Entertainment

Lee Jung Jae Reflects on the Bittersweet Conclusion of 'Squid Game 3'

2025-07-03

Author: Charlotte

In a recent interview, Lee Jung Jae opened up about the emotional conclusion of 'Squid Game 3', revealing the depth of his journey with the iconic series.

A Journey of Reflection

On July 3, Lee Jung Jae sat down with Sports Chosun in a cozy café in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to discuss his experience with the Netflix sensation. After five intense years since the first season, he described the entire experience as "tremendous" and expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming love and attention the series garnered. Now that Season 3 has wrapped up, he laments how it feels like the end of an era. Lee mused, "I wonder when I’ll get to talk about 'Squid Game' again. Unlike films, where re-releases might happen years later, I feel it's truly over for the series."

The Sweet Agony of Parting

When reflecting on his acting process, Lee candidly shared the challenges of shaping his character. "Every project presents struggles in character development, and it can be exhausting to pinpoint the best approach," he explained. However, as filming progressed, a bond formed, leading him to wish for even more scenes to explore his character's journey. "With shows like this, I often think, ‘Four to six more episodes would be fantastic!’" he confessed, adding a touch of nostalgia about the bittersweet conclusion of 'Squid Game'.

Director Hwang's Vision

Though some fans were left disappointed with the finale, Lee Jung Jae offered a different viewpoint, praising director Hwang Dong Hyuk's strong vision. "It takes real courage to not stretch a successful series for the sake of profit. Hwang prioritized the integrity of the story, which resonated with me. He’s not just creating entertainment; he’s a true storyteller," Lee asserted, emphasizing the director's commitment.

The Limits of Continuation

Lee recalled being told repeatedly that 'Squid Game' was intended as a limited series, and despite his hope for more after the first season’s gripping finale, he learned to accept its limits. "When the first season exploded in popularity, it felt right to return with Season 2 as a thank you to fans. It’s rare for creators to remain true to their vision amidst success, so my mission was to align closely with Hwang’s direction," he noted with sincerity.

Cinematic Conclusions

Emphasizing the importance of a strong conclusion in storytelling, Lee reflected on Hwang's cinematic background. "In film, the ending encapsulates everything—emotions, connections, and messages. I could sense how much Hwang wrestled with how to craft the end of 'Squid Game 3'. It genuinely surprised me how compelling his vision was for the conclusion."

A Global Phenomenon

'Squid Game 3' follows Gi Hun on a gripping new quest filled with loss and complex human relationships. After its June 27 release, the series quickly dominated Netflix’s Global Top 10, racking up an astounding 60.1 million views in just three days. Making history, it became the first Netflix show to top the charts in all 93 countries tracking the Top 10 rankings, proving that 'Squid Game' is an unstoppable global phenomenon.

With its return, 'Squid Game 3' not only reignited fan fervor but also solidified the franchise’s place among the elite on Netflix, as Seasons 1 and 2 also held top positions. Clearly, the legacy of 'Squid Game' is just as powerful as its haunting narrative.