Creator Explains the Cliffhanger Ending of Squid Game Season 2

Attention! Spoilers Ahead for Squid Game Season 2.

Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has opened up about the surprising cliffhanger that concludes Season 2 of Squid Game, and how it lays the groundwork for an anticipated Season 3. Since its debut on Netflix in 2021, this compelling South Korean thriller has captivated audiences worldwide. In its latest installment, released in late December, we follow Seong Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) as he strives to dismantle the deadly games. However, the season wraps up with a poignant setback, leaving Gi-hun’s resolve shaken as The Front Man (portrayed by Lee Byung-hun) ruthlessly executes Jung-bae (Lee Seo-hwan) right before Gi-hun’s eyes.

In a revealing interview with Variety, Hwang elaborated on his choice to end Season 2 at such a critical juncture for Gi-hun. The creator expressed that this powerful instance of failure—where Gi-hun’s aspirations are crushed—is the ideal point to conclude this season. This, along with Gi-hun’s impending transformation into a character burdened by guilt, sets up a rich narrative landscape for the forthcoming season. Here’s Hwang’s insight:

When I first wrote the story of Seasons 2 and 3, it was one long story arc. I initially planned to tell this story over about eight to nine episodes, but when I finished, it extended to over 10 episodes, which felt too lengthy for a single season. I aimed to create a satisfying closure for the second season while providing enough momentum to transition smoothly into the third.

Gi-hun’s journey depicts a series of failed attempts to halt the games: his first plan, involving mercenaries and a tracking device, fails; his second, urging players to vote to abandon the game, also fails; and the final effort to incite a rebellion culminates in disaster. The culmination of these failures engenders a deep-seated crisis: Gi-hun loses his closest friend, Jung-bae, at the hands of The Front Man. I believed this was the suitable moment to pause and offer Gi-hun some semblance of closure along his long story arc. The third season will explore how Gi-hun copes with this overwhelming guilt and sense of failure—his next steps remain uncertain.

Implications of Squid Game Season 2’s Ending for Season 3

Mid-Credits Scene Foreshadowing Future Events

Initially, Squid Game was not conceived as a series. However, the immense popularity of Season 1 prompted Hwang and Netflix to embark on an extended journey for Gi-hun. Recent confirmations indicate that Season 3 will be the series’ finale, with Hwang revealing its anticipated release in summer or fall 2025.

As we head into Season 3, Gi-hun’s character will be profoundly affected. With the weight of guilt over the lives lost during his thwarted rebellion hanging over him, prospects for a new uprising appear bleak. The Front Man and his cohorts will likely approach the remaining contestants with added vigilance. While the mid-credits scene of Season 2 provides minimal revelation, it hints at an even more perilous variation of Red Light Green Light looming as a potential punishment.

Analyzing the Impact of Squid Game Season 2’s Ending

Hwang Jun-ho as Gi-hun’s Last Hope

Close-up of Jun-ho in Squid Game Season 2

The conclusion of Season 2 has intensified the excitement surrounding Season 3, particularly with Gi-hun’s defeat. Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon) and his gang of mercenaries seem to be Gi-hun’s solitary saviors. However, Jun-ho faces his challenges, as illustrated by the betrayal of the boat captain. Thus, Gi-hun’s chances of turning the tide against The Front Man appear more tenuous than ever, amplifying the stakes for his eventual triumph.

Squid Game Season 2 is currently available for streaming in full on Netflix.

Source: Variety

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