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Squid Game Season 3 Ending Explained: Who Lives, Who Dies, and How Does It All End?

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Initially, Squid Game was never intended to have multiple seasons, not even a second one. In fact, it was initially conceived as a movie by its creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, the writer-director behind the global sensation. However, the incredible popularity of the show – Squid Game had already been watched close to 600 million times before the final season’s release – prompted the creation of more episodes. Now, the last six episodes of the series will be released on Friday, concluding the heart-wrenching dystopian narrative.

Season 3 continues from where the previous season ended, focusing on Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) as he resumes his participation in the deadly Games with a goal to finally escape. In the closing moments of Season 2, Gi-hun attempted an unsuccessful uprising against the Game’s administrators, which include workers, soldiers, and managers, all acting under the command of the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) for the VIP players. With their dreams shattered, Gi-hun and his remaining comrades reenter the Games. Who survives, who perishes, and how does Hwang conclude this gripping Korean drama? Let’s dissect the intense yet optimistic ending of Squid Game.

Who dies in Squid Game Season 3?

In keeping with the show’s custom, it is typical for most characters in “Squid Game” to not survive past a season. As we move into Season 3, the surviving contestants are: Hyun-ju (Park Sung-hoon), a trans woman; Geum-ja (Kang Ae-sim) and her son Yong-sik (Yang Dong-geun); Jun-hee (Jo Yu-ri), who is pregnant, and her ex Myung-gi (Yim Si-wan), a YouTuber specializing in cryptocurrency; the timid Min-su (Lee David); Nam-gyu (Roh Jae-won), who was associated with Thanos’ right-hand man; Seon-nyeo (Chae Kuk-hee), a shaman; and former marine Dae-ho (Kang Ha-neul).

In Round 4 of this contest, participants are split into two groups: “Knives” and “Keys.” Knives must eliminate a Key to survive, while Keys aim to remain alive. Nam-gyu persuades fellow Knife Myung-gi to form a temporary alliance. Myung-gi had pledged to safeguard Jun-hee, a Key, who was with fellow Keys Geum-ja and Hyun-ju. The trio functioned well as a team; when Jun-hee went into labor, Geum-ja delivered the baby while Hyun-ju guarded them and found a secure exit. However, before they could flee, Hyun-ju was slain by Myung-gi. In an attempt to prevent Nam-gyu from pursuing Jun-hee, Myung-gi departed, leaving Jun-hee and Geum-ja deeply grieving over Hyun-ju’s demise.

Gi-hun, assigned to the Knife group, is consumed by a fierce desire for revenge following the deaths of Jung-bae and others he led in the uprising. He believes Dae-ho, who boasted about being an ex-marine but failed to bring necessary weapons due to fear, is responsible. Throughout the game, Gi-hun tracks down Dae-ho and eventually kills him, blaming him for their misfortune. As he strangles Dae-ho, Gi-hun accuses him, “It’s your fault.”

Shaman Seon-nyeo meets her end in this round at the hands of Min-su, who was betrayed by Player 100 (Im Jeong-dae). Enraged, Min-su, under the influence of one of Thanos’ pills, hallucinates that Seon-nyeo is Nam-gyu, his tormentor throughout the game.

Geum-ja and Jun-hee move towards the exit as time runs out, and they’re spotted by a character named Yong-sik, who has never taken a life before. Geum-ja urges her son to end her life, but his focus shifts to Jun-hee instead. In an attempt to safeguard Jun-hee, Geum-ja impales herself with her hairpin, fatally wounding her own child. Once the survivors return to their dorm, Geum-ja implores Gi-hun to shield Jun-hee and her unborn baby. That night, overwhelmed by guilt for killing her son, Geum-ja takes her life.

In round 5, a perilous game of Skipping Rope takes place on a slender walkway high above the ground. Gi-hun is determined to safeguard Jun-hee and the infant. He carries the infant across initially but when he plans to return for Jun-hee, she leaps off the edge to her demise. She understands that with her swollen ankle and the dwindling time, it would be almost impossible for Gi-hun to save her without risking his own life as well. After Jun-hee’s passing, the infant takes on her role as Player 222.

Does the Front Man reveal his identity to Gi-hun?

One intriguing point that arose before Season 3 was: will Hwang In-ho ultimately unmask himself to Gi-hun? Throughout Season 2, In-ho participated in the game as Player 001, using this role to manipulate the situation and, truthfully, to cause some distress for Gi-hun. During Gi-hun’s failed uprising, In-ho assumed his Front Man persona. He falsely declared Player 001 dead, and murdered Gi-hun’s friend, Jung-bae. As the Front Man, he goaded Gi-hun for his faith that the Game could be terminated.

As a dedicated film enthusiast, I’d rephrase that scene like this:

In Season 3, during Episode 4, titled “222,” the enigmatic Front Man unveils himself to Gi-hun as none other than In-ho. Before the climactic round, his soldiers escort Gi-hun to his office. In-ho hands him a knife, suggesting that I should eliminate my fellow contestants while they sleep. If successful, Gi-hun and the baby could terminate the game, splitting the winnings between us. When I question In-ho’s motives, he removes his mask, revealing himself as Player 001 to me. The revelation infuriates me, and for a moment, I contemplate using the knife against him. However, In-ho argues that it wouldn’t make a difference; someone else would simply take his place instead.

According to In-ho, he appears to be assisting Gi-hun and the baby, but Gi-hun perceives his intentions differently. In-ho seems to be seeking more violence, aiming to drag Gi-hun into his own destructive ways because, if not, In-ho must confront the morality of his own actions. As we learn from a flashback, In-ho himself won the game by following the same brutal strategy he suggests for Gi-hun: killing the other contestants while they slept. In In-ho’s mind, this was the only logical decision; however, Gi-hun’s unwillingness to tread the same path shows In-ho had alternative choices – choices he could still make.

The final round: game of towers

In the concluding stage of Squid Game Season 3, the rules are mercilessly straightforward: The few survivors must traverse three imposing stone towers, each taller than the last. To move on to the next tower, they are compelled to eliminate one of their fellow contestants. If any players survive this ordeal, they will share the winnings equally.

As the game progresses, Gi-hun and the baby find themselves at a significant disadvantage against the majority of players, who are primarily ruthless individuals focused on amassing wealth above all else. Player 100 and Myung-gi are among these harsh competitors. With Min-su standing tall, he becomes an obvious target for exploitation. They orchestrate a seemingly fair vote to eliminate him, with Myung-gi ultimately carrying out the cruel act of pushing him off the edge to his tragic demise.

In the upcoming round, Gi-hun becomes a formidable opponent. With a newfound sense of responsibility for the baby and the knife gifted by In-ho, he’s no longer an easy target. Consequently, the thugs start to clash among themselves, with Myung-gi standing out as ruthless and efficient in these skirmishes. As only four players remain – Myung-gi, Gi-hun, the baby, Player 100, and a weary Player 039 – Myung-gi decides to push Player 100 to his limit, hoping to secure more winnings for himself. In contrast, Player 039 chooses to exit the Game altogether, exhausted from the ongoing struggle.

Does Gi-hun die in Squid Game Season 3?

In the climactic showdown, Gi-hun doesn’t survive the last round of the Game. He reaches the final structure alongside Myung-gi and an infant. Myung-gi pleads with Gi-hun to give up the child, but Gi-hun suspects Myung-gi intends to sacrifice his own son. They engage in a struggle, ending with Myung-gi plummeting from the tower. Since neither contestant pressed the button initiating the round, Myung-gi’s death doesn’t fulfill the requirements for this tower’s sacrifice. Faced with an agonizing decision, Gi-hun must choose between killing the baby to live or sacrificing himself to let the infant survive.

To the surprise of the important individuals, he selects the second option. As they anticipate him harming a newborn, instead, he confronts them with the baby cradled in his arms. He can’t see them from their viewing room, but he senses their presence, observing with casual curiosity. Then, he turns away from them. What follows next is not intended for them; it’s meant for us. He plants a kiss on the baby and sets her down before addressing the camera: “We are not livestock. We are human beings.” Tragically, Player 456, our stand-in spectator in this lethal game, plunges to his death.

Through giving up his life to save the infant, Gi-hun is asserting the importance of human kindness. He firmly believes that every single human being holds inherent value, deserving of protection, and he’s unwilling to conform to the VIPs’ ruthless ways, even if it means sacrificing himself. The Front Man has spent seasons 2 and 3 attempting to dissuade Gi-hun from preserving humanity, but when he reveals his true identity in episode 4 and asks, “Player 456, do you still believe in people?”, with Gi-hun’s ultimate decision, In-ho gets the answer he sought.

Who wins Squid Game in Season 3?

Player 222, a newborn baby, wins the Game. 

Does Jun-ho see his brother again?

As a movie critic, I must confess that fans eagerly anticipating a heartfelt reunion between Jun-ho (Wi Ha-jun) and his estranged brother In-ho in “Squid Game” might find the conclusion somewhat disheartening. Following Gi-hun’s heroic self-sacrifice, the Korean Coast Guard arrives on the island at Jun-ho’s behest, having tracked it down after he rescued the elusive Player 246 from the relentless pink soldiers. Realizing that the Coast Guard has made their way to the island, In-ho swiftly orders an evacuation and initiates a 30-minute countdown for the facility’s imminent destruction – a necessary measure to obliterate any trace of the brutal game. Unsurprisingly, the VIPs manage to flee before the chaos ensues.

As I navigate through the facility in search of my brother, I find myself at the VIP watchroom’s threshold, right when my brother, In-ho, reaches the top of Round 6’s tower to grab the baby – or as we call him, Player 222, the Game’s victor. I shatter the glass between us with a gunshot, trying to get his attention. Pointing the weapon at my brother, I struggle to pull the trigger, for he cradles a child, not a threat. Instead of shooting, I call out: “Why did you do this?” In-ho remains silent, turning his back and walking away.

Approximately half a year later, Jun-ho returns home to discover that Jun-hee’s infant and the winnings from the game have been delivered to him, apparently left by In-ho. Although In-ho might not be inclined to communicate with his brother, it appears he desires a positive existence for him. By handing over the baby, it seems he also wishes the same for the child, aiming for a good life for both parties.

Does No-eul survive Squid Game?

Not only does No-eul outlive the Squid Game, but she significantly contributes to its demise. By rescuing Player 246 so he could rejoin his ailing daughter, Oh Il-nam (Na-yeon), No-eul triggers a series of events that ultimately lead Jun-ho and the Coast Guard to discover the island. After aiding Player 456 in escaping, No-eul eliminates any traces of his presence. She finds herself in the Front Man’s office, contemplating suicide, when she observes Gi-hun’s selfless act. The cries of a baby catch her attention, and she chooses to continue living.

Approximately half a year has passed, and we find No-eul encountering Player 246 at the amusement park, where he continues his role as a caricature artist, a place where No-eul herself used to perform in costume. However, Player 246 fails to recognize No-eul because she had never removed her mask during their previous encounter when she saved his life. When Na-yeon appears, she is both joyful and in good health. No-eul presents her with a lollipop and advises her to stay well and avoid falling ill again.

As No-eul prepares to depart, a broker who assists North Korean refugees in seeking their family members contacts her with news that may offer hope – her daughter might still be alive, and possibly residing in China. In due course, at the airport, No-eul readies herself for a flight that could reunite her with her child. This situation mirrors the Season 1 finale, where Gi-hun was preparing to fly to Los Angeles to meet his daughter. Notably, this time it is the parent who will step onto the plane.

Sae-byeok’s brother, Cheol, is reunited with their mother

In the first season of “Squid Game,” Jung Ho-yeon’s character, Sae-byeok, played a crucial role and made a brief appearance in a cameo. During Season 3, when Gi-hun is at his most despairing and contemplates harming his fellow contestants while they sleep, he recalls the words of Sae-byeok: “You are not a murderer.

Afterward, we find Sae-byeok’s brother Cheol at the airport along with Sang-woo’s mother, who has been looking after him, and a refugee broker. Sae-byeok entered the Game to amass funds to rescue her parents from North Korea. Now, Sang-woo’s mother is in South Korea, and she has been reunited with her brother Cheol. They share an emotional hug. Although they may not have the rest of their family, they now have each other. A part of Sae-byeok’s dream has become reality.

The Front Man goes to LA to see Gi-hun’s daughter

In Season 1, Gi-hun is struggling as a father figure. This is one of the key factors that lead him to participate in the game initially. Following his victory, he intends to reunite with his daughter, Ga-yeong, but decides to attempt to terminate the game instead.

After Gi-hun’s passing, In-ho journeys to Los Angeles to meet Gi-hun’s daughter. Upon reaching her home shared with her mother and new stepfather, Ga-yeong greets him with hostility. She is unwilling to discuss her father, whom she feels was neglectful. When In-ho breaks the news of his demise, she reluctantly receives a box containing his personal effects. Inside lies Gi-hun’s Player 456 uniform stained with blood and a debit card presumably holding his vast winnings from the game. Despite not having her father present to witness it, Gi-hun has ensured his daughter’s prosperous future.

It wasn’t necessary for In-ho to inform Ga-yeong about her father’s passing, provide her with money, or personally hand it over. This action hints that In-ho might have been influenced by Gi-hun’s decision to uphold his humanity. Could In-ho be preparing to make a different choice in the future?

Cate Blanchett and the Squid Game: America Spin-off

At the end of the episode, the Lead Character finds himself in a vehicle following his daughter receiving Gi-hun’s earnings. Suddenly, he notices sounds of hitting and gameplay coming from a nearby alleyway, so he lowers his window to inspect. It turns out to be a Scout, portrayed by Cate Blanchett. She recognizes him and gives a nod before continuing her duties.

Although nothing is officially announced yet, hints suggest that an American adaptation of the popular game featured in the series might be on the horizon. As we recall from Season 1, this game takes place globally. Reports from October 2024 indicate that a Squid Game English-language series was being developed by director David Fincher. The final scene of Squid Game Season 3 could potentially set the stage for Squid Game: America.

Does Squid Game have a happy ending?

As a passionate movie-goer, I can’t help but reflect on the bittersweet conclusion of “Squid Game.” Just like this gripping series, our current capitalist system seems to lack a contented finale. Yet, amidst the grim reality, Dae-woo Hwang subtly infuses us with hope.

The concluding episode of Squid Game is labeled as “Humans are…” This phrase represents Gi-hun’s last words. By leaving the statement ambiguous, Hwang invites viewers to ponder their own interpretations. However, through the series itself, he suggests that humans have a capacity for corruption, greed, and vengeance. Yet, we also possess the ability to care for one another, make sacrifices to safeguard others, and aspire for something more meaningful. Despite Gi-hun’s occasional poor judgment—as demonstrated when he murders Player 388 (Kang Ha-neul) out of shame and revenge in Episode 2 titled “Starry Night”—he strives to better himself even after committing a human life.

In a competition that placed him against many, Gi-hun eventually chooses the path of human compassion. While it may not end joyfully, there’s a sense of optimism in his decision.

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2025-06-27 11:08

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