Netflix's Squid Game stars hint at 'crazy and unexpected' ending for season 3

Netflix's Squid Game season 3 is set to drop, with the cast dishing out their insights into what might be a staggering finish for the critically acclaimed South Korean phenomenon.

The cliffhanger from season 2 pitches Seong Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) and his fellow survivors against ominous odds, setting up an intense conclusion that has fans eagerly guessing.

During a Netflix press event attended by Reach Screen Time among others, showrunner Hwang Dong-hyuk and a trio of Squid Game stars shed light on their perspectives regarding the series' climax.

Lee Jung-jae distilled the essence of the final chapter into "finale, forgiveness, harmony" while adding a twist, Lee Byung-hun who portrays Front Man hinted at a "new start".

Conversely, director Hwang remained enigmatic, simply vowing the ending would be "crazy, insane and nuts".

Probing further, reporters quizzed lead actor Lee Jung-jae at the press junket for more nuance on the denouement, where he enigmatically indicated it's "not what you think".

Commenting on director Hwang's commitment, he reflected: "I thought director Hwang's decision that he had made... he was very determined and he knew what he was doing."

However, he acknowledged the potential struggles in wrapping a narrative of such magnitude: "But I'm sure that he went through a lot of internal debate and struggles, because as we all know, it's just a hugely successful series."

Pondering the fate of his own character, Lee contemplated: "So when it's a story that big, how do you bring that to closure as writer, director and creator? And, especially for a character like Gi-hun, where do you leave his journey?".

He elaborated: "I know that he listened to a lot of other people's ideas as well. You know, we would have discussions among ourselves and the cast. He would also discuss it with me and the crew as well."

The Squid Game star then confirmed: "I believe that director Hwang came up with the most adequate, the most unpredictable, the most meaningful and the most intriguing and entertaining ending possible.

"So, personally I am very happy with the finale, and you all are going to be able to see where it all ends soon, but I can guarantee you it's not going to be what you think."

Lee Byung-hun hinted at potential surprises in store for the Squid Game saga, noting: "Director Hwang keeps saying it's a finale, but when I first read it I felt it could be a finale, but at the same time it could be a new start.

"I'm not sure about this as it's my personal opinion but if the audience's love and support increases, we'll never know what happens.."

Park Gyu-young added her thoughts on the series' trajectory, stating: "If season 2 was the explanation of the expanded universe of Squid Game, I think in season 3 all the questions will be answered really clearly and all the characters will make their own decisions and break through all the hardships they're going through, so I'm pretty sure it's a finale of this whole universe."

Netflix enthusiasts are on tenterhooks for the third and supposedly final chapter of Squid Game, with the release just around the corner.

The official blurb for the third season reveals: "A failed rebellion, the death of a friend, and a secret betrayal. Picking up in the aftermath of Season 2's bloody cliffhanger, the third and final season of Netflix's most popular series finds Gi-hun, a.k.a. Player 456, at his lowest point yet.

"But the Squid Game stops for no one, so Gi-hun will be forced to make some important choices in the face of overwhelming despair as he and the surviving players are thrust into deadlier games that test everyone's resolve. With each round, their choices lead to increasingly grave consequences.

"Meanwhile, In-ho resumes his role as Front Man to welcome the mysterious VIPs, and his brother Jun-ho continues his search for the elusive island, unaware there's a traitor in their midst. Will Gi-hun make the right decisions, or will Front Man finally break his spirit?".

Squid Game season 3 is coming to Netflix on Friday, June 27.