Warning: spoilers for season 2 are contained in this article.
Season 2 of Squid Game ended with a shocking episode. The main protagonist, Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) finds himself in even deeper distress than before.
Between betrayals, heartbreaking losses and an uncertain future, this ending leaves viewers with burning questions about the rest of the series. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the conclusion of season 2 and a preview of what season 3 could have in store.
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The tragic final event: Jung-bae’s death
The end of season 2 is marked by the tragic death of Jung-bae (Lee Seo-hwan), the last true friend and ally of Gi-she in the game. Jung-bae’s murder, orchestrated by Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), is a heartbreaking moment for Gi-hun, who watches helplessly at this loss.
Gi-hun discovers too late that his friend “Young-il”, with whom he had established a trusting relationship, is actually Front Man, disguised as a player. This revelation comes against the backdrop of an armed rebellion between the players and the guards, a desperate attempt by Gi-hun to overthrow the games’ inhumane system. But this revolt suddenly fails, consolidating Front Man’s power and leaving Gi-hun in a state of total despair.
Front Man, who turns out to be “Young-il”, is a multi-faceted character. His disguised participation in the games shows that he wishes to confront Gi-hun not only physically, but also ideologically. He embodies brutal nihilism, firmly believing that humanity is doomed to failure. In contrast, Gi-hun still represents a slight hope in humanity, although this is seriously shaken by the death of Jung-bae and the failure of his revolt.
Front Man’s past is also explored in this season. A former police officer, he fell into gaming after a series of personal tragedies, including the death of his wife. These revelations enrich the character, making him more human despite his ruthless actions.
Season 2 introduces Kang No-eul (Park Gyu-young), a North Korean deserter turned masked guard. Its narrative arc highlights a woman torn by the loss of her daughter and ready to do anything to find her, even to participate in a system as cruel as that of the games.
No-eul stands out for his humanity, refusing to participate in the corrupt practices of some guards, such as the illegal organ trade. She is threatened for her acts of compassion, but persists in helping players wherever possible, reflecting a glimmer of hope in an otherwise dark universe.
Another key point of this season is Detective Jun-ho’s quest to destroy the games. Although he temporarily loses contact with Gi-hun, Jun-ho continues his mission from a boat. The finale reveals that acts of sabotage are taking place on board, further complicating his task. These subplots enrich the Squid Game universe, hinting at ramifications for season 3.
Season 2 deepens the social and philosophical themes introduced in the first season. The clashes between Gi-hun and Front Man raise fundamental questions about human nature:
- Can the system be changed or is it doomed to failure?
- Is humanity worth saving?
- How far can you go to achieve your goals?
These dilemmas are at the heart of the series and push viewers to think about very real issues.
What to expect from Squid Game season 3?
Season 2 ends on a note of despair for Gi-hun, but it also sets the stage for an emotional face-off between Gi-hun and Front Man in Season 3. With the loss of all his allies and the Failing his attempts to destroy the games, Gi-hun could evolve in an unexpected direction.
- Will he become like Front Man, disillusioned and cynical?
- Will he find new allies to overthrow the system?
- Will Front Man’s past and his connection to the games be further explored?
Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk confirmed that season 3 will be the “second part of the showdown between Gi-hun and Front Man,” promising an epic conclusion for the series.
The end of Squid Game Season 2 is a major turning point for the series, shaking up its main characters and its viewers. With complex storytelling and ever-higher stakes, the series continues to captivate.
As we wait for Season 3, scheduled for 2025, one thing is clear: Squid Game remains a master of suspense and human drama.