Squid Game Creator Reveals Alternate Season 3 Ending, Explains Major Rule Changes

The creator of Squid Game, Hwang Dong-hyuk, revealed that the original ending of Season 3 was altered to convey a deeper message reflecting today's world challenges such as economic inequality and climate crisis. Initially, he had envisioned a happier ending where the protagonist, Gi-hun, survives and reunites with his daughter in the U.S., along with other major characters surviving. However, Hwang chose a darker conclusion where Gi-hun sacrifices himself to save a newborn baby, symbolizing hope for future generations, which he felt was more appropriate given the show's themes and current global issues. The Season 3 finale received mixed reviews, with some critics arguing the original ending would have been a better bookend to the series and that Gi-hun's sacrifice in the final version was ultimately unnecessary. Additionally, the role of the VIPs was changed in Season 3 to have them actively participate in the games and kill players, reflecting real-world political and economic leaders who manipulate systems for their own benefit. This shift was intended to mirror contemporary oligarchic tendencies, particularly visible in the U.S., where powerful figures openly assert their influence.