Season 3 Squid Game wastes no time diving back into chaos, betrayal, and moral conflict. At the center of it all is Gihun (Player 456), who seems more broken, more determined, and more complicated than ever. But does he win? Not in the traditional sense. In a way, though… he absolutely does.
Not a Good Plan
I have to say, I wasn’t impressed by Gihun’s big plan at the end of Season 2. Sacrificing his allies as a distraction while leading a small, untrained group to take down an armed private army on an unknown island? That’s not bold—it’s foolish. Honestly, I don’t even blame Daeho (Player 388) for backing out. His fear made sense. Gihun’s strategy didn’t.
“It’s Your Fault”
Season 3 doesn’t shy away from the consequences. The rebellion fails. Daeho is hunted like an animal. Gihun, consumed by guilt and rage, spends the Hide-and-Seek game tracking him down—and eventually kills him. But in his dying breath, Daeho tells Gihun what he’s been avoiding: “It’s your fault.” And in a rare moment of clarity, Gihun admits it. He even contemplates ending his own life. This was the lowest we’ve ever seen him… and somehow, the most human.
The Frontman’s Philosophy
Frontman (Inho) continues to be one of the most compelling characters in the series. I’ve always loved a good philosophical debate, and Inho delivers it relentlessly. His core belief is that humans are inherently selfish, cruel, and greedy. He’s not wrong either. He lets the players vote after every round, and each time, they choose to stay. Even Gihun isn’t immune as he’s willing to sacrifice others for a rebellion with no realistic chance of success.
Inho’s message is clear: these people aren’t victims. They’re animals. They WANT to kill each other.
“We Are Not Horses”
I genuinely thought Gihun was going to become the next Frontman. He’d seen too much, lost too much, and reached the point where saving people felt pointless. But then came the twist.
Inho gives Gihun a knife. Kill the other finalists, walk away with the baby. No games. No more sacrifices. Just blood and freedom.
And Gihun says no.
Instead, he throws himself into the final game—not to win, but to protect the baby. In doing so, he proves that not everyone plays by the rules of cruelty. Just like in Season 1, his faith in humanity holds strong… and that alone is a win.
Let’s Talk About That Ending
Was it a perfect finale? No. Was it satisfying? Mostly, yes. Gihun’s selfless act silences the VIPs, proving Inho’s worldview wrong in the most poetic way possible.
The Squid Game still continues, but that’s fine. This isn’t some cartoonishly evil group that can be toppled by some rebels. It’s a global machine—and the show respects that scale.
But still, I have a few gripes:
Junho deserved a proper conversation with his brother. Two seasons of searching, and… nothing? One heartfelt scene would’ve gone a long way.
Noeul (Guard 011) should’ve cared for the baby. After losing her own child in North Korea, this could’ve given her closure. Her arc had all the emotional setup—it just didn’t stick the landing.
Final Thoughts
Squid Game Season 3 delivers a thought-provoking, emotionally charged conclusion that doesn’t pretend everything can be fixed. Gihun’s win isn’t about money or escape—it’s about preserving a sliver of humanity in a world that’s lost it.
Not perfect, but powerful.
Rating: 7/10
Muhammad Hariz