Director Hwang Dong-hyuk has said he wasn’t sure he made the right choices while writing the finale of Squid Game. That’s right: after billions of views, record-breaking audiences for Netflix and fuelling the Korean wave around the world, the show is finally coming to a close.
“I had to make a big decision at the end of the season, because it's a finale for the whole series,” he said during a virtual press conference for the show.
“That decision was so difficult to make. I was still thinking about whether it's good or not. But the audience and the viewers will see.”
The cast and crew were speaking ahead of the launch of Squid Game Season 3, which launches on Netflix on June 27. A continuation of the second season – which saw main character Gi-hun (Lee Jung-Jae) rejoin the games in order to defeat them from the inside – it promises more iconic pink suits, more games and a looming showdown between Gi-Hun and the sinister Front Man.
It may be the final instalment, but it’s hard to imagine what an ending will look like for a show that delights in pulling the rug out from under its audience’s feet.
Fortunately, the cast have been dropping hints. During the press conference, they were asked to provide three words to illustrate the Squid Game finale.
Hwang Dong-hyuk chose “crazy, insane, nuts,” while Lee Jung-Jae chose “Finale, forgiveness, harmony.”
“Director Hwang keeps saying it's a finale,” added Lee Byung-hun, who plays Front Man. “But I when I first read it, I felt it could be a finale. At the same time it could be a new start.”
The cast also talked about the emotional impact of saying goodbye – while at the same time, putting to bed rumours of another season after this one.
“From 2019 to 2025, it's been a long time,” Hwang said. “It brought me a lot of memories, good memories. I never expected this level of success with Squid Game. I mean, how could I?
“Your show becomes a world phenomenon. It's crazy. But it's time to say goodbye, I thought. So, that's why I called it the finale. It's time to move on to my next project.”
And it seems as though the cast agree. “I believe that director Hwang came up with the most adequate, the most unpredictable, the most meaningful, and the most intriguing and entertaining ending possible,” Lee added.
“So, personally, I am very happy with the finale and you all are going to be able to see where it all ends soon, but I can guarantee you it's not going to be what you think.”
Squid Game Season 3 airs on Netflix from June 27
