Squid Game Season 2 Actor Reflects on Controversial ‘Bold’ Cliffhanger Ending

Overview of Squid Game Season 2’s Controversial Ending

Viewers reacted with mixed emotions regarding the cliffhanger finale of Squid Game Season 2.
The decision to conclude Season 2 after just seven episodes was intended to spark anticipation for the forthcoming Season 3.
The finale raised significant speculation about protagonist Gi-hun’s next moves following deep personal losses.

Squid Game enthusiasts were taken aback by the unexpected conclusion of the second season, particularly due to a major cliffhanger. This sentiment was echoed by one of the series’ stars, who also questioned the creator’s reasoning for such an ending.

The eagerly awaited second season of Squid Game made its debut on Netflix just a day after Christmas, drawing in devoted fans who had patiently waited for three years. As viewers dove into the sequel that follows Seong Gi-hun’s journey (portrayed by Lee Jung-Jae) through the perilous game, reactions to the finale were mixed. Many found the abrupt ending jarring, partly due to Season 2 comprising only seven episodes compared to the first season’s nine. One of the key actors expressed their surprise, suggesting a foreknowledge of the potential fan reaction.

Lee Jung-Jae, along with series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk and other cast members, engaged with Entertainment Weekly to discuss the season’s wrap-up. Dong-hyuk clarified his rationale for concluding the season after Gi-hun appeared to lose everything—notably his close companion Jung-bae (played by Lee See-hwan)—while striving to end the deadly contest. Jung-Jae admitted he was initially taken aback by the director’s choice to close the season at such a critical juncture. “My first reaction was, ‘How could you end the season at that point?’”Jung-Jae remarked, acknowledging that viewers would likely be desperate for more and could harbor resentment over the unresolved tension. Interestingly, he noted a trend among audiences who seem to appreciate daring cliffhangers. Seo-hwan, who reprised his role as Jung-bae in the second season, also expressed a fondness for the cliffhanger, saying, “I actually really, really love that cliffhanger ending,”with a chuckle.

Dong-hyuk crafted the season’s conclusion deliberately to leave a lasting impression, fostering a desire for further storytelling. Reflecting on this strategy, he stated, “I thought that would be just the right moment to end the story.”He recognized viewers’ impending frustration with the question, “What’s going to happen next? Please, give us the next episode!”He believed it provided the ideal climax, given Gi-hun’s turmoil with the loss of both his rebellion and his best friend—and suggested that this evolution would unfold further in Season 3.

Audience reactions were varied as they processed the abrupt conclusion of Squid Game Season 2, highlighted by the poignant moment of the Front Man executing Jung-bae in front of Gi-hun. This shocking scene served as a grim reminder of the brutal stakes in the game and left many feeling unsettled, unlike the previous season, which featured more content. Viewers who had developed a bond with Gi-hun and Jung-bae found it particularly challenging to reconcile the pain of their losses.

Ultimately, Hwang Dong-hyuk successfully captivated audiences with his bold narrative choices. As fans ponder Gi-hun’s next steps in light of the trauma he endured, the anticipation for his eventual retaliation grows. Questions linger on the ramifications of Jung-bae’s death at the hands of the Front Man—who is also revealed to be Player 001, an integral figure within their circle. Fans eagerly await Squid Game Season 3 to uncover the resolutions to these gripping storylines.

Squid Game Season 2 is currently available for streaming on Netflix, with Season 3 expected to premiere later this year.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

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