Squid Game 3 Posters and Trailer Unleashes Intense Final Chapter, But Park Sung-hoon’s Return Sparks Controversy
Squid Game 3 has yet to hit screens, but its newly released trailer is already generating massive buzz, and a storm of controversy. The third and reportedly final installment of Netflix Korea’s iconic survival series promises even higher stakes, more brutal games, and the return of familiar faces. But one casting choice in particular is stirring up intense backlash.
Released with chilling visuals and the now-infamous tune of the giant doll Young-hee, the trailer teases a fresh round of deadly games. Viewers get a glimpse of a maze modeled after narrow Korean alleys strung with star-shaped lanterns and a high-stakes jump rope challenge that blends folk games with heightened violence.
The atmosphere is even darker and more twisted than Season 2, which many viewers previously criticized for being too tame compared to the brutal debut season.
Lee Jung-jae’s character Gi-hun, despite being captured at the end of Season 2, returns for another harrowing round, while chaos reigns in the aftermath of a violent rebellion where evil forces appear to have triumphed.
On June 5, Netflix officially unveiled eight new character posters for its upcoming series Squid Game Season 3, showcasing a new lineup that includes Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-shim, and Jo Yu-ri.
However, what’s capturing more attention than the plot or production design is the return of Park Sung-hoon as the character Hyun-joo, a trans player who became a fan favorite in Season 2. Following a scandal in which Park was accused of posting adult content online, his limited appearance in the trailer has fueled speculation that Netflix attempted to minimize his screen time.
Though he appears only briefly, the implication is clear: Park Sung Hoon remains a central figure in Squid Game 3. This has left many netizens furious. Online comments range from “Isn’t he ashamed?” to “Netflix should’ve replaced him.” Others are questioning the platform’s decision to keep him in such a pivotal role despite previous backlash.
Squid Game 3 premieres globally on June 27 on Netflix. Whether it will end the series on a high note, or get overshadowed by off-screen scandals, remains to be seen.
