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'Squid Game 3' reviews out: Netizens get emotional over last season, call the finale 'heart-wrenching'

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After a long and gripping journey, the globally acclaimed Squid Game series reaches its dramatic conclusion with the premiere of its third and ultimate season on June 27. The story picks up immediately from the cliffhanger of the previous season, diving straight into the fallout of an intense betrayal by Kang Dae Ho, portrayed by Kang Ha Neul. At the same time, the main character, Seong Gi Hun, played by Lee Jung Jae, finds himself captured, signaling the beginning of another deadly and chaotic round of survival.

This season wastes no time raising the stakes. With a rebellion having crumbled and the chances of escape narrowing with each move, the remaining contestants are forced to take desperate and sometimes ruthless steps in order to survive. Fear returns in full force as the masked guards tighten control, making it clear that the brutal games are far from over.

The story takes a major turn when Lee Jung Jae’s character finally uncovers the true identity of The Front Man. The mysterious figure is revealed to be Hwang In Ho, whose betrayal and hidden agenda send shockwaves through the narrative. This shocking revelation not only deepens the emotional weight of the series but also forces Seong Gi Hun to confront the horrifying truth behind the games.

Just hours after the new season dropped, viewers rushed to social media platforms to express their reactions. Posts ranged from emotional tributes to heated discussions over major plot twists and character arcs. The online buzz highlighted the powerful hold the show continues to have over its global audience, even in its final chapter.

Netizens Review ‘Squid Game 3’

One fan called the finale absolutely gut-wrenching. “S3 delivers a heart-wrenching finale! Gi-hun’s desperate fight, brutal games like Jump Rope, & a bold, divisive end make it Netflix’s finest. Lee Byung-hun’s chilling Front Man & Im Si-wan’s complex Myung-gi stole the show,” they wrote.

Another commenter said she was glued from beginning to end, and the grand finale made her furious and sad. “Squid Game Season 3 is a great ending to an incredible series! Far better than 2 (which felt like half a season). Things get EMOTIONAL. I cried a lot but also was FURIOUS at times,” she wrote.

Another criticised the ending for being too predictable but admitted overall the third season was a compelling watch.

However, a disappointed fan didn’t hold back on the criticism. “If you thought season 2 is bad... then get ready to get disappointed even more... I'm sorry, but #SquidGameS3 is absolute TRASH... it lost everything it had going for it... I'm so triggered... plus the ending is just infuriating,” they wrote.

About ‘Squid Game’

Squid Game is a high-stakes South Korean survival drama, rooted in dystopian horror, and created exclusively for Netflix by writer-director Hwang Dong-hyuk. The show centers on a hidden, deadly competition involving 456 participants, each drowning in financial distress. These contestants voluntarily enter the contest, risking their lives by playing lethal versions of traditional children’s games. Their ultimate goal: to claim a staggering ₩45.6 billion (approximately US$39.86 million) grand prize. The show’s title references “ojingeo,” a real-life Korean playground game resembling the shape of a squid, which plays a symbolic role in the story.

A Story Sparked by Real-Life Economic Anxiety

Hwang Dong-hyuk’s inspiration stemmed from his personal financial hardships and the growing social inequality in South Korea. As he navigated economic instability himself, the contrast between wealth and poverty served as the creative foundation for the story’s grim narrative. Hwang first wrote the script back in 2009, but faced repeated rejections from production houses that were unwilling to take on the project. It wasn't until a decade later, in 2019, that Netflix—seeking to broaden its range of global content—expressed interest and greenlit the production.

A Record-Breaking Debut Season

The debut season of Squid Game launched on September 17, 2021, and took the world by storm. Audiences were captivated by its chilling portrayal of desperation, betrayal, and greed. With Lee Jung-jae leading the ensemble cast as the central character, Seong Gi-hun, the series combined emotional depth with intense action. It quickly became Netflix’s most-watched series of all time, captivating viewers across borders and languages. Critics lauded its storytelling, visual style, and social commentary, cementing its place as a landmark in streaming entertainment.

From Acclaim to Awards

The show’s global popularity translated into major industry recognition. It received a wave of prestigious honors, including six Primetime Emmy Awards and one Golden Globe. Its cultural impact extended beyond the screen, influencing fashion, internet memes, and even political conversations about wealth and class.

Continuing the Legacy: Season Two

Following its overwhelming success, the show returned for a second installment. Production for Season 2 began in July 2023, and it was officially released on December 26, 2024. The continuation delved even deeper into the haunting themes of survival and morality, keeping the audience engaged and invested in the fates of the remaining players.
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