In the dramatic finale of Squid Game Season 3, prophetic shaman Seon-nyeo warns that none of the original players will escape the deadly competition. Her words ring true as the season concludes with the tragic sacrifice of the noble hero, Gi-hun, played by Lee Jung-jae. Gi-hun ultimately inches toward his death, protecting the newborn child of his fellow competitor, Jun-hee, who remarkably becomes the game’s unexpected champion.
Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk emphasizes the hopeful symbolism of the baby, representing the potential for humanity’s future. “The baby’s victory aligns with the core message of Squid Game,” Hwang states. The narrative asks viewers to reflect on the importance of leaving a better world for the next generation, underscoring the importance of selflessness in a world often gripped by greed and selfishness.
During the perilous final game, titled “Sky Squid Game,” alliances shift violently as players fight for a grand prize of 4.56 billion won. Ultimately, Gi-hun makes a harrowing choice: he sacrifices himself for the sake of Jun-hee’s child, reminding everyone that the players are human and deserving of dignity.
Jun-hee, despite her desperate situation as a new mother, puts her child’s safety above her own, ultimately leading to her tragic demise. Her character’s selflessness echoes throughout the season, especially in Gi-hun’s final moments where his actions challenge the motives of the beastly game and reflect a message of sacrifice over self-interest.
The series finale also highlighted the interplay between various characters’ decisions and society’s ills, particularly through the character of Myung-gi, who embodies the dangers of unchecked greed. Hwang points out that Myung-gi’s ruthless pursuit of wealth mirrors the contemporary challenges we face, encouraging viewers to consider our values and priorities.
In a twist of fate, while Front Man, a character with a mysterious and complex nature, saves Jun-hee’s baby, it raises questions about his own humanity and whether he truly embodies benevolence. The finale asserts that despite the darkness of the Squid Game, glimmers of hope can be found in acts of love and compassion, even from the least expected characters.
As the series draws to a close, the final scenes hint at a return to the darkness that initially consumed the characters’ lives. Front Man glimpses the game of ddakji, a game from the show’s origin, signaling an undying cycle of violence and poor human choice, leaving audiences questioning whether true change is possible.
With Season 3 confirmed to be the series’ conclusion, fans can now reflect on the powerful themes of hope, sacrifice, and the responsibility we bear to future generations. The end might well encourage viewers to carry forward its messages, nurturing the belief that even in a seemingly dark world, hope can still prevail.
This season invites us to think deeply about our own choices and the legacy we leave behind. As life continues, may we strive to be more like Gi-hun and Jun-hee—choosing love, sacrifice, and humanity over greed and selfishness.