Prepare for a Twisted Return as Intensified Challenges and Child-like Games Push Contestants to Their Darkest Limits
The previous season of Netflix’s Hit Korean series Squid Game left viewers anticipating what would happen next. Some questions remained unanswered, such as whether Gi-hun’s attempt to instigate a rebellion between the guards, game players, and the Frontman succeeded, or what fate awaited them, especially after the betrayal of Gi-hun’s friend, who was killed by Player 001, Young-il, who is under disguise, and is in reality
the Frontman. The turn of events leaves Gi-hun devastated, and his character embarks on a dark and drastic turning point.
On June 27, 2025, Season 3 returns with the continuation of the story, as the audience finds Gi-hun now a broken man, having discovered that his plan has failed and all his fellow game players are deceased, except for one. And the one remaining is the one who Gi-hun feels is at fault for the failure of his plans, as Player 388 was supposed to return with the batteries, but instead froze in fear and returned with the other players who remained in the bunks. Not only does Gi-hun begin to develop anger, but he also starts to feel emotionally defeated as he seeks to save the lives of those playing and put an end to the games for good. Yet, those who remain are few and intend to vote in favor of the games, despite the lives lost. As the Frontman once compared humans to horses in a race, hinting that they are exploited and manipulated for entertainment, worth betting on for the VIP, which is everything Gi-hun is philosophically fighting against.
The writers tie everything together, with themes of power and sacrifice this season, creating a narrative for the series that will leave viewers both satisfied and sad, as many beloved characters will say goodbye. Squid Game is not only a Netflix hit about surviving these child-like games with the last remaining winner who gets to leave with 45.6 Billion Won, the show goes beyond the excitement of competition and instead invites viewers into humanistic moments and the inner conflict between wanting more and what one is willing to do to achieve it, especially when money is involved.
Ultimately, the audience is left with an open interpretation of who people can be and what decisions they can make in the gray areas. They are invited to explore the complexities of human nature and confront their moralities when delving into a tight, dark, and brutal conflict.
Gi-hun’s final message to the audience is” We are not horses. We are humans and humans are…” Leaving the viewers both contemplative and moved. However, the story doesn’t end there, and the Squid Games find their way to the U.S.
Rating: 9 out of 10
Review done by Samantha Ysaguirre
