“A Stunning Finale” vs “Falls Short of Season 1”: Global Critics Divided Over Squid Game Season 3

Netflix’s biggest Korean franchise Squid Game has finally returned with its third and final season, and just as it shocked viewers with its brutality and brilliance in Season 1, Season 3 is once again generating headlines—but for very different reasons.

The new season, which launched globally in mid-2025, brings the survival drama to a close. But the reviews are deeply divided, sparking passionate debate across the world.

🔥 Critics Applaud Its Bold Ending

Several international outlets have applauded director Hwang Dong-hyuk for delivering a bold, emotionally resonant conclusion to the Squid Game saga.

“It’s a stunning finale that dares to question morality, capitalism, and human nature at their core,” wrote The Guardian.

Others praised Lee Jung Jae’s return as Seong Gi-hun, noting that his evolution from a desperate father to a man seeking justice comes full circle.

The character of Front Man also receives deeper development, shedding light on his transformation from player to enforcer. Fans who felt his arc was rushed in Season 2 will find more emotional depth and backstory in this final installment.

😞 But Many Say It Falls Short of Season 1

Not all feedback is positive, however. Some critics and fans feel that the series peaked with Season 1, and each subsequent season has struggled to live up to the original’s shocking impact and cultural relevance.

“Season 3 tries to recapture the magic of Season 1 but ends up dragging its themes and overstretching its narrative,” commented The New York Times.

Some fans criticized the pacing and felt that the new games lacked the creativity and emotional stakes of earlier seasons. Others felt that new characters introduced in Season 3 did not resonate with the audience as strongly as Season 1’s original cast.

🧩 Story Highlights

Season 3 picks up after the events of Season 2, with Seong Gi-hun returning to the shadows of the Game—not as a player, but as a man on a mission. His goal: to dismantle the entire Squid Game system from within.

Key developments include:

• A new level of psychological warfare introduced in the game’s format.
  
  

• A globalized Squid Game, with contestants from different countries.
  
  

• A surprise betrayal from a returning character.
  
  

• A powerful twist ending that challenges viewers’ assumptions about justice and revenge.
  
  

🌍 Global Reactions on Social Media

The online reaction has been as divided as the critics'. Hashtags like #SquidGame3Finale, #GiHunReturns, and #SquidGameDisappointment trended simultaneously on Twitter and TikTok.

On Reddit, one fan wrote:

“They wrapped up Gi-hun’s arc beautifully. It’s the closure I didn’t know I needed.”

Meanwhile, another said:

“This was like watching a diluted version of what made Squid Game iconic. The ending was okay, but it felt predictable.”

🎬 Production, Cast & Direction

Despite mixed reviews, the production quality of Season 3 remains high. The sets, especially the twisted new arenas and underground bunkers, are once again a visual highlight.

Returning cast members include:

• Lee Jung Jae as Seong Gi-hun
  
  

• Lee Byung Hun as Front Man
  
  

• Wi Ha Joon as Hwang Jun-ho (Yes, he returns!)
  
  

New cast additions from the global arena include actors from Japan, the U.S., and France, marking Netflix’s intent to globalize the franchise even further.

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, who won an Emmy for Season 1, stated that Season 3 was the story he “always intended to tell,” aiming for resolution and social commentary over action thrills.

🏁 Final Verdict: A Polarizing But Powerful Ending

Squid Game Season 3 may not achieve unanimous acclaim like its predecessor, but it undeniably closes a chapter in television history. Whether you found it profound or frustrating, it leaves a cultural impact that will be discussed for years.