Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk recently revealed the alternate ending planned for Season 3 and explained why he ultimately altered it. The third season of the acclaimed Korean series premiered on Netflix on June 27, 2025, quickly topping charts across multiple countries. The season stars Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Yim Si-wan, Wi Ha-jun, Park Gyu-young, among others.
Hwang Dong-hyuk Discusses Squid Game Season 3’s Alternate Happy Ending
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Hwang Dong-hyuk detailed why he revised the original conclusion of Squid Game Season 3.
Initially, Hwang had envisioned an ending where Gi-hun, portrayed by Lee Jung-jae, survives the deadly games and reunites with his daughter in the United States. He stated, “At first, when I was vaguely considering seasons two and three, I imagined Gi-hun escaping the games alive and going to see his daughter in the US. It was a kind of happy ending.” However, throughout the writing process, he reconsidered the message he wanted to deliver in the final season, concluding that the current ending was more fitting.
Hwang Dong-hyuk Uses Squid Game Season 3 Ending to Address Global Issues
The creator cited pressing real-world challenges such as economic inequality, the climate crisis, and ongoing wars, noting that younger generations are increasingly “losing hope.” He aimed to create a symbol of hope through the narrative. “I felt it was time for us to make sacrifices and seriously consider how to build a better future,” Hwang explained. This intention was embodied by including a baby in the storyline, symbolizing hope and future generations. By having Gi-hun, representing the older generation, sacrifice himself to save the child, Hwang sought to convey the notion that ensuring a better world for future generations requires sacrifice and responsibility. He believed this was the most appropriate ending for the series.
Hwang Dong-hyuk’s Alternate Ending Includes Survival of Key Characters
Furthermore, in the alternate ending, Hwang imagined that alongside Gi-hun and the baby, other significant characters would also survive. This version portrayed a more hopeful outcome for the ensemble, contrasting with the darker tone of the released finale.