Netflix is ready to close the chapter on its biggest global phenomenon.
Squid Game returns for its third and final season on June 27, and at the center of the tension and turmoil is none other than Emmy-winning star Lee Jung-jae.
The actor, who brought emotional depth and humanity to the role of Gi-hun, once again finds himself navigating the high-stakes death games that captivated the world.
At Netflix’s Tudum 2025 live event held at The Kia Forum on May 31, the streamer dropped the first full trailer for Squid Game Season 3.
The footage reveals a darker, more desperate landscape following the collapse of the Season 2 rebellion. Gi-hun is back in the games, facing new threats and old enemies as the stakes are raised to horrifying new levels.
Lee Jung-jae’s Nerve-Wracking Return
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter on the Tudum red carpet, Lee Jung-jae confessed to being both excited and anxious about the upcoming premiere.
“We are going to be releasing quite soon, I am very nervous,” he said via interpreter. “I know that a lot of you out there are curious about what’s going to happen in season three, but all of us are more curious about how much you’re going to enjoy it.”
Lee’s vulnerability mirrors that of his character Gi-hun, who has evolved from desperate survivor to reluctant rebel across the series’ arc. Season 3 brings him full circle—back into the arena, forced to face what may be the most perilous version of the game yet.
A Global Star Cemented by a Career-Defining Role
Lee Jung-jae’s performance in Squid Game Season 1 earned him an Emmy Award in 2022, marking a historic moment as the first Asian actor to win Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series. With each subsequent season, Lee has demonstrated profound emotional range, turning Gi-hun into a modern anti-hero whose decisions reflect deep societal struggles.
The show has not only solidified Lee’s global fame but also expanded opportunities for South Korean actors in Hollywood. From blockbuster appearances to global brand endorsements, Lee has used the platform of Squid Game to elevate his international career while maintaining a strong presence in Korean cinema.
Final Season Promises High Stakes and Emotional Payoff
Season 3 is not just about survival. It’s about legacy. The new trailer shows Gi-hun thrust into a revamped version of the games, orchestrated by returning villain Front Man (Lee Byung-hun). The failed uprising from Season 2 has led to tighter control, deadlier obstacles, and the re-emergence of old psychological wounds.
Lee Byung-hun, who plays the enigmatic Front Man, also spoke at the Tudum event, sharing that reading the scripts for Seasons 2 and 3 together was a transformative experience. “It was just perfectly written. It was such an intriguing and gripping read and I was once again in awe of director Hwang [Dong-hyuk]’s abilities.”
A Carefully Guarded Ending
Without giving away spoilers, both Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun hinted that fans should prepare for a powerful, albeit potentially divisive, conclusion. “I’m happy with how it ended,” said Lee Byung-hun, “but I know that the fans out there… each have what they want to see happen.”
Lee Jung-jae echoed those sentiments, underscoring the weight of audience expectations. After leading the series for three seasons, his portrayal of Gi-hun has become deeply personal, and the actor seems as emotionally invested in the story’s resolution as the fans who’ve followed it from the beginning.
Final Thoughts: Lee Jung-jae’s Defining Legacy
As Squid Game prepares to take its final bow, Lee Jung-jae stands as the emotional and narrative anchor of the series. His journey from underdog to icon reflects the show’s broader commentary on class, power, and humanity. With Season 3 promising closure, conflict, and catharsis, Lee’s performance is poised to be another awards contender.
For fans, the countdown to June 27 is more than just a release date—it’s a final entry into one of the most gripping, socially relevant dramas of the decade. And at its center stands Lee Jung-jae, the face of a franchise that changed streaming forever.
