‘Squid Game’ Season 2 Cliffhanger Ending, Explained

by

As a long-time fan of gripping and thought-provoking television series, I must say that the second season of Squid Game has left me utterly spellbound. The way it delves into the darkest corners of human nature, exploring themes of guilt, survival, and redemption, is nothing short of masterful.

The earworm Christmas melodies you’ve been humming might now be dethroned by the unforgettable theme tune of one of Netflix’s most eagerly awaited series. Three years since its initial season left viewers stunned, the long-awaited second season of Squid Game, a South Korean dystopian horror series by Hwang Dong-hyuk, premiered on December 26. The level of obsession is evident. Much like before, 456 participants were selected for a game show with the grand prize being 45.6 billion won. However, they are unaware that losing a game isn’t just about elimination, but also about facing a very real death.

It’s Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), the victor from two years back in the games, who is the only one aware of what potential challenges lie ahead. Despite his desire to stop the suffering, he’s not aiming to win again; instead, his objective is to put a stop to the cruelty. However, the outcome of his efforts remains uncertain. Alas, poor Gi-hun, it seems there isn’t much more to share at this moment, but let’s delve into the ordeals faced by Player 456 and the intriguing mysteries surrounding the conclusion of Squid Game Season 2.

Read Our Review

Gi-hun’s Failed Attempts to End the Games

Following his victories, Gi-hun vowed to dismantle these games altogether. He recruited mercenaries and even implanted a tracking device within himself, but the game’s masterminds discovered his intentions. Before he knew it, he was aboard a limousine, unconscious from sleeping gas, and when he awoke, he found himself back inside the notorious facilities, once again donning his number 456 tracksuit.

In simpler terms, it’s fair to say that participating in the games for the second time was incredibly tough for him, not just because death was a constant threat, but also because very few listened to Gi-hun’s warnings. When he returned to the games, his goal was to save everyone, but instead, others viewed him as a source of knowledge rather than a savior. The new rule that allowed players to vote daily on whether to continue the game or leave with their earnings seemed like a good idea, but despite witnessing deaths, the majority chose to continue.

In the vote, there was an opportunity for a feeling of liberation, but it swiftly turned brutal when a draw sparked a deep division among the factions. Matters escalated significantly, becoming quite gruesome. The desperation to win the vote and the insatiable hunger for wealth took control, leading individuals to turn against each other, even resorting to violence. However, Gi-hun rallied some individuals to form a resistance group. Instead of assaulting the faction determined to maintain the games, he persuaded a few to storm the manager’s section and permanently shut down the games. The climactic event in Squid Game Season 2 was undeniably the most stunning.

How Did ‘Squid Game’ Season 2 End?

The ending of the Netflix hit series is nothing for weak nerves, that’s for sure. Once Gi-hun, together with a group of players, including his best friend Jung-Bae (Lee Seo-hwan) and his ally Young-il (Lee Byung-hun), kicked off the rebellion, everything just went downhill from there. What the viewers know, but the players don’t, is that Young-il is just posing as Player 001. In reality, he is In-ho, a previous Squid Game winner and currently The Front Man, aka the master behind the cruelty.

In Squid Game, Gi-hun and Jung-Bae successfully sneaked into the manager’s restricted areas. However, when their ammunition depleted, they depended on Young-il/In-ho and two others to eliminate the masked adversary from another direction. Contrarily, Young-il murdered his two companions instead, communicating with Gi-hun over their radios to make him think he too was wounded and near death. Squid Game delves into the intricacies of human nature similarly to Alice in Borderland, unflinchingly exposing the darkest aspects through characters like Young-il and other players.

With the assumption that Young-il was deceased, Gi-hun and Jung-Bae were left with no other option but to give up. But then, there he was – Young-il, disguised behind a black mask, revealing himself step by step. The emotional turmoil for viewers of the popular Netflix series was indescribable, as Gi-hun remained oblivious to the fact that his former teammate had transformed into The Front Man. To heighten Gi-hun’s guilt, Young-il/In-ho made it clear that Gi-hun would soon face the repercussions of his ambition to act heroically.

Immediately following this, the Main Character fired a shot into Jung-Bae, Gi-hun’s closest friend, striking him in the chest. With such pivotal instances, it is no surprise that “Squid Games” boasts an 86% Rotten Tomatoes rating at the time of writing. The raw emotions are tangible down to the minutest detail, and this intense scene serves as a gripping cliffhanger for the conclusion of Season 2 of “Squid Games.

The Second Season of ‘Squid Game’ Sets Up ‘Squid Game’ Season 3

Experiencing a storm of feelings, Gi-hun certainly is after the unexpected finale of Season 2 of Squid Game. Given its immense popularity, it’s not surprising that this captivating Korean dystopian thriller left viewers with one of the most heart-wrenching cliffhangers in TV history.

The final episode of Squid Game‘s second season subtly foreshadows what’s coming next. During the mid-credits sequence, two large “Red Light, Green Light” dolls stand off while three players approach, hinting at a new game for Season 3. This suggests that despite the failed uprising, the game creator will persist in his inhumane activities. Fortunately, fans may not have to wait another three years as the anticipated release date for Squid Game Season 3 could be sooner than expected, possibly airing in the summer or fall of 2025, and we might see Gi-hun back on our screens once more.

In the upcoming third installment of the popular Netflix show, we’ll delve into fresh games and examine how Gi-hun has been affected by the hardships he’s endured. It promises to be intriguing as we explore his current condition and whether he still possesses the drive to carry on with his original aim: dismantling these deadly contests. The conclusion of Season 2 sets Gi-hun at a crossroads, facing two stark possibilities: will he succumb to defeat or channel his pain into seeking vengeance for his deceased friend and countless others? Furthermore, the truth about The Front Man’s true identity is bound to shock him, and undoubtedly, he won’t be pleased. This season of Squid Game could very well become the most intricate yet. Don’t miss out on Squid Game, now streaming on Netflix.

Read More

2024-12-28 00:02