At Netflix’s Tudum 2025 event, held on May 31 at The Kia Forum, fans were electrified by the release of a gripping teaser trailer for the third and final season of Squid Game, set to premiere on June 27. The trailer showcased protagonist Seong Gi-hun, played by Lee Jung-jae, returning to the deadly games following the dramatic cliffhanger of Season 2. However, the spotlight was equally on the stars’ candid reflections, as Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun shared their thoughts on the “perfectly written” scripts and their anticipation—and apprehension—about how fans will react to the series’ conclusion.
The global phenomenon that is Squid Game has captivated audiences since its 2021 debut, becoming one of Netflix’s most-watched series with its harrowing depiction of desperate contestants risking their lives in deadly children’s games for a massive cash prize. Season 2, which premiered in late December 2024, drew unprecedented viewership, achieving 4.92 billion and 4.6 billion streaming minutes in its first two weeks, according to Nielsen. The season ended on a gut-wrenching cliffhanger, with Gi-hun’s rebellion against the game’s sinister organizers failing and his best friend, Player 290 Park Jung-bae, executed by the enigmatic Front Man, played by Lee Byung-hun. This sets the stage for an intense final chapter, as teased in the trailer where Gi-hun is seen emerging—alive—from one of the game’s iconic pink coffins.
At Tudum 2025, Lee Jung-jae, who portrays the resilient yet tormented Gi-hun, expressed a mix of satisfaction and anxiety about the series’ conclusion. “I’m happy with how it ended, but I know that the fans out there, they each have what they want to see happen, so I’m really curious about how they’re going to respond to it,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. “And I’m very nervous to find out.” His comments reflect the immense pressure of concluding a cultural juggernaut that has sparked countless fan theories and expectations. From speculation about the Front Man’s motives to new game concepts like “Dong, Dong, Dongdaemun,” fans have been vocal about their hopes for the finale, as discussed in a recent Netflix Korea YouTube video featuring Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, and creator Hwang Dong-hyuk.
Lee Byung-hun, who embodies the chilling Front Man, offered high praise for the scripts of Seasons 2 and 3, which he read simultaneously. “It was just perfectly written,” he told THR. “It was such an intriguing and gripping read, and I was once again in awe of director Hwang [Dong-hyuk]’s abilities.” His enthusiasm underscores the creative vision of Hwang, who has hinted at potential spinoffs to explore untold stories, such as the gap between Seasons 1 and 2. Lee Byung-hun’s cryptic tease about the finale—“I’m happy with how it ended”—adds to the anticipation, though he, too, acknowledged the uncertainty of fan reception, given the diverse expectations surrounding the series’ end.
The final season promises to be a spectacle, with Hwang Dong-hyuk’s signature blend of emotional depth, social commentary, and high-stakes drama. The teaser trailer hints at Gi-hun’s continued fight against the game’s shadowy forces, with the return of familiar elements like the eerie masked guards and the stark, colorful sets. Critics have already noted that Season 2 adopted a “bigger, bolder style,” likened to a Hollywood blockbuster sequel, and Season 3 appears poised to elevate this further. The Italian Global Series Festival in Riccione and Rimini, scheduled for June 21-28, will host a special screening of the Season 3 premiere, signaling its cultural significance.
The Squid Game universe has already expanded beyond the main series, with projects like the reality show Squid Game: The Challenge and the interactive Squid Game: The Experience, alongside the multiplayer video game Squid Game: Unleashed. Hwang’s comments about potential spinoffs suggest that the franchise’s legacy will endure, even as the core story concludes. However, the focus remains on delivering a satisfying end to Gi-hun’s journey, a challenge that Lee Jung-jae’s nervousness reflects. Fans, who have theorized about everything from the return of VIPs to the significance of new characters like Min Su, are eagerly awaiting answers.
The confirmed cast for Squid Game Season 3 includes returning stars Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun, Lee Byung-hun as the Front Man, Wi Ha-joon as Hwang Jun-ho, and Gong Yoo as the Recruiter, alongside new additions Park Gyu-young, Jo Yu-ri, Kang Ae-sim, Lee David, Choi Jae-sup, Lee Ji-hoon, Won Ji-an, T.O.P, Roh Jae-won, and Kim Si-eun. Their performances will bring to life the final chapter of this gripping saga, which has redefined global television.
As June 27 approaches, the world watches with bated breath to see how Squid Game will tie up its intricate web of survival, sacrifice, and rebellion. Will Gi-hun dismantle the game, or will the system’s cruel machinery prevail? Lee Jung-jae’s and Lee Byung-hun’s confidence in the storytelling, paired with their curiosity about fan reactions, sets the stage for a finale that promises to be as polarizing as it is unforgettable.
Here's the latest trailer for Squid Game Season 3:
