The release of Squid Game Season 3 has left fans deeply unsettled, primarily due to the unexpected and heart-wrenching demise of the series' central figure, Seong Gi-hun. Played by Lee Jung-jae, the brave yet deeply flawed protagonist meets his end during a daring rescue, sacrificing himself to protect a newborn caught in the crossfire of the lethal games. For many viewers, the loss of Gi-hun—who had grown into a symbol of resistance and redemption—felt both abrupt and emotionally devastating.
Alternate Ending That Never Was
During a press event, the creator and director of the franchise, Hwang Dong-hyuk, shared that he had once envisioned a far more hopeful outcome for Gi-hun. Initially, he planned for the character to emerge from the harrowing experience with a sense of peace, traveling to the United States to reunite with his daughter. This alternate ending suggested closure, growth, and a long-awaited reward for enduring trauma.
When Hwang first started conceptualizing the second installment, he imagined Gi-hun returning to the games—not for greed, but as a force for good, perhaps sabotaging the system or aiding others in breaking free. That noble intention, he thought, would conclude with Gi-hun finally reconnecting with his daughter abroad. However, the deeper he dove into the script, the less that optimistic ending seemed to align with the story he felt compelled to tell. As Hwang refined the narrative, he concluded that Gi-hun’s arc needed to conclude on a more sobering note.
"I asked myself, ‘What is the story I truly want to tell?’ And that led me to the realization that Gi-hun’s journey had to end here," he told Korea Herald.
Reflecting Harsh Realities Through Fiction
The creator explained that Squid Game has always been a commentary on the real world. Compared to when Season 1 was produced, he feels that the world has deteriorated further—with widening economic disparity, increasing conflict, and general helplessness among the masses. As global crises worsen year after year, Hwang saw the need to embed this grim reality into the fabric of the story.
Gi-hun’s painful and ultimately fatal path serves as a mirror to the struggles of everyday individuals. Far from being an extraordinary hero, he represented the average person—someone overlooked, underestimated, and burdened by systemic failures. His tragic end underscores the broader themes of despair and hopelessness that permeate modern society.
"The painful journey of someone like Gi-hun, an average or even below-average person," he said.
A Powerful Cameo That Reframes the Narrative
The finale shocked viewers yet again with the sudden appearance of Academy Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett. She steps into the role of a recruiter for the games, engaging potential players in a game of ddakji—a striking visual echo of the series’ original Korean storyline, but now relocated to the US. Hwang explained that he purposefully cast a woman in the role, contrasting with the earlier male recruiter portrayed by Gong Yoo in Korea. He wanted a commanding presence for the short yet pivotal moment, and Blanchett, whom he greatly admires, fit the part perfectly.
No Direct Sequels—But Possibilities Remain
Despite the jaw-dropping ending and high-profile cameo, Hwang clarified that there are no plans for a direct continuation of Gi-hun’s storyline. He expressed that the narrative goals for this season have been fully met, and revisiting the central arc would serve little purpose. However, he is open to developing side narratives or character-focused spin-offs. Hwang hinted at potential explorations into the lives of masked game organizers, referencing a cryptic photo of the Front Man found in Captain Park’s home—a subtle clue fans had speculated about.
For now, Hwang appears content to let Gi-hun's journey conclude as a powerful statement, even as viewers struggle to process the profound loss.
Alternate Ending That Never Was
During a press event, the creator and director of the franchise, Hwang Dong-hyuk, shared that he had once envisioned a far more hopeful outcome for Gi-hun. Initially, he planned for the character to emerge from the harrowing experience with a sense of peace, traveling to the United States to reunite with his daughter. This alternate ending suggested closure, growth, and a long-awaited reward for enduring trauma.
When Hwang first started conceptualizing the second installment, he imagined Gi-hun returning to the games—not for greed, but as a force for good, perhaps sabotaging the system or aiding others in breaking free. That noble intention, he thought, would conclude with Gi-hun finally reconnecting with his daughter abroad. However, the deeper he dove into the script, the less that optimistic ending seemed to align with the story he felt compelled to tell. As Hwang refined the narrative, he concluded that Gi-hun’s arc needed to conclude on a more sobering note.
"I asked myself, ‘What is the story I truly want to tell?’ And that led me to the realization that Gi-hun’s journey had to end here," he told Korea Herald.
Reflecting Harsh Realities Through Fiction
The creator explained that Squid Game has always been a commentary on the real world. Compared to when Season 1 was produced, he feels that the world has deteriorated further—with widening economic disparity, increasing conflict, and general helplessness among the masses. As global crises worsen year after year, Hwang saw the need to embed this grim reality into the fabric of the story.
Gi-hun’s painful and ultimately fatal path serves as a mirror to the struggles of everyday individuals. Far from being an extraordinary hero, he represented the average person—someone overlooked, underestimated, and burdened by systemic failures. His tragic end underscores the broader themes of despair and hopelessness that permeate modern society.
"The painful journey of someone like Gi-hun, an average or even below-average person," he said.
A Powerful Cameo That Reframes the Narrative
The finale shocked viewers yet again with the sudden appearance of Academy Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett. She steps into the role of a recruiter for the games, engaging potential players in a game of ddakji—a striking visual echo of the series’ original Korean storyline, but now relocated to the US. Hwang explained that he purposefully cast a woman in the role, contrasting with the earlier male recruiter portrayed by Gong Yoo in Korea. He wanted a commanding presence for the short yet pivotal moment, and Blanchett, whom he greatly admires, fit the part perfectly.
No Direct Sequels—But Possibilities Remain
Despite the jaw-dropping ending and high-profile cameo, Hwang clarified that there are no plans for a direct continuation of Gi-hun’s storyline. He expressed that the narrative goals for this season have been fully met, and revisiting the central arc would serve little purpose. However, he is open to developing side narratives or character-focused spin-offs. Hwang hinted at potential explorations into the lives of masked game organizers, referencing a cryptic photo of the Front Man found in Captain Park’s home—a subtle clue fans had speculated about.
For now, Hwang appears content to let Gi-hun's journey conclude as a powerful statement, even as viewers struggle to process the profound loss.
You may also like
Shooting World Cup: Skeet shooters to take aim first in Shotgun World Cup in Lonato
Kenneth Colley dead: Star Wars actor dies 'after contracting Covid and pneumonia'
Flyers With Credit Cards Can Now Access Adani Airport Lounges Without Extra Registration
Income Tax: How many savings accounts can a person keep? If you want to avoid income tax notice, know the rules..
NIA chargesheets Maoist operative for aiding banned outfit CPI (Maoist) in Jharkhand
