After captivating audiences worldwide since its explosive debut in late 2021, the South Korean thriller Squid Game is finally reaching its conclusion. The much-anticipated third and final season is set to premiere on Netflix on June 27, 2025, marking the end of Seong Gi-hun's harrowing journey through the deadly games.
Fans around the globe are eagerly counting down the hours to binge-watch the last six episodes, which will drop simultaneously at midnight Pacific Time (PT) on June 27. This staggered release means viewers in different time zones will gain access at varying local times—from early morning in Europe to late afternoon in parts of Asia and Oceania. For instance, the series will be available at 8 a.m. British Summer Time (BST) in the UK, 9 a.m. Central European Time (CET) in much of Europe, and as late as 7 p.m. New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) in Auckland.
The final season picks up immediately after the cliffhanger ending of season two, plunging Gi-hun into a state of utter despair following the loss of his best friend and a brutal betrayal by the enigmatic Front Man, who had been masquerading as Player 001. As Netflix’s official synopsis outlines, Gi-hun is "at his lowest point yet," forced to navigate a series of deadlier games that test the limits of human endurance and morality.
Series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk, who made history as the first Asian to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series, returns as writer, director, and producer for this climactic chapter. Speaking to Netflix’s Tudum, Hwang revealed that the new season focuses on what Gi-hun can achieve after all his previous efforts have seemingly failed. "He is in utter despair after losing everything and watching all his efforts go in vain," Hwang said. "The story then takes an interesting turn, questioning whether Gi-hun can overcome his shame and rise again to prove that values of humanity—like conscience and kindness—can exist in the arena." This thematic exploration promises a profound examination of human nature amidst the show's trademark high-stakes tension.
Season three also intensifies the rivalry between Gi-hun and the Front Man, played by Lee Byung-hun, as the two worlds collide in a fierce showdown. According to Hwang, the Front Man's decision to send Gi-hun back into the game rather than eliminating him outright is a calculated move aimed at breaking Gi-hun’s spirit and forcing him to confront the consequences of his past mistakes. "It's important for the Front Man that Gi-hun returns to the game," Hwang explained in an interview with Tudum.
Adding fresh layers to the narrative, the new season introduces a host of new characters, including a sinister new maniacal doll named Cheol-su, poised to replace the iconic 'Red Light, Green Light' figure from the first season. The trailer, released on June 13, teases several brutal new games that push players to their limits. One game features players split into two teams navigating a deadly maze, while another resembles a perilous jump rope challenge on a high bridge, where a single misstep could be fatal. These inventive and intense challenges underscore Hwang’s intent to "show the lowest bottom of human beings," bringing out the rawest aspects of human nature.
The cast continues to feature Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun, alongside returning actors Wi Ha-joon as Hwang Jun-ho, Yim Si-wan as Myung-gi (Player 333), Kang Ha-neul as Dae-ho (Player 388), and Park Sung-hoon as Hyun-ju (Player 120). New faces include Kang Ae-sim as Geum-ja (Player 149), Jo Yuri as Jun-hee (Player 222), Lee David as Min-su (Player 125), and Roh Jae-won as Nam-gyu (Player 124), among others.
Notably, seasons two and three were filmed back-to-back, which explains the relatively short six-month wait between their releases compared to the three-year gap between seasons one and two. This production strategy has kept the momentum alive and allowed fans to dive back into the dystopian world without a prolonged hiatus.
With just six episodes comprising the final season, viewers might find the brevity surprising, especially given the show's immense popularity and the sprawling narratives of previous seasons. Some speculate that seasons two and three were initially intended as a single season, a theory supported by the way season two ended. Regardless, all six episodes will be available at once, enabling fans to binge the entire saga over the weekend.
Squid Game season two set a staggering benchmark, becoming Netflix’s third most-watched season ever with 192.6 million views, and ranking as the top non-English TV series across 92 countries. The third season is poised to build on this legacy, promising a thrilling finale that does not shy away from the brutal realities and complex emotions that have defined the series.
When asked about the ending, Lee Jung-jae, who portrays Gi-hun, told Variety, "The ending is something you really cannot expect. I am looking forward to what kind of interpretations viewers have." Such a statement hints at a conclusion that may challenge audience expectations and spark lively discussions.
For those wondering if there will be a fourth season, the answer is a definitive no. Hwang Dong-hyuk has confirmed that season three will be the series’ last, bringing an end to the dystopian saga that has captivated millions. As he explained in a letter to fans, the story reaches its natural conclusion with this final installment.
In summary, the final season of Squid Game promises to deliver the intense suspense, complex character dynamics, and social commentary that have made the series a global phenomenon. With its worldwide release on June 27, fans everywhere can prepare for a weekend of gripping drama, unexpected twists, and the ultimate resolution to Gi-hun’s story.
