Fans across the globe tuned in for the finale of Netflix's acclaimed series 'Squid Game,' which aired its last season on Friday. Since bursting onto screens in 2021, the show has captivated audiences with its dark portrayal of reality where contestants engage in deadly renditions of childhood games for a staggering cash prize of 45.6 billion won, roughly equivalent to $33 million.
As Season 3 came to an end, viewers were shocked at the fate of the main character, Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), who met a tragic end, while several antagonistic elements within the show flourished. Many within South Korea, the show's home, expressed their dissatisfaction with this approach, which they felt contrasted sharply with their hopes for justice and redemption.
After an extended wait following a suspense-filled cliffhanger from Season 2, 24-year-old student Kim Young Eun watched the new episodes at a comic book café with her boyfriend. Their night was filled with anticipation, but the outcome of their beloved characters was not what they expected. "It felt like the director was delivering a message that good people finish last,” she lamented, echoing sentiments shared by many fans who hoped for a more satisfying resolution.
The finale has sparked extensive discussions across social media platforms, coalescing around themes of morality, societal pressure, and the fleeting nature of hope in a competitive world. While 'Squid Game' has undeniably made waves as a major cultural export for South Korea, it has also raised uncomfortable discussions regarding the realities of success and failure in contemporary society.
