Squid Game 3′ Director Hwang Dong-hyuk Faces Backlash Over Original Happy Ending Plan

As Netflix’s Squid Game Season 3 garners global attention, director Hwang Dong-hyuk’s recent interview has ignited heated discussions—especially his revelation that he initially envisioned a happy ending for the series.

In a recent interview, Squid Game Season 3’s director Hwang confessed, “When I first conceived Seasons 2 and 3, I considered a happy ending—Gi-hun escaping the game and reuniting with his daughter.” However, this vision evolved during the writing process.

“The more I wrote, the more I felt the world had become harsher. One major factor was capitalist greed. I started to reflect on what kind of future we’re leaving for the next generation,” he explained.

A pivotal element of this narrative shift was the character of the baby, whom Hwang described as a symbol of future generations. “Gi-hun’s sacrifice for that child encompasses everything I wanted to say,” he noted.

Since Season 3’s release, reactions have been sharply divided. Hwang admitted he avoided reading much feedback due to overseas promotional commitments, but acknowledged the polarizing responses. “Season 1 had no expectations, which made its shock and freshness more impactful. For Seasons 2 and 3, expectations were high and very different,” he said.

Online forums, particularly Korean communities, have exploded with commentary. Some netizens lamented that the original happy ending would have been more satisfying. Comments like “The first instinct is often the best. Gi-hun saving his daughter was the right story” reflect this sentiment.

Others, however, were less forgiving, calling Season 3 a “failure” and criticizing its complex, ambition-laden narrative. “It turned into a mess trying to force an artistic ending,” one commenter wrote. Many questioned character arcs, unresolved plotlines, and the baby’s inclusion, with some suggesting the series should have ended after Season 1.

Director Hwang also indicated that Season 3 marks the end of the franchise: “There can be no ‘Squid Game’ without Gi-hun. I wanted the story to be told through one person. There’s no room for another season.”

While he expressed relief at concluding the six-year journey, he also admitted feeling a sense of emptiness: “It’s freeing, but I wonder if I’ll ever make something like this again.”

Despite mixed reviews, Squid Game remains a monumental success, with its combined seasons racking up nearly 600 million views. However, the debate over Season 3’s conclusion shows no signs of slowing down.