Lee Jung-jae in Squid Game Season 3
The much-anticipated Squid Game Season 3 has finally come to a close, and with it, the tragic fate of Gi-hun. Streaming on Netflix since June 27, the last season of the global phenomenon delivered on its promise of high-stakes games and emotional devastation. But what really shocked viewers was Gi-hun's death. Could it have been avoided? Here's a breakdown of everything that went wrong in that unforgettable final scene.
Brutal Games, Devastating Losses
The final season carried the same brutal tone the series is known for. With only six episodes, Squid Game 3 is packed with suspense, psychological drama, and shocking twists. Almost every major character met a tragic end, including Kim Jun-hee, Hyun-ju, Geum-ja, and finally, Gi-hun.
In one of the season’s most intense moments, Jun-hee gave birth during a deadly round of Hide and Seek. Her baby girl would later become a crucial part of the finale. Hyun-ju died during this game, and Geum-ja, forced to kill her own son as per game rules, later ended her own life. These moments set the grim tone early on.
The Jump Rope Game: Another Emotional Blow
The emotional weight continued to grow in the Jump Rope challenge. Contestants had to cross a bridge while jumping over a swinging rope. Gi-hun carried Jun-hee's newborn across the bridge successfully. However, Jun-hee—injured and unable to finish—jumped to her death. It was a haunting moment, made worse by Gi-hun's helplessness.
The Sky Squid Game: The Final Round
The last challenge was the Sky Squid Game, divided into three rounds played on floating pillars shaped like a square, a triangle, and a circle. Players had to press a buzzer to start each round, followed by a physical pushing match. Only those who followed the rules to the letter could proceed—or survive.
In the final round, three players remained:
- Gi-hun (Player 456)
- Myung-gi (Player 333)
- Jun-hee’s daughter (Player 222)
This trio marked the ultimate test of sacrifice, morality, and survival.
What Went Wrong?
When it came down to the last round, Gi-hun didn’t want Jun-hee’s daughter involved. Myung-gi, on the other hand, saw no issue. A brutal fight ensued between the two. Myung-gi eventually fell off the circle pillar and was eliminated. Yet Gi-hun and the baby girl hadn’t pressed the buzzer before the fight, breaking the core rule of the game.
Realizing this, Gi-hun knew the game wasn’t officially started. To avoid the little girl being punished or killed for a rule violation, he pressed the buzzer himself, activating the round—and ultimately sacrificing his own life to make her the winner.
Could Gi-hun Have Survived?
Many fans believe Gi-hun's death could have been avoided. If he had simply pressed the buzzer before confronting Myung-gi, both he and the girl might have survived. But in the chaos, emotions took over, and that crucial step was missed.
This mistake cost Gi-hun his life, turning what could have been a dual victory into a heartbreaking end. His final act was one of love and redemption—a far cry from the desperate man viewers met in Season 1.
A Painful Farewell
The closing moments of the series hit hard. As Gi-hun lay dying, the show revisited every key game location from Seasons 1 to 3. Set to the haunting notes of the iconic Squid Game theme, it reminded viewers just how far the journey had come—and how devastatingly it ended.
Squid Game 3 wrapped up the saga with tragedy, but also with emotional depth and a full-circle moment for Gi-hun’s character. His death wasn’t just for shock—it was a final sacrifice that gave new life a chance to begin.
