‘Squid Game’ Season 3 Ending Wasn’t the Original Plan, Reveals Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk — Teases More Deadly Games Ahead

Squid Game Season 3 has premiered on Netflix, reigniting global interest in the dystopian drama. While reactions to the new season have been mixed, the series' emotional and unexpected finale has become a major talking point. Now, series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has revealed that the season’s ending was not part of the original script—and the final twist was a last-minute shift.

A Different Ending Originally Planned

In an interview with Variety, Hwang confirmed that he initially had a very different conclusion for protagonist Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae). “When I started thinking about Seasons 2 and 3, I had a completely different ending in mind,” Hwang said. “But as the characters developed, and Gi-hun’s journey deepened, I realized the story needed to end another way. It just felt more emotionally right.”

Originally, Gi-hun was supposed to make a drastically different decision, but in the final version, he sacrifices his life to save the newborn daughter of fellow contestants Jun-hee and Myung-gi. The child becomes the symbolic “last one standing,” and is awarded the full prize of 45.6 billion won.

The Front Man Shows a Rare Glimpse of Humanity

Gi-hun’s selfless act even affects The Front Man, In-ho (Lee Byung-hun), known for his merciless leadership of the deadly games. In a rare moment of compassion, The Front Man rescues the baby and ensures she receives the prize money as a tribute to Gi-hun’s sacrifice.

Gi-hun vs The Front Man: A Clash of Beliefs

Much of Season 3 revolves around a philosophical battle between Gi-hun and The Front Man. Gi-hun holds onto the belief that people are inherently good, while In-ho believes human nature is fundamentally selfish and cruel. Their ideological clash culminates in a powerful final confrontation.

A key moment in the series shows Gi-hun on the verge of abandoning his principles—considering killing others in their sleep to survive. But a vision of Sae-byeok (HoYeon Jung), his trusted ally from Season 1, reminds him: “You’re not that kind of person.” This line, according to Hwang, was essential to grounding Gi-hun’s character.

“It had to be something simple yet powerful,” Hwang explained. “Sae-byeok’s words brought him back from the edge.”

A New Recruiter, A Possible Future

Although Season 3 marks the end of Gi-hun’s arc—and possibly Hwang Dong-hyuk’s involvement in the series—Squid Game may continue. In the closing scene, a mysterious new Recruiter, played by Cate Blanchett, appears in Los Angeles, setting the stage for a new chapter in the twisted survival competition.

“While this season offers closure,” Hwang teased, “it also leaves a sense of longing. If the timing is right, there could be more stories to tell.”