The director Hwang Dong-hyuk promises another "exciting adventure" in the third and final season of the globally acclaimed series, "Squid Game." Following the release of its second season on December 26, the popular K-drama is set to return for its third and concluding chapter sometime in 2025.
Since its premiere in 2021, "Squid Game" has captured audiences worldwide with its deadly competition premise, drawing participants with the tantalizing lure of 45.6 billion won (approximately $38 million). The storyline revolves around Seong Gi-hun, portrayed by Lee Jung-jae, who becomes the sole survivor after participating in various deadly children's games orchestrated by enigmatic creators aimed at achieving monetary gain.
Now, after nearly two years of anticipation, Season 2 picks up three years after the events of the original, following Gi-hun as he attempts to end the cruel competition once and for all. Recently, Hwang Dong-hyuk confirmed the continuation and conclusion of this gripping narrative through a heartfelt letter to the show's fans. "I'm more than excited to write this letter to announce the release date for season 2 and share the news of season 3, the final season. The fierce confrontation between the two worlds will continue with season 3," noted Hwang.
So, what can fans expect from the upcoming Season 3 of "Squid Game"? Hwang teased details about Gi-hun's shocking quest for vengeance, recalling his promise from the first season. He expressed anticipation about how the plot threads connecting to a potential new sequence of games would develop. "I'm very excited to see how the seed planted for creating new "Squid Game" grows and bears fruit until the end of this story. We will do our absolute best to deliver another thrilling adventure," Hwang affirmed.
Interestingly, with Season 2 being released nearly three years after the debut season shattered Netflix viewers' records, the series is poised to expand on its storyline. Gi-hun, after the traumatic experiences of the games, emerges as a markedly altered individual. Lee Jung-jae, who portrays Gi-hun, stated, "He is a very changed person... He looks almost like a different person. His motivation and determination to eliminate the game will be stronger than ever."
The narrative of the first season highlighted Gi-hun as someone grappling with gambling addiction and estrangement from his child. With 455 other contestants forced to engage in lethal variations of childhood games for survival and monetary gain, the series' hallmark scenes—including the iconic "Red Light, Green Light" episode—left viewers on the edge of their seats.
During the first season's climatic conclusion, Gi-hun discovered the identity of the mastermind behind the gruesome competition. Oh Il-nam, portrayed by Oh Yeong-su, emerged as the elderly figure who feigned companionship throughout the tournament. Just as Gi-hun's escape seemed possible, he receives communication from the Front Man (played by Lee Byung-hun), prompting him to reconsider his plans for reuniting with his daughter and instead lead him back to vengeance.
The anticipation for the new chapters of "Squid Game" continues to build with fans eagerly awaiting what happens next. The second season drops on Netflix on Thursday, December 26, with release times varying across countries: 2:00 AM for Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru; 3:00 AM for Venezuela and Bolivia; 4:00 AM for Argentina, Paraguay, and Chile; and 9:00 AM for Spain. Netflix also confirmed the release of the third season is set for 2025, extending the confrontation between Player 456 (Gi-hun) and the Front Man until the series climax.
Hwang has emphasized continuity between the seasons, indicating fans will enjoy notable character returns, particularly those with secondary roles from the first season. "There are characters from the first season who return to the second... and it will be really fun to identify them," Hwang commented.
Another significant shift between the two seasons lies in the narrative structure. Hwang explained, "The first season followed a more linear storytelling framework about Gi-hun's participation, survival, and experiences. Season 2 will see him backed by formidable motivations and holding on to his hope for humanity, as we witness his direct trial against the Front Man, who will do everything to undermine Gi-hun's beliefs and trust."
With much to look forward to, fans of "Squid Game" remain hopeful for the gripping conclusion of this unforgettable story.
