The six-episode season premiered on Netflix on 27/6. According to Chosun, with a production budget of 100 billion won (74 million USD), viewers anticipated a captivating storyline, but the project concluded without leaving a lasting impression.

Season three continues Seong Gi Hun's (Lee Jung Jae) participation in the games, delving into his conflict with the Front Man (Lee Byung Hun), the mastermind behind the operation. Meanwhile, police officer Hwang Jun Ho (Wi Ha Joon) tracks the island where the games are held.

The project received a 52% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 4.9/10 rating on Metacritic. Most viewers expressed disappointment with the slow pacing and lack of suspense.

The series explores themes of human nature and responsibility to future generations. The birth of a baby during the games becomes a catalyst for characters to break the deadly cycle, introducing a perspective on family bonds. However, fans found these plot points less dramatic and inventive than in the first two seasons. Comments on Reddit include: "Towards the end, 'Squid Game' resembled a social commentary more than a death game," and "This season was truly disappointing; they tried to milk the series dry."

Games like jump rope with the Young Hee doll, Cheol Su, or hide-and-seek failed to capture the impact of previous games like marbles or tug-of-war. Scenes of guards caring for babies were criticized as illogical. Several unnecessary subplots, such as those involving the VIP observers and officer Hwang Jun Ho, detracted from the main narrative.

In the latter half, the writers shift focus to the baby's story, but the execution feels forced, undermining the characters' motivations. Viewers expected Gi Hun's rebellion, but instead, he remains consumed by anger and the pursuit of reward, rather than challenging the system as he intended in the first season.

The Hollywood Reporter commented: "When 'Squid Game' concludes, there's only relief that the tiresome viewing experience is finally over." Chris Evangelista of Slash Film wrote: "As this season reached its final moments, my interest seemed to dwindle. The dialogue from the masked, wealthy VIP characters did nothing to help the plot."

The acting is a rare highlight. Lee Jung Jae demonstrates his skill as Seong Gi Hun, captivating throughout with expressive facial acting. Lee Byung Hun impresses as the Front Man, particularly in flashback sequences, revealing the villain's psychological depth through his gaze. Im Si Wan and Jo Yu Ri also receive praise, especially in the scene where Kim Jun Hee gives birth amidst the deadly games.

The set design is impressive, featuring a massive playground and claustrophobic spaces within the challenge zones, heightening the sense of unease. Color and lighting are used as narrative tools, contrasting with the underlying brutality of the games.

Lee Jung Jae in the lead role of "Squid Game 3". Photo: Netflix

Lee Jung Jae in the lead role of "Squid Game 3". Photo: Netflix

"Squid Game" premiered in mid-September 2021 as a survival drama. Netflix invested 21.4 million USD and earned approximately 891 million USD from the project. The company estimates that about two-thirds of its subscribers watched the series. The show won six of its 14 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Directing, Production Design, Visual Effects, Stunt Performance, Lead Actor, and Supporting Actress.

In December 2024, season two was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Drama Television Series three weeks before its release. The series faced criticism for a line about Korean soldiers fighting in Vietnam.

In November 2023, the producers launched the reality TV show "Squid Game: The Challenge". The 10-episode show, based on the 2021 series, was filmed at Wharf Studios in London (England) with 456 contestants. Vietnamese-born player Mai Whelan, 56, won the 4.56 million USD (over 110 billion VND) prize.

Que Chi (according to Chosun, Osen)