"The Complex Legacy of 'Squid Game': A Reflection on Justice and Society in South Korea"

As fans around the globe tune in for the final season of 'Squid Game', South Koreans express mixed feelings about its portrayal of justice and societal values, highlighting a cultural phenomenon that transcends entertainment.

The highly anticipated third season of Netflix’s iconic series "Squid Game" premiered on Friday, capturing the attention of fans worldwide as it concluded the gripping tale of deadly games and high-stakes competition. Since its debut in 2021, the series has fascinated viewers with its unique blend of suspense and moral dilemmas, as contestants vie for an astonishing cash prize of 45.6 billion won (approximately $33 million) through perilous adaptations of childhood games.

In the gripping finale of Season 3, the fate of the cherished protagonist Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) took a tragic turn, leaving fans in shock with his untimely demise. Meanwhile, the ruthless antagonists who orchestrate the games not only survived but appeared to thrive, leaving many viewers in South Korea, the series' backdrop, feeling disheartened.

Among these viewers is 24-year-old student Kim Young Eun, who watched the entire season at a local comic book cafe just hours after its release. “I felt let down that my favorite characters didn’t make it, and the bullies, like the wealthy V.I.P.s funding these games, seemed untouched,” she lamented. Kim interpreted the outcome as an unsettling message that often, virtuous characters face dire consequences while those driven by greed and malice endure.

As the show garnered accolades for its storytelling and visual impact, it also opened discussions about the darker facets of South Korean society that it mirrors, sparking reflections on justice, morality, and the human condition. While millions celebrate the show's cultural significance, audiences like Kim are left asking: what does this troubling narrative say about our own values?