Squid Game 3 Earns Global Attention for Bold and Emotional Finale: Masterpiece or Missed Opportunity?
Squid Game 3 has taken the global stage by storm, with critics hailing its finale as a masterstroke of storytelling and emotional impact. Released on June 27, the third season of Netflix’s cultural juggernaut has reignited fervent international attention—and earned widespread praise for what many are calling the series’ most profound and satisfying conclusion yet.
Continuing the story of Gi-hun and the elusive Front Man, Season 3 unpacks themes of sacrifice, identity, and the cost of survival. As Gi-hun returns to the deadly game with a personal mission, he faces emotional devastation, including the loss of his closest friend. Meanwhile, the mysterious Front Man’s hidden identity and the fates of the survivors unfold with harrowing intensity.
Commendation for Direction and Thematic Boldness
International media wasted no time in responding. TIME Magazine described the finale as “a brutal return to form with a powerful final blow,” while Collider praised it as “an overwhelming finale that amplifies all strengths and then some.” Financial Times noted the season’s “fast-paced progression and sharp direction that maintains addictive immersion.”
The Times (UK) offered similar praise, describing Season 3 as “a gripping, emotional finale” and highlighting standout episodes that balance high-stakes action with moral introspection. The publication also noted the appearance of an Oscar-winning actor in a surprise cameo as a moment of cultural synergy between Korean and Western entertainment.
Critics also lauded the philosophical depth beneath the show’s thrilling surface. Bloomberg wrote that it “asks what remains of our humanity,” and Decider called the finale “a reaffirmation of human dignity, despite the most shocking twists yet.” IGN highlighted the director’s integrity, stating: “Hwang Dong-hyuk deserves credit for not taking the easy route… There may be no true winners.”
The new games featured in Season 3 have also been a highlight. South Korean critic Sohn Jung-bin (Newsis) wrote: “The three games in Season 3 outclass those of previous seasons in both concept and character dynamics.” Max Movie’s Choi Hyun-joo added: “The scale of the final game is far beyond anything seen before.” Kuki News’ Sim Eon-kyung emphasized the emotional toll: “It forces us to focus on the participants’ emotions as they stand at the crossroads of life and death.”
Korean media further praised the finale’s exploration of deep social themes. Nam Bora (Hankook Ilbo) called it “a serious inquiry into what makes us human,” while Kim Kyung-yoon (Yonhap News) noted “a sharp critique of democracy in name only.” iMBC’s Kim Kyung-hee commended Hwang’s achievement as “a proud moment for K-content,” and Son Mi-jung (Herald Economy) called the ending “breathtaking and unprecedented.” Choi Hana (TV Daily) summed it up simply: “A magnificent ending—nothing could be better.”
Criticism of Excess and Narrative Weakness
Conversely, The Guardian expressed disappointment with the trajectory of the series, stating that the final season, “despite the intense violence, fails to retain the incisive social satire that defined the first season.”
The New York Times echoed these sentiments, labeling the plot as “one-dimensional and predictable,” and citing subplots—particularly involving character Jun-ho as underdeveloped and ultimately meaningless. It criticized the increased focus on gratuitous violence, stating, “The VIP characters, once enigmatic, are now cartoonish and devoid of symbolic weight.”
Adding to the critique, the Hollywood Reporter asserted that Squid Game Season 3 offered “an emotionally numbing experience,” lacking in character development and narrative depth. It claimed the season “presents its cast more as chess pieces than as fully realized individuals.”
Despite critical divergence, Squid Game maintains its stature as one of Korea’s most influential cultural exports. Season 1 remains Netflix’s most-watched non-English language series, and Season 2 set records upon its release, with Season 3 anticipated to achieve comparable success. The game may be over in Korea, but its echo continues to ripple across the globe.
