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Squid Game Creator and Stars Reflect on Explosive Season 2 Finale: “A Bold Cliffhanger to Keep Fans Guessing”
Dec
Warning: This article contains major spoilers for Squid Game Season 2 finale.
The Squid Game Season 2 finale left fans reeling with an emotional cliffhanger that changed everything for Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae). Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk and the cast opened up about the season’s tragic conclusion and what it means for the final installment.
The devastating finale saw Gi-hun, who spent the season organizing a rebellion to end the deadly game, betrayed by Player 001—who was revealed to be none other than the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) in disguise. In a brutal twist, Gi-hun’s trusted friend Jung-bae (Lee Seo-hwan) was killed in front of him, shattering his resolve and leaving viewers questioning what’s next.
“A Cliffhanger Full of Heartbreak”
Hwang Dong-hyuk, the show’s creator, revealed that splitting the story into two seasons created the perfect opportunity for a dramatic ending.
“When you see Gi-hun’s journey, he tries everything—seeking outside help, rallying votes to leave the game, and ultimately leading a rebellion—but all of these attempts fail,” Hwang tells EW. “The finale had to end with Gi-hun losing everything, even his best friend, in order to show a major character transition.”
The cliffhanger was carefully designed to leave viewers desperate for answers. “People might hate the ending or even curse at it,” Lee Jung-jae admits, “but modern audiences love bold cliffhangers. It sets the stage for what Gi-hun’s evolution will be in Season 3.”
A Friendship Torn Apart
Jung-bae’s presence in Season 2 was both a comfort and a strategic move by the Front Man, who orchestrated his participation in the games to amplify the VIPs’ entertainment.
“The Front Man bringing Gi-hun’s best friend into the game made it all the more intense and personal,” says Jung-jae. “Their shared moments showed glimpses of Gi-hun’s lighter, more youthful self, which made the tragedy of Jung-bae’s death hit even harder.”
Lee Seo-hwan, who played Jung-bae, expressed his own admiration for the ending. “It’s devastating, but it’s a fitting way to propel Gi-hun’s story forward,” he says. “Their relationship was the emotional heartbeat of the season, so losing Jung-bae creates a powerful shift in Gi-hun’s character.”
Evil Behind the Curtain
The VIPs and the Front Man took sadistic pleasure in manipulating Gi-hun and Jung-bae’s friendship. Jung-jae noted, “It’s infuriating to think of how the VIPs must have bet on their survival. Their cruelty in turning friendship into a game felt truly evil.”
Hwang hinted that Gi-hun’s next move will be fueled by the grief and fury stemming from Jung-bae’s death. “Gi-hun might feel lost initially, but this will ignite an even stronger determination in him to bring down the game for good,” he says.
Looking Ahead to Season 3
As the Squid Game universe grows darker, fans can expect the final season to deliver high-stakes action and emotional payoffs. Season 3, set to premiere in 2025, promises to resolve the cliffhanger and delve deeper into Gi-hun’s quest for justice.
“Gi-hun’s transformation will surprise everyone,” Jung-jae teases. “The stakes are higher than ever, and he’s out for revenge.”
For now, viewers are left to grapple with the emotional fallout of Season 2 and speculate about what’s next for Gi-hun. With the promise of a thrilling conclusion in Season 3, Squid Game continues to captivate and devastate in equal measure.
Squid Game Seasons 1 and 2 are now streaming on Netflix. Season 3 is slated for release in 2025.
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