'Squid Game 2': Ending Explained and the Most Frustrating Detail of Netflix’s Second Season
The second season of Squid Game, consisting of seven episodes (compared to the nine in the first), has come to an end, leaving fans with more questions than answers. Its cliffhanger ending has sparked mixed reactions, especially among viewers who expected this season to work as a self-contained story. But no, creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has chosen to split this continuation into two parts, setting the stage for a third season that promises to resolve everything… or so we hope.
How 'Squid Game 2' Ends
While the first season felt like a movie chopped into episodes, this second season seems more like half a story left incomplete. All narrative arcs remain unresolved, except for those of characters who didn’t survive.
The protagonist, Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), the winner of the first season, reenters the game with the goal of sabotaging it from the inside. However, his rebellion plans end in complete failure. After leading a group of rebel players in a fierce battle against the guards, their revolution is brutally crushed.
The most devastating betrayal comes when the Leader (Lee Byung-hun), who had been masquerading as Player 001 to infiltrate the group, derails the rebellion by executing Gi-hun’s friend, Park (Player 390), with a gunshot to the head. This act not only demoralizes the remaining players but also ensures that the game continues with the survivors.
The season concludes with the game resuming as armed guards storm the dormitories to retrieve players who didn’t participate in the rebellion. And, as if that weren’t enough, a post-credits scene teases a new and ruthless challenge that awaits in the third season.
What About the Ship Crew?
The subplot involving police officer Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon) continues to develop in parallel. His team attempts to locate the mysterious island where the games are held but faces numerous obstacles and deceptions orchestrated by the organizers.
The most significant revelation here is that the ship captain works directly for the game organizers. Although this storyline didn’t progress much in this season, it seems likely to play a bigger role in the third installment.
What About the North Korean Girl?
Another barely-explored subplot involves Kang No-eul (Park Gyu-young), a North Korean defector who now works as a guard in the game. Despite her excellent marksmanship, her character’s story has taken a backseat, limited to eliminating disqualified players.
The most notable aspect of this character is her determination to disrupt the illegal organ trafficking operation some guards have set up. Her actions could lead to serious consequences, and it’s expected that her storyline will gain more depth in the third season.
When Will Squid Game Season 3 Premiere?
Unlike the long wait between the first and second seasons (three years), the third season will arrive much sooner since both were filmed simultaneously. Although there’s no official release date yet, Season 3 is expected to premiere in 2025, likely before summer.
This final season promises to conclude the story of Seong Gi-hun and the gruesome games that have captivated audiences worldwide. However, the franchise’s future might lie in spin-offs set in other countries or even prequels that explore the origins of the organization.
Will There Be a Season 4 of Squid Game?
The answer is clear: There will be no Season 4. According to the creator, the main story of Gi-hun will conclude with the third season. However, given the series’ massive success, new spin-offs, remakes (with David Fincher reportedly involved in one), or side stories exploring other games or characters are not off the table.
Conclusion
Squid Game 2 has left fans with a rollercoaster of emotions and even more questions. While some find its open-ended conclusion frustrating, others view it as a strategy to keep the tension alive until the third season’s release.
One thing is certain: the series remains a global phenomenon, and everyone will eagerly await the conclusion of Seong Gi-hun’s journey in 2025. What did you think of this season’s ending? Share your theories and expectations for the next installment!
