let's talk about squid game.

because a lot of you missed the point.

So, Squid Game Season 3 just came out. I’m sure I’m not the only one who binged it within a day. Anyway, there’s been a lot of controversy about the ending of the series—it was devastating, depressing, and a lot of other things that many fans seemed to dislike (personally, I loved it, even if I was crying after). After some scrolling online, I’ve realized that the hate the show seems to be getting mainly stems from a lack of media literacy, misunderstandings, and memory loss (some things I saw made me wonder if some people’s eyes were closed while watching). I think it’s time we discuss the show, the ending, hot takes, popular opinions, and what messages Squid Game tries to spread. Let’s get into it.

(Please please please keep in mind that I am not criticizing anyone else’s opinions—I’m just providing my interpretations, comments, and additions!)

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“Gi-hun did all that for nothing.”

Well, yes. Unfortunately, that’s exactly the point of the show. Our world is corrupt. No matter how much one person tries, humanity’s greed and cruelty seems to take over 99% of the time. It’s not all happy endings. Over 900 people died in these games and nothing changed whatsoever. So yeah, Gi-hun did do all that just for nothing to change; he was an amazing character with a selfless heart, but that stood no chance against In-ho’s plan. It’s not his fault—that’s just our world.

“[Insert character]’s death was so unnecessary!”

While I also was devastated as some of the deaths on the show (Hyun-ju I’m looking at you), this just goes to tell us that the world is unfair. Sometimes, good people die, and bad people live. That’s just life. It’s never fair, and that’s disappointing. Some people don’t deserve to die, but it happens.

“Gi-hun sacrificing himself was a stupid decision.”

Yes, his death truly broke me, but him killing the child instead would’ve taken away from the entire point of his character. His character represents selflessness and humanity. Killing the child would mean that he’s succumbed to greed like everyone else. His whole point is to not fall into that trap—that disgusting, evil part within humans that corrupts what it touches. His sacrifice proved In-ho wrong; not everyone is selfish like he believed (just like how Gi-hun did not kill everyone during the night after their feast with In-ho’s knife). His sacrifice hurt, but it goes to show that humanity still exists within a cruel world. Sometimes, however, it doesn’t triumph evil.

“Everyone dying was Dae-ho’s fault!”

I do understand where some people are coming from. I would’ve have been frustrated if one person’s hesitation caused many others to be harmed (and was potentially the reason for the failed rebellion); but let’s look at it from a more empathetic view. Dae-ho was never in the Marines, never held a gun, and just wanted to feel safe and confident with the others. Personally, I think it’s normal that he felt so scared during the rebellion episode. I would’ve have been crying and breaking down, too. I think his character got too much hate, when honestly, a lot of us would’ve reacted the exact same way (if not worse). I don’t blame everyone’s death on him. Frankly, I don’t think the rebellion would’ve worked even if he did bring the magazines back. There’s too many guards and security—the players wouldn’t have been able to make it out of that island.

“Min-su should’ve saved Se-mi.”

Honestly, this is one of those things I see and have to put my phone down for. I really don’t think Min-su was at fault for Se-mi’s death. I don’t understand the blame and shame put on his character—I wouldn’t have risked my life to save someone I met a day ago either! He was scared and vulnerable. He put himself first. He didn’t go down to save her, but I don’t think that’s something his character deserves blame for. The whole point of the show is to reveal how far we’ll go to protect ourselves, even if that means someone else dies.

“What was the point of the whole L.A. ddakji scene?”

While this was probably a segue into whatever “American Squid Game” plans are going on, there’s a deeper meaning. Even if Gi-hun did stop the Korean Squid Games, there’s still these games going on across the globe. His efforts would’ve essentially been pointless. It goes to show that the poor and vulnerable stand no chance against the rich and greedy in our world (at least, not in such small numbers). The American Squid Game recruiter represents the corruption that plagues our world and lures in those who are vulnerable and desperate.

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Overall, I truly do love the show. While I do feel that Season 3 was a bit rushed, I still think it brought the show to justice. The last season had me on an emotional rollercoaster, and the ending was truly impactful. Everyone dying, the games still going on, and having only a few happy endings (yay for Player 246!) represents many things. The lack of humanity in our world. The power of the rich and the capitalist system. The greed and selfishness that pushes people to turn into someone dangerous. It’s a lot at once—but sometimes, we need shows like this to learn and grow.

Hopefully, reading this helped you understand the show’s message a bit more, brought some new ideas to the table, and maybe even supported something you already thought. Feel free to comment any questions, ideas, or additional perspectives!