possibly with a different storyline.
Season 3 dives straight into psychological warfare and blood-soaked suspense, setting a much darker tone than seasons 1 and 2, which included moments of comic relief.
In this season, we see the main character, Seong Gi-hun, become more serious, vengeful, determined, and layered. His character development is the central focus of the season. His transformation—from a simple man to a determined avenger—adds significant emotional depth to the story.
The complexity of the games increases with each episode, mirroring the characters’ evolving psychological states.
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk continues to explore themes of power structures, class struggles, and human morality. The line between right and wrong becomes increasingly blurred as primal instincts take over.
Yet in the final episode, through Seong’s journey, the director delivers a powerful message: no matter how far life pushes us, a core of humanity always remains.
This season is packed with emotionally charged scenes, intense violence, and a more philosophical tone toward the end, posing the haunting question: When the system is inhuman, what makes us human?
The cast
The cast is commendable, with leading South Korean actors reprising key roles, giving audiences a sense of nostalgia.
Some international actors also appear as VIPs, adding new tension and cultural nuance. This seems to be a strategic move to broaden the show's global appeal.
While performances across the board are solid, scenes involving the international stars sometimes feel jarring, as the flow of dialogue becomes uneven.
Still, the emotional authenticity of the acting remains intact throughout. Even during the most extreme moments, the performances feel real and grounded—helping “Squid Game” rise above a typical dystopian drama.
A global game?
The final scene delivers the most striking revelation. While fans long suspected the game might continue, the closing moments confirm its expansion beyond South Korea. The deadly contest has become a global event.
This twist dramatically raises the stakes. What began as a grim metaphor for South Korea’s socioeconomic crisis has evolved into a broader satire of global capitalism, exploitation, and spectacle.
And it raises a haunting question: When profit thrives on pain, can humanity survive?
Verdict
Season 3 of “Squid Game” is sharp in pacing, ambitious in scope, and emotionally devastating.
Whether this is truly the final chapter or the beginning of a more expansive global arc remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the series has evolved far beyond a simple survival game. It now reflects the world we live in—where we are the players and those in power are the watchers.
The series offers a compelling mirror to modern-day reality. To grasp its message fully, “Squid Game” is a must-watch.
