Squid Game Final Season Wraps, Echoing South Korea’s Harsh Realities

The final season of Netflix's Squid Game has drawn millions of fans, prompting deep reflections among South Koreans on the societal truths echoed in the series, such as inequality and harsh competition, while a celebratory parade marked the show's impact on global culture.

As the Emmy-award winning series Squid Game concludes, it leaves behind a world captivated by its portrayal of survival in a cutthroat society. Released last Friday, the final season has not only topped Netflix charts but has also led many to critically analyze the reality of South Korean life that inspired its dystopian narrative.

The show, which gained attention for its vivid aesthetics juxtaposed against grim themes of capitalism, centers on participants embroiled in deadly iterations of traditional Korean children's games. As the series closes its chapter, viewers find themselves reflecting on the harsh socio-economic backdrop that it represents. One viewer, commenting on YouTube, articulated that "Squid Game 3 revealed the true feelings and raw inner thoughts of Korean people," emphasizing a sentiment of relentless struggle within the workplace.

Set against a backdrop of intense competition and pronounced inequality, the characters in Squid Game resonate with many South Koreans. From the salaryman to the migrant worker, their stories reflect the lives of those battling the pressures of modern society. Notably, the backstory of protagonist Seong Gi-hun—who faced hardship after being laid off—draws parallels to real events like the 2009 SsangYong Motor strike, symbolizing the struggle for workers' rights.

In a spirited celebration of the series, a parade erupted in Seoul, showcasing iconic elements such as a giant killer doll, much to the jubilation of the public. While South Korea's leaders heralded the series as a testament to their cultural ascendancy, alongside K-pop and films like Parasite, viewers remain divided over the final season's emotional resonance.

The series closed with a controversial ending, where Gi-hun sacrifices for others, leaving audiences pondering the nature of kindness amid adversity. Some found this conclusion contradictory to the show's initial brutal realism, arguing it depicted a disjointed altruism, while others lauded it as a testament to humanity's potential for compassion.

Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk acknowledged the varied reactions towards the finale, recognizing that high expectations altered viewer experiences. Yet, for some fans, Gi-hun's final act symbolized hope in a world often overshadowed by cynicism, ultimately evoking a reflection on human nature amidst a landscape of despair.

As South Koreans and global viewers bid farewell to Squid Game, the conversations sparked by its finale promise to linger long after the last scene has played out, inviting further discourse about the complexities of life it so vividly portrayed.