'Squid Game' final season deepens moral conflict between Gi-hun, Front Man

Cast members of "Squid Game" Season 3 pose during a press conference at Seoul Dragon City in Yongsan District, Monday. Yonhap

Netflix’s sensation “Squid Game” returns June 27 with its highly anticipated final season, promising a dramatic showdown between Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) and the mysterious Front Man (Lee Byung-hun).

As the brutal competition reaches its climax, the two former players clash over their opposing beliefs on humanity, justice, and survival.

The global phenomenon — the first non-English language work to sweep major categories at the Primetime Emmy Awards — picks up where Season 2 left off. Gi-hun reenters the deadly arena with his own motives, only to suffer devastating losses, including the death of his closest friend.

Meanwhile, the Front Man continues to manipulate the game from within, concealing his true identity and agenda. The last remaining players’ fates will be revealed within the brutal contest.

Asked what message he wanted to convey with the new season, director Hwang Dong-hyuk said he approached the final chapters not to deliver a specific message, but to “raise deeper questions” about the world we live in.

“If we talk about the many side effects of capitalist society, it’s the endless despair and frustration that comes from excessive competition and the constant stimulation of human desire. Within that, I wanted to ask questions like ‘Can we create a better world? Can we pass on sustainable happiness to future generations?’” Hwang said during a press conference Monday at Seoul Dragon City in Yongsan District.

“In Season 2, after the rebellion, Seong Gi-hun loses most of his allies and even his closest friend. The story is about how Gi-hun, after hitting rock bottom with guilt and despair, manages to rise again. If you focus on the confrontation between Gi-hun and the Front Man — their differing beliefs about humanity — I think you’ll find it interesting.”

Hwang added he hopes viewers will feel that Season 3 ties together all the threads from Season 2 and brings the story to a conclusion that stays true to “Squid Game.”

Reflecting on Gi-hun’s arc in Season 3, actor Lee Jung-jae explained that his character, burdened by guilt over failing to save a friend, initially resolves to end the game and punish its creators.

“But then he starts to question what he should actually do inside the arena and ultimately makes a firm resolution about what he can do. This marks a significant transformation in Gi-hun’s character,” Lee Jung-jae said.

Lee Byung-hun, who returns as the Front Man, described his role as the ideological counterpoint to Gi-hun.

“The Front Man is the one who devises a plan to destroy everything Gi-hun believes in, especially his faith in humanity. If Seasons 2 and 3 form one continuous narrative, then Season 3 is the climax — a story that’s bound to hit hard. It will be a story of true confrontation.”

When asked whether Season 3 would be the ultimate end, Hwang confirmed he has no plans for a fourth installment.

“After watching Season 3, some may think there’s room for a Season 4, while others may feel there’s no need for one,” the director said, adding that he currently has no intention to immediately create something else related to “Squid Game.”

However, he hinted, “I have considered the idea of a spin-off. There were moments during production when I grew curious myself.”

Hwang reflected on the six-year journey that began with a script and grew into a worldwide phenomenon.

“A miraculous event occurred — something I never could have imagined,” he said. “Rather than getting swept up in the glitter of success, I intend to hold onto the lessons and emotions I experienced over these six years as I prepare for my next project.”

By Park Jin-hai