Squid Game Season 3: A Dystopian World 20 Years Later and New Survival Games
Netflix's global hit, Squid Game, captured the world’s attention in its first season with a shocking storyline that explored human nature and societal inequality. With Season 2 on the horizon, the creators have teased some hints about the direction of Season 3. Notably, Season 3 is expected to take place approximately 10–20 years after the events of Season 2, set in a dystopian future where inequality and greed have reached their peak.
1. The Dystopian World 20 Years Later
The backdrop of Squid Game Season 3 is a dystopian society where economic disparity has escalated to extreme levels. While technology has advanced significantly, the majority of people live in poverty and oppression, struggling for survival. Meanwhile, the top 1% of the wealthy elite, who have amassed even greater wealth and power, grow bored with the real world and turn to increasingly provocative and violent forms of entertainment—such as the Squid Game.
For the general population, access to resources and opportunities has become so limited that they are driven to desperate measures. The instinct to survive gradually erodes humanity, and moral values are abandoned. In this world, extreme survival games like the Squid Game are no longer just entertainment but have become a last resort for survival for many.
2. The Return of Seong Gi-hun and His Transformation
Seong Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae), the protagonist of Season 1, is expected to play a key role again in Season 3. After enduring a complex narrative in Season 2, Gi-hun carries the scars and trauma of his past as he reenters the game 20 years later.
This time, however, Gi-hun is not participating merely to survive. He is determined to dismantle the system behind the game and expose the corruption of the wealthy elite who orchestrate it. His internal struggles and the wounds of his past will play a significant role in shaping his decisions and actions throughout the season.
3. The Intense Conflict with the Front Man
The Front Man (played by Lee Byung-hun) is set to take on an even more prominent role in Season 3. As the face of the game and its operator, he stands at the center of the conflict with Gi-hun. The Front Man justifies the violence and oppression perpetuated by the game, embodying the corruption and greed of the system.
In Season 3, the conflict between Gi-hun and the Front Man will likely evolve beyond a simple clash of wills into a deeper philosophical and moral confrontation. This dynamic will form the core of the narrative and challenge viewers to question the societal structures that allow such disparities to exist.
4. Introduction of New Games
One of the most anticipated aspects of Season 3 is the introduction of new games. These games will go beyond the simple survival tactics of previous seasons, incorporating more creative and brutal rules to test the participants. Contestants will face challenges that push not only their physical and mental limits but also their moral boundaries.
The game sets are expected to be even more elaborate and symbolic, amplifying the chaos and fear experienced by the participants while offering visually stunning scenes for the audience. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk has stated that these elements are designed to deliver not just shock but also a profound social message.
5. Depiction of the Dystopian Society
The future world depicted in Season 3 is characterized by extreme economic disparity, the misuse of technology, and the erosion of moral values. The wealthy elite use virtual reality and artificial intelligence to create their own isolated worlds, while the majority are left to toil and compete for survival in harsh conditions.
This setting reflects not only the survival challenges faced by the participants but also critiques the broader social structure. Through this, the series offers a thought-provoking exploration of modern societal issues.
6. The Creators’ Vision and Audience Expectations
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk has hinted that Season 3 will be darker and more provocative than the previous seasons. The series will delve deeper into the structural problems of contemporary society, delivering a narrative that goes beyond suspense to leave a lasting impression on the audience.
Netflix has reportedly been working on Seasons 2 and 3 simultaneously, with Season 3 slated for release in the first half of 2025. Fans are eagerly awaiting the new storyline, character developments, and particularly the anticipated 20-year transformation of Seong Gi-hun and his clash with the Front Man.