14/06/2025

LYFE SATURDAY | JUNE 14, 2025

25

Final game begins

W HEN Squid Game debuted in 2021, it did more than just entertain, it became an international sensation, captivating millions of fans worldwide with its childhood nostalgia and deadly competition. The Korean thriller dominated Netflix, sweeping awards and gaining a passionate global fanbase. Its second season upped the stakes, leaving audiences with a cliffhanger that begged for answers. Now, with Squid Game season three set to premiere on June 27, theSun was part of the global press conference featuring the series’ cast and director Hwang Dong-hyuk. With heartfelt reflections, character insights and a glimpse into what lies ahead, the creators gave us plenty to look forward to and revealed this final chapter may just be its most explosive. Where story resumes Hwang said the story starts with the rebellion. “Season 3 picks up from the rebellion. Seong Gi-hun has lost more of his colleagues and hit rock bottom. How he rises again is where the story begins,” said Hwang. Lead actor Lee Jung-jae, who plays Seong Gi-hun, shared the emotional toll on his character: “Witnessing the death of his friend and other players left him in despair. At first, his purpose was to punish but now, it is more about what he is truly capable of.” Game within mind Lee Byung-hun, returning as the Ű BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN o Inside South Korea’s most popular series

Frontman, tense cat-and-mouse narrative ahead: “Gi-hun lost his best friend. He feels helpless, but he turns to his beliefs. He wants to dismantle the system. Watching that, the Frontman begins making his own move. Season three is the main climax and it is going to be dramatic and intense.” Meanwhile, cast member Si-wan, who plays Lee Myeong-gi, added depth to his character’s arc. He said: “If you look at the character stills, I am someone who is still thinking about my ex. But at the same time, he wants to outwit the situation and that leads him into further crisis. Trying to outsmart the game only puts him in a more complex situation.” On the other hand, Kang Ha-neul, who plays Kang Dae-ho, said the trauma from season two continues to shape his performance. “I think he is doing his best. Dae-ho feels like the most realistic character, so I am very proud of the role. He did what he could, and there is a lot happening for him in season three.” complexity Park Sung-hoon described the evolution of Cho Hyeon-ju, one of the series’s most beloved characters. “She is very selfless. In the game, Hyeon-ju formed friendships with many players – and I think you will see an even cooler version of her,” he said. Yang Dong-geun, who plays the son of Kang Ae-sim, teased the Bonds, battles, human

The players fight for survival in ever deadlier games. – ALL PICS FROM NETFLIX

role was not easy. It is not just the dynamic that changes, it is the circumstances. And that is what we should be looking forward to,” he said. Kang Ae-sim added: “I am a huge fan, and I am happy to meet him as my son. He is immature, and I am always worried about him so from that perspective, look forward to it.” On the other hand, Jo Yu-ri’s character faces one of the season’s toughest situations. “She is pregnant. She is emotionally

Hwang In-ho is the main antagonist of Squid Game .

drained – but she is strong-willed and determined to keep going in Season 3,” she said. Chae Gook-hee, who plays Seon Nyeo, hinted at a spiritual undercurrent.

“As progresses, emotions get higher. My character hears ‘the god,’ I see what others do not see. Season two sent chills down (my spine) and I look forward how she is in season three.” David Lee said: “So my character was very reliant on Se-mi (Won Ji-an) and she was the only person that he thought as a friend. Now she is dead, I became more timid and I am down. And now, I have to survive from the game and the rest of the Thanos members. I will put all traits in season three, so I can survive.” Brutal games with familiar twist Dropping hints about the new deadly games awaiting contestants, Hwang said: “As you can see in the trailer, jump rope is rotating and that is a game. There is hide and seek, and some other different games. All of that aspects are mixed. We are based on childhood games, and we are going to make a twist and spice it up.” He also revealed the surprising inclusion of Cheol-su (male doll introduced in season two). “They are always together in our elementary textbooks, so I wanted both of them to take part. Global audience to know not just Young hee, but Cheol-su too.” ‘It has been a long journey’ With this season being called the grand finale, emotions will run high. “It has been five years. Now that we have the grand finale, I am happy global audience is enjoying the show. I am happy to show the Korean power and I am happy to be a part of it. It is such an amazing show that made me grow. I hope it stays timeless,” said Wi. Lee Byung-hun reflected: “Bittersweet. I feel good. In season two, we went (for) promotions in the game

different countries. I have not felt that much passion from the fans. They loved the show, and they welcomed us warmly. Global audience loved and it is new to me, and I am very grateful. We are gonna do promotion globally again and I am looking forward to it. It is very jaw-dropping and surprising in a pleasant way, and something I have not experienced before.” Director’s vision On what makes the series is so universally loved, Hwang shared: “Squid Game has a lot of Korean elements such as Korean games and that is matched with brutality. And despite it being based off traditional games, it resonated globally and dealt with universal themes such as conflict and competition. It acutely touched on important themes mostly because of humanity. We see them in different way and how to make (the) world a better place regardless what country and culture you have, these are themes that are relevant.” On season two’s criticisms and what is to come next, he said: “We produced it back to back, so I could not change anything in season three. But the cliffhanger that it ended in season two and I know it ended on the part where many characters did not end on how it is supposed to, but it will all be answered in season three.” As for the possibility of more seasons: “I do not have plans for season four. That is something we mutually agreed with Netflix. And I think when you watch season three, you might feel you will not need a season four. But if you are asking me if I will never return, I will not say no.”

reflected on the emotional weight of the role. “Taking up the

Jung-jae, who plays the role of Gi-hun.

Squid Game

season three

Squid Game season three is set to premiere on June 27 and will be the final season of the series.

premieres June 27 on Netflix.