‘Squid Game’ Star Lee Jung-jae Reflects on Seong Gi-hun’s Fate in Season 3

Korean actor Lee Jung-jae, who captivated global audiences as Seong Gi-hun (Player 456) in Netflix’s phenomenon Squid Game, has opened up about the fate of his character and the alternative endings that were considered during production.

In an exclusive interview with Variety, Lee candidly shared his initial reaction after discovering the conclusion of his character’s journey in Squid Game season 3.

Shocked by the Script

Lee revealed that he found out about Gi-hun’s tragic ending when he received the full script for the new season.

“I read everything the day that I got [the script]. That’s when I learned about my character’s fate and the ending. I was very shocked too, because it was not something I had expected to see,” Lee told Variety.

A Heroic Sacrifice in the ‘Sky Squid Game’

In the emotional final episode of season 3, released on June 27, 2025, Gi-hun, the sole survivor of seasons 1 and 2, sacrifices his life to save the infant of Player 222, portrayed by Jo Yu-ri. The act takes place during the series’ climactic game titled Sky Squid Game, drawing the curtain on one of the most beloved characters in the franchise.

Director Considered Multiple Endings

Lee also recalled his in-depth discussions with series creator and director Hwang Dong-hyuk, who revealed that multiple versions of the ending had been considered.

“I remember speaking a lot about this ending with Director Hwang, and I asked him, ‘Did you have different endings in mind? Were there different versions?’ And he told me that he did think of other endings,” Lee explained.

Despite the options, Director Hwang believed the chosen conclusion best aligned with the story’s deeper message.

A Symbol of Hope for Humanity

Reflecting on the meaning behind Gi-hun’s final act, Lee shared the perspective offered by the director.

“He also shared with me that I shouldn’t look at Gi-hun’s sacrifice as just simply a sacrifice itself, but what if we could look at it as something that shows or symbolizes hope for humanity?”

Lee, also known for roles in The Housemaid and Hunt, described the moment as emotionally overwhelming but ultimately meaningful within the narrative arc.

A Legacy That Lives On

As fans around the world process the emotional finale, Lee Jung-jae’s portrayal of Seong Gi-hun remains a symbol of survival, redemption, and selflessness. With Squid Game season 3 marking a dramatic end to Gi-hun’s journey, speculation continues about the future of the series — and whether hope truly lives on in the world it created.