When Will 'Squid Game' Season 3 Be Released? Director Hwang Dong-hyuk Reveals the Timeline and Raises Expectations

Netflix's global sensation 'Squid Game' has revealed the timeline for its much-anticipated Season 3, stirring excitement among fans. Season 2, which premiered on December 26, is already making waves worldwide.

By December 27, 'Squid Game' Season 2 had claimed the top spot in 92 countries, excluding New Zealand, where it reached #1 the following day. This milestone marked the series’ dominance in every Netflix-supported country, breaking the 8-day record set by Season 1 in just three days.

Netflix announced that as of December 28, Season 2 led the Global Top 10 chart. The platform credited the show's success to its compelling exploration of universal themes such as "desire," "survival," and "morality," which struck a chord with audiences. It also praised the series for transcending entertainment to become a cultural phenomenon.

Season 2 picks up with Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), the previous season’s victor, reentering the deadly game to confront the enigmatic Front Man (Lee Byung-hun). The season features a stellar cast, including Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Wi Ha-jun, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-wook, Park Sung-hoon, and Choi Seung-hyun (T.O.P).

While critical reception has been mixed—international reviews have been lukewarm, and domestic opinions divided—the show’s viewership continues to rise, sustaining its status as a global phenomenon. The ultimate success will hinge on its ability to maintain this momentum.

In an interview with Variety, director Hwang Dong-hyuk shared insights into the creative process. "When I first wrote the story of Seasons 2 and 3 it was one long story arc. And I was originally planning to write this story across a span of about eight to nine episodes, but once I finished the story, it came to over 10 episodes, which I thought was too long to contain in a single season. And so I wanted to have an adequate point where I could give closure as a second season and then move on with the third. "

Hwang revealed that Season 3 is slated for release in the summer or fall of 2025 and teased an even more intense and expansive storyline. "The real game begins with Season 3," he remarked, urging fans to stay tuned. Actor Choi Gwi-hwa, who appeared in Season 2, also fueled anticipation by posting on social media, "The true battle starts with Season 3," signaling exciting developments ahead.

For now, fans can catch 'Squid Game' Season 2 exclusively on Netflix as it continues to captivate audiences worldwide.