Squid Game

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A few days have elapsed since Netflix’s survival thriller “Squid Game” reached its contentious finale. Despite the series achieving great success, it didn’t resonate positively with every fan. The creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, acknowledges this disconnect, and although he feels content with the story’s ending, he has chosen to reveal details about the initial, less grim conclusion that was planned for the show.

In its continued dominance on streaming platforms, Hwang recently discussed “Squid Game” with the Asian News Network. While audience response hasn’t quite matched that of the initial season, which was a cultural sensation when it premiered in 2021, potential reasons for this discrepancy include the less-than-satisfying finale. Hwang alluded to his original plan for wrapping up the primary storyline as a possible factor influencing this perception.

As I pondered the concept of a second installment, an indistinct notion took shape: Gi-hun, our protagonist, would find himself drawn back into the game. Perhaps he’d aim to dismantle it, or at least facilitate the rescue of some participants. But ultimately, his journey wouldn’t end there. No, he yearned to reconnect with his daughter across the ocean in America.

The original plot I had conceived was quite different. However, as I delved deeper into writing the project, I found myself questioning, ‘What is the tale I really wish to spin?’ This introspection eventually brought me to understand that Gi-hun’s story needed to conclude at this point.

According to Hwang, the series concludes with Gi-hun completing his life-long journey. In the last episode, the main character makes the selfless decision to give up his own life in order to save a newborn’s. This character, known as Player 222 or Jun-hee, went into labor during a game and asked Gi-hun to look after the baby as she knew she wouldn’t survive. Previously, Hwang has explained why the baby had to win, but now he reveals why the series ended on such a somber note.

Contrasting my initial creation of Season 1, the state of the world appears to have deteriorated further. The gap between rich and poor has widened significantly, everyday life for the average citizen has grown increasingly challenging, and conflicts persist without any signs of resolution.

Year after year, the situation appears to worsen day by day. However, there seems to be a lack of both determination and capacity among people to rectify it. Should this trend persist, our future could turn out extremely grim. This is an issue that I believe requires urgent attention.

Is There a Future for ‘Squid Game’ After the Divisive Finale?

In his own words, Hwang has expressed that the primary narrative of Squid Game has come to an end and he’s not planning on producing another season. As for the future of the franchise, it seems like a spin-off could be the next step, as he feels that continuing the main story wouldn’t carry any significant meaning after conveying all his intended messages in this season.

The last part of the series might hold a deeper meaning. Despite the surprise of having a prominent Hollywood actor in such a brief role, there could be additional layers to it. However, it’s also worth noting that showrunner Daniel Hwang stated that Cate Blanchett’s appearance was merely due to his admiration for her as an actress and not indicative of a larger plotline.

Who is the actress who captivates the screen so compellingly within a brief span? She’s an individual I’ve long respected, and I felt she was absolutely suited for the part. Our CEO and producers concurred, so we extended an invitation to her.

In an interview, the South Korean director subtly suggested a possible sequel or side story: “It seems logical to continue with a spin-off or additional tale. For instance, delving into the personal lives of the masked characters. Recall the photograph discovered in Captain Park’s home featuring the Front Man? That was an amusing Easter egg, but wouldn’t it be intriguing to uncover their relationship and what transpired between them?

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2025-07-04 15:32