After much anticipation, Netflix's hit series Squid Game returned with its second season, which launched on December 26, 2024, to significant fanfare and controversy. Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk's storytelling decisions left audiences divided, especially with the season's abrupt finale and its unresolved cliffhanger.
Many viewers were left scratching their heads after the conclusion, which saw the protagonist Gi-hun, played by Lee Jung-jae, devastated by the loss of his friend Jung-bae, portrayed by Lee Seo-hwan. The death was particularly heart-wrenching, occurring just as Gi-hun's attempts to solve the life-or-death game took another twist. For fans, the sight of Gi-hun, beaten and pinned down, set the stage for endless speculation on character fates and motivations.
Interestingly, Hwang revealed during interviews why the second season only contained seven episodes instead of the promised nine. "When I was writing the story for seasons 2 and 3, it was part of one long narrative arc. Initially, I estimated it would be eight or nine episodes, but upon completion, it swelled to over ten. I felt it would be too lengthy for one season," he explained to Variety. This led him to truncate the storytelling before transitioning to Season 3.
Hwang's insights shed light on the deep undercurrents of despair and unresolved tension throughout Season 2. He established the theme of failure surrounding Gi-hun's various attempts to dismantle the game. Readers discover the character engaging enemies, hiring mercenaries, and trying to persuade other contestants to vote for exiting the game—all efforts resulting tragically and only compounding his sense of defeat. "All these failures culminated in the loss of his best friend, which felt like the perfect moment to finish this long chapter. This weight of guilt and failure will heavily influence Gi-hun moving forward," Hwang asserted.
The season finale was marked by the bloodshed and chaos emblematic of Squid Game, leaving fans reeling from emotions and questions. Audiences were treated to the juxtaposition of Gi-hun fighting to save lives only to fail right before their eyes. Who can forget how the chilling presence of the Front Man, known as the Leader, loomed over the events as he maintained control of the deadly game?
Speaking about the Leader, Hwang hinted at internal conflicts buried beneath his cold demeanor. Although he despises Gi-hun, he might harbor some hope for him continuing to challenge the game. According to Hwang, the Leader's experiences parallel Gi-hun’s, reflecting his own travels from hope to despair. “The Leader—or rather, Hwang—in the depths of his being still wishes to see Gi-hun succeed, reflecting what he could not save himself,” Hwang expressed to The Hollywood Reporter.
The final moments heightened tension with unanswered questions about the fates of various characters, including Hyun-ju and Kang Dae-ho, and the overarching question: will the games continue? The season closed on codes of mass chaos as Gi-hun grapples with grief, which resonates with audiences who see the symbolism of hope extinguished.
The anticipation doesn't end here. Hwang teased upcoming developments for Season 3, with snippets of information buried within the season finale. An epilogue hinted at the appearance of Cheol-su, who—much like Young-hee—will introduce another layer of depth and horror to the games. Hwang stated, "It’s actually a preview of Cheol-su, who, like Young-hee, is part of the new giant doll to come. It hints at the most exciting game of Season 3," he shared during his interview with Entertainment Weekly.
Fans might not have to wait another three years to return to this haunting world. With speculation rife about the storytelling arc and themes of redemption and defeat, the creators aim for the series to tackle new avenues and challenges within this terrifying survival format. Hwang noted with optimism, “The framework for what to expect from Gi-hun when the game resumes is something we’ve prepared carefully.”
Despite critiques surrounding the pacing and structure of Season 2, Hwang’s acknowledgment of the characters’ emotional depths insists Squid Game is intertwined with themes of humanity, making it more relatable than simply being entertainment based on survival.
This brutal and thought-provoking finale kept audiences discussing the intricacies of the games and their characters as they await developments on the upcoming season. When will audiences finally piece the puzzle together? Until Season 3, viewers are left breathlessly on the edge, speculating about the final outcome of beloved characters trapped within the game.