Fans celebrate 'Squid Game' finale with Seoul parade
Thousands of fans gathered in Seoul on Saturday to celebrate the conclusion of Squid Game, the global Netflix sensation that has become a symbol of South Korea's growing cultural influence. The third and final season was released Friday, marking the end of a series that captivated audiences worldwide with its brutal, high-stakes competitions based on traditional children’s games.
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, the mastermind behind the hit, said he had "poured everything" into the project since its debut nearly four years ago. “It’s bittersweet to see it end,” Hwang admitted, adding, “but at the same time, there’s a sense of relief.”
The streets near Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace were filled with excited fans, many dressed in the striking pink jumpsuits worn by the show's masked enforcers. Some carried oversized replicas of the toys featured in the series, while others waved the show's distinctive flag, turning the gathering into a lively tribute.
“I stayed up all night watching the final season,” said Park Sang-gyu, one of the many fans in attendance. “What makes Squid Game special is that beneath the games and violence, it’s really a story about people — it reflects so many harsh realities of life.”
The city embraced the celebration, with iconic images from the show projected onto the walls of the Seoul Metropolitan Library. Among them was Young-hee, the eerie, giant motion-sensing doll that has become one of the series’ most recognizable symbols.
Lee Byung-hun, who played the enigmatic Front Man overseeing the deadly contest, reflected on the show’s impact. “Squid Game has become more than just entertainment — it’s a cultural milestone,” he said. “It has drawn one of the boldest lines in the history of Korean content.”
The series has been a monumental success for Netflix, with its first two seasons ranking among the platform’s most-watched shows. In 2022, Hwang and lead actor Lee Jung-jae made history as the first Asian men to win Emmy Awards.
The final season follows protagonist Gi-hun, portrayed by Lee, as he returns to the violent competition with a mission to dismantle it from within. Alongside global phenomena like Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite and K-pop group BTS, Squid Game remains a defining symbol of South Korea’s cultural ascent.
