Netflix has released a poignant goodbye video to mark the conclusion of Squid Game, the groundbreaking South Korean survival drama that captivated audiences worldwide. Released on July 15, 2025, the video serves as an emotional tribute to the series’ journey, celebrating its legacy and the profound connection it forged with viewers. Directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, the series follows desperate contestants risking their lives in deadly children’s games for a massive cash prize, exposing raw human nature and societal inequities.
The farewell video features behind-the-scenes footage and reflections from the cast and crew. It highlights the intense emotional and physical demands placed on actors like Lee Jung-jae, who reprised his role as Seong Gi-hun, and Park Hae-soo, who portrayed Cho Sang-woo in the first season. The video also showcases the meticulous craftsmanship behind the show’s iconic sets, such as the eerie playgrounds and the haunting masked guards, which became cultural touchstones. Hwang Dong-hyuk’s vision, blending visceral storytelling with sharp social commentary, is celebrated as the driving force behind the series’ global resonance. The video, available on YouTube, marks a bittersweet moment as Squid Game concludes its three-season arc.
Despite its global impact, Squid Game faced a surprising setback at the 2025 Emmy Awards, receiving zero nominations for its second season, a stark contrast to its first season’s 14 nominations and historic status as the first non-English series to compete for best drama. This shutout, we recently reported, stunned industry observers, highlighting the unpredictable nature of awards recognition for even the most influential series.
Impact and Legacy of Squid Game
Since its debut in 2021, Squid Game has redefined the global television landscape. The series became Netflix’s most-watched show at the time, amassing billions of viewing hours and sparking widespread discourse on capitalism, class disparity, and human survival. Its universal themes, paired with distinctly Korean cultural elements, resonated across borders, earning critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild awards for its first season.
The second and third seasons, released in 2024 and 2025 respectively, continued to explore Seong Gi-hun’s journey while introducing new characters like Wi Ha-joon, Gong Yoo, and Kim Si-eun. The show’s unflinching portrayal of societal issues, combined with its gripping narrative, cemented its status as a cultural juggernaut.
What’s Next for Squid Game
As Squid Game concludes, speculation surrounds the franchise’s future, particularly regarding a potential U.S. spin-off. Recent reports indicate that Netflix is exploring an American adaptation, with acclaimed director David Fincher reportedly involved, though no official confirmation has been made. Hwang Dong-hyuk has clarified that the third season’s impactful ending was crafted to conclude the main series’ narrative, not to set up a spin-off, emphasizing the cyclical nature of systemic issues. Any U.S. adaptation would likely reimagine the concept in a new cultural context, potentially exploring similar themes of economic desperation and moral compromise. Details remain scarce, but the prospect of a spin-off signals Netflix’s intent to expand the Squid Game universe.
The release of the farewell video marks the end of an era for Squid Game, but its influence on storytelling, global television, and cultural conversations will endure. As Netflix bids farewell to this landmark series, the possibility of new stories within its universe keeps the legacy alive.
