Netflix's series 'Squid Game 3' has achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the global number one, yet viewer opinions are divided. While it has set records, some viewers criticize its lack of depth and relatability. Despite the phenomenal success of Season 1, the conclusion leaves much to be desired.
Released on the 27th, 'Squid Game 3' follows Seong Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) as he re-enters the deadly games to save lives. According to FlixPatrol, the series topped Netflix's TV program rankings worldwide within a day of its release, claiming the number one spot in 93 countries, including the US and the UK.
However, not all feedback is positive. Viewer ratings have declined compared to previous seasons. Rotten Tomatoes' audience score dropped from 84% for Season 1 to 63% for Season 2, and further down to 51% for Season 3, indicating nearly half of the viewers have a negative perception.
'Squid Game' has been a monumental success for Netflix and Korean content, with Season 1 holding the global number one spot for 53 days, the longest in Netflix history. It also made history at the Emmy Awards, with director Hwang Dong-hyuk and actor Lee Jung-jae becoming the first Asians to win in their respective categories. The series popularized Korean games like 'Red Light, Green Light' and 'Ddakji' worldwide, and even sparked trends like Dalgona candy and green tracksuits. Bloomberg reported that 'Squid Game 1' generated over 1.24 trillion won in revenue from a 30 billion won investment.
Despite its success, 'Squid Game' opted for new seasons instead of ending on a high note, which some argue was a misstep. The premise of Seasons 2 and 3, where Seong Gi-hun re-enters the games to save participants, was criticized for lacking plausibility. Viewers questioned why Gi-hun, who won 45.6 billion won, would risk his life again. His altruistic actions, especially when he couldn't care for his own family, seemed selfish. Season 2 introduced new characters, but their stories were underdeveloped, leaving the narrative disjointed. Many hoped Season 3 would resolve these issues, as it was conceived as a continuation of Season 2.
After Season 3's release, expectations were further dashed. Gi-hun's character lacked consistency, similar to Season 2. Following a failed rebellion against the game operators, Gi-hun is left handcuffed and passive, directing his anger at Kang Dae-ho (played by Kang Ha-neul), who is revealed to be traumatized by death, making him another victim of the games. Gi-hun's supposed altruism would have been more consistent if he had comforted Dae-ho.
The games devolved into a 'protect the baby' scenario involving Kim Jun-hee (played by Jo Yu-ri), who was pregnant. Jang Geum-ja (played by Kang Ae-shim) sacrifices her son to save a baby she just met, then takes her own life. Gi-hun survives to the final game, indirectly causing deaths by relying on others. His focus on saving the baby leads to his own demise. Other characters, like pregnant Kim Jun-hee and 'Lunchbox Man' number 39, also commit suicide when cornered. Gi-hun's inaction in the face of numerous deaths is notable, with a total of 910 deaths across all seasons attributed to him. The prevalence of suicide among characters was unsettling for viewers.
In Season 3, the last survivor is a baby, and the prize money goes to detective Hwang Jun-ho (played by Wi Ha-jun), who was searching for the game's island. His brother, the game's Front Man Hwang In-ho (played by Lee Byung-hun), sends the baby and prize to him. Jun-ho's unexpected windfall of 45.6 billion won led to sarcastic comments from viewers, who remarked, "Now we know why Jun-ho was so determined to find the island."
The novelty of the games also waned. The hide-and-seek game was depicted as a violent bloodbath. 'Squid Game' was initially praised for its moral dilemmas and stark portrayal of human nature, expressed through bizarre yet captivating visuals. The contrast between innocent children's games and brutal survival challenges was its hallmark. However, Season 3 intensified the violence while diluting the satire.
While many sequels fail to live up to their predecessors, the disappointment with 'Squid Game' is particularly pronounced due to the high expectations. The decision to extend the series rather than ending on a high note has left fans feeling deflated.
Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr